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Sludge Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Candidate(s) selected for the Captain (Sludge Boat) position through this posting will be hired on a provisional basis. To be considered for permanent employment in this role, provisional employees ...

Candidate(s) selected for the Captain (Sludge Boat) position through this posting will be hired on a provisional basis. To be considered for permanent employment in this role, provisional employees ...

Captain (Sludge Boat)

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Candidate(s) selected for the Captain (Sludge Boat) position through this posting will be hired on a provisional basis. To be considered for permanent employment in this role, provisional employees ...

Candidate(s) selected for the Captain (Sludge Boat) position through this posting will be hired on a provisional basis. To be considered for permanent employment in this role, provisional employees ...

Candidate(s) selected for the Captain (Sludge Boat) position through this posting will be hired on a provisional basis. To be considered for permanent employment in this role, provisional employees ...

Check the sludge trailer infrastructure, tractor & tractor tires for any accumulated bio-solids prior to moving the trailer from the loading bay. * Check third party vendors trailers to ensure they ...

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Clarifier Tanks, at all plants, scrubbing Algee from walls pressure washing removal of sludge and debris when tanks are drained. ( Confined Space, LOTO ) * Aeration Basins and Settling Tank/Finals ...

General Summary Monitoring the day-to-day operation of both the primary & secondary wastewater treatment as well as the sludge conditioning. Prerequisites Education: 4-Year Degree in Biology ...

WWTP OIT/I/II/III

Merced, CA · On-site

$52.06K - $85.40K/yr

Measure sludge depths and trouble shoot the sludge pumping system; check sludge temperature before and after circulation through heat exchangers. Check gas traps and drains accumulated liquids. May ...

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Sludge information

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How much do sludge jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for sludge in the United States is $15.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sludge Treatment Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sludge Treatment Operator, you need a solid understanding of wastewater treatment processes, basic mechanical skills, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with SCADA systems, laboratory testing equipment, and relevant safety certifications like OSHA are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and teamwork are essential soft skills for efficiently managing plant operations and responding to issues. These skills ensure safe, compliant, and effective sludge processing, protecting both public health and the environment.

What are some common challenges faced by sludge treatment plant operators, and how can they be addressed?

Sludge treatment plant operators often encounter challenges such as equipment malfunctions, fluctuating sludge characteristics, and strict environmental regulations. Staying proactive with routine maintenance, continuous monitoring of treatment processes, and staying updated with regulatory requirements can help manage these issues. Collaboration with maintenance crews and environmental engineers is essential for troubleshooting and optimizing operations. Additionally, ongoing training can help operators stay current with the latest treatment technologies and best practices.

What are sludge operators?

Sludge operators are professionals responsible for managing and treating sludge, which is a byproduct of wastewater treatment processes. Their duties include operating equipment that processes and disposes of sludge, monitoring systems to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and maintaining records of operations. They play a crucial role in ensuring that sludge is safely processed and disposed of or reused, helping protect public health and the environment.

What is the difference between Sludge vs Wastewater Technician?

AspectSludgeWastewater Technician
CertificationsOften requires CDL, OSHA, or specialized sludge handling certificationsRequires wastewater treatment certifications, such as CWEA or state licenses
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in treatment plants, handling sludge processing and disposalIn treatment plants or field sites, managing wastewater treatment processes
Job FocusManaging and processing sludge generated from wastewater treatmentMonitoring and maintaining wastewater treatment systems

While both roles are involved in wastewater treatment, Sludge specialists focus on handling and processing sludge, whereas Wastewater Technicians oversee the overall treatment process. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the industry.

More about Sludge jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Sludge jobs? The most popular types of Sludge jobs are:
What states have the most Sludge jobs? States with the most job openings for Sludge jobs include:
Infographic showing various Sludge job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,397 per year, or $15.6 per hour.
Captain (Sludge Boat)

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


City Of New York rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 77 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

476th of 640 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Description

***IMPORTANT NOTE: Candidate(s) selected for the Captain (Sludge Boat) position through this posting will be hired on a provisional basis. To be considered for permanent employment in this role, provisional employees will need to take and pass the next civil service examination for Captain (Sludge Boat) and obtain a list number issued by the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services. Please be aware that employees who do not take and pass the exam, may not be able to continue in the provisional position.***
The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) enriches the environment and protects public health for all New Yorkers by providing 1.1 billion gallons of high quality drinking water, managing wastewater and stormwater, and reducing air, noise, and hazardous materials pollution. DEP is the largest combined municipal water and wastewater utility in the country, with nearly 6,000 employees. DEP's water supply system is comprised of 19 reservoirs and 3 controlled lakes throughout the system's 2,000 square mile watershed that extends 125 miles north and west of the City.
The Bureau of Wastewater Treatment (BWT) is responsible for the operation and maintenance of all facilities related to the treatment of sewage within the five boroughs of the City. This includes 14 wastewater treatment plants, sludge dewatering facilities, collections facilities (pumping stations, combined sewer overflow retention facilities, regulators, tide gates, etc.), wastewater laboratories and harbor vessels.
Under the direction of the Supervisor of Sludge Vessel Operations, the selected candidate will take command of an assigned vessel and its crew and act as the department's representative in all matters concerning the vessel and its crew; and perform related work. Examples of typical tasks are as follows: exercise independent judgement under way; pilot the sludge vessel; assign duties and responsibilities of the licensed officers and crew; assume responsibility for the safe operation of the vessel at all times under way and in port; direct all personnel involved in mooring and unmooring vessel; proper loading and unloading operations and proper storage and care of ship's supplies and equipment; keep ship's logs and make necessary reports; inspect the ship at frequent intervals; and maintain proper upkeep of the vessel. In addition, candidate will instruct junior officers and crew in the proper performance of their duties and prepare them for assumption of higher duties; keep supervisor fully informed in all matters affecting the vessel and its crew; enforce all department and United States Coast Guard rules and regulations and those of other cognizant regulatory bodies.
CAPTAIN (SLUDGE BOAT) - 91516

Qualifications

Qualification Requirements
A valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) issued by the United States Coast Guard with endorsement as a Master of Self-Propelled Vessels of Unlimited Tonnage Upon Inland Waters or higher license, plus a Marine Radio Operator Permit (MROP) issued by the Federal Communications Commission, or higher radio operator license. In addition, all candidates must obtain a valid First Class Pilot's License on all waters sailed by the department's sludge boats within a year following appointment.
Note:
Within thirty days of appointment candidates must possess a valid Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) issued by the U.S. Transportation and Security Administration. Candidates who are engaged in an appeal or waiver process for the TWIC will not be considered for appointment until such process has been completed.
Medical/Physical Requirements:
Medical guidelines established by the U.S. Coast Guard apply to the position of Captain (Sludge Boat). Candidates will therefore be required to undergo a medical examination prior to appointment and thereafter, pursuant to U.S. Coast Guard regulations. Candidates must also pass a drug screening to be appointed. Captains (Sludge Boat) are subject to random drug testing during their employment. All applicable licenses and TWIC must be maintained for the duration of employment.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.


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