Trainee Sand Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $47,398.00 Annually
Location : 1400 East President Street, Savannah, GA
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: 2603206
Department: Water Reclamation
Division: President Street Plant
Opening Date: 08/27/2026
Closing Date: 9/6/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Purpose
One of ten most beautiful places in America, the City of Savannah is set within a vibrant and diverse community, filled with charm and great people! We are always looking for hidden gems ready to champion challenges, foster a culture of belonging, and make a difference within the communities we serve!
Is that You?
We are looking for motivated and career driven Water/Wastewater Plant Operators!

• Do you hold a current Class III Water/Wastewater License or have the drive and motivation to earn it within 8 months?
• Do you want a career with the City of Savannah that will positively impact the lives of our Citizens?
• Are you interested in a career opportunity that combines your passion to serve with your experience and skillset?

Click Play to learn more about how you can make a difference as a new City of Savannah Plant Operator!
As a Plant Operator you will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of a water/wastewater treatment facility.
Are you holding a Class II or Class I Water/Wastewater License?
Apply with your Class II Operator License and bump your salary to $50,881 annually / $24.46 per/hour!
Apply with your Class I Operator License and bump your salary to $56,096 annually / $26.96 per/hour!
We offer excellent medical, dental and vision benefits; wellness programs; educational reimbursement; deferred benefit contribution (457B), and 11 paid holidays.
Click to learn more about our awesome Benefits!
Start your career with the City of Savannah! Complete your online application today!
This is a GREAT Time to Join the City of Savannah!
Essential Job Functions

• Observes plant metering equipment on a scheduled basis, noting reading of flows at specified intervals; makes adjustments to flows of water and chemicals as necessary to maintain plant operation within operational standards.
• Keeps a log of plant operational characteristics, changes and repairs made, and other incidents of relevance to plant production.
• Collects samples of water or wastewater at stages of treatment for lab analysis.
• Reports defects of plant operations to the Superintendent.
• Supervises the work of trainees and instructs them in plant operations and the responsibilities of an operator.
• Washes prescribed areas of the plant on a designated schedule; paints areas and equipment as required.
• Maintains all required records such as operating logs, chemical and repair part inventories, maintenance logs; distributes information to internal and external personnel.
• Performs routine/daily maintenance activities on treatment plant and generator equipment.
• Support and assists in major maintenance activities on treatment plant and operation equipment.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Additional Duties - Class II Operator

• Calibrates lab equipment for proper function and accurate results.
• Operate motor driven equipment i.e. forklifts, jockey truck and trailer.
• Supervises the work of new Plant Operators and instructs them in plant operations and the responsibilities of an operator.

Additional Duties - Class I Operator

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
• Coordinates, assigns and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.
• Prepares work orders and directs the maintenance and repair of fixtures and equipment.
• Provides technical assistance to operators.
• Performs visual inspection of water samples for color, microscopic particles, and insects.
• Operates a belt filter press and sand filter; cleans clarifiers and filters.
• Operates the activated sludge treatment plant.
• Records data pertinent to daily plant operations and processes; maintains operator log.
• Performs grounds maintenance duties, including mowing, weeding, and applying insecticides.
• Monitors Supervisory and Control Data Acquisition (SCADA) information to foresee potential problems.
• Responds to after-hours emergencies.

Minimum Qualifications
No License - Requires a High School Diploma or GED equivalent; with less than one year of work experience in water/wastewater treatment, maintenance or related environment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must obtain a Georgia Water/Wastewater Operator Class 3 certification within one (1) year of hire
Must obtain and maintain a valid state Commercial Driver's License with an acceptable driving history if assigned to work at a regional plant.
Class III - High School Diploma or GED equivalent; with one (1) year work experience in water/wastewater treatment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Class II - High School Diploma or GED equivalent; with two (2) years of work experience in the treatment of surface, ground water or the operations of water/wastewater treatment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Class I - High School Diploma or GED equivalent; with three (3) years of work experience in the treatment of surface water or ground water under the influence; operation of a ground water well system; or physical/mechanical activated sludge treatment process of municipal wastewater; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some supervisory experience is preferred.
Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license with a acceptable driving history.
Work Location: 1400 E President St Work Hours: Monday - Friday, on call, weekends, and rotating shifts
Additional Requirements
Background investigation, including supervised drug screen, post offer/pre-employment medical screen; and verification of education, certifications, and licenses required prior to employment.
Additional Information

• Knowledge of department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of wastewater treatment process control techniques.
• Knowledge of state and federal environmental laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of laboratory analysis techniques and processes.
• Knowledge of safety regulations pertaining to chemicals.
• Skill in collecting and analyzing data.
• Skill in using a computer.
• Skill in operating standard wastewater treatment instruments and equipment, including a belt filter press, pump, generator, and water pressure machine.
• Skill in using laboratory instruments such as a settleometer, drying oven, pH meter, dissolved oxygen meter, and Imhoff cones.
• Skill in operating heavy and light equipment, including a dump truck, overhead crane, tractor, loader, forklift, bobcat, and mower.
• Skill in performing basic mathematical calculations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

CITY OF SAVANNAH EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Overview of Benefits
Paid Holiday
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Defined Benefit Retirement Pension Plan
Protective Services Retirement Plan (select positions)
Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan
Retirement Seminars
PPO Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
Wellness Programs
Health & Wellness Incentives
Long Term Disability
Excellence and Service Recognition
Employee Development and In-Service Training
Educational Assistance Program
Uniform Allowance (select positions)
Employee Assistance Program
Discounts and Memberships
Employee Relations
Direct Deposit
Credit Union
Pretax Parking Deductions
Employer Assisted Home Purchase Program
Domestic Partnership Benefits
Healthcare
PPO Medical Plus Plan
PPO Medical Basic Plan
Dental Plus Plan
Dental Basic Plan
Vision Service Plan
Life Insurance
Basic Life and ADD
Supplemental Life Employee
Supplemental Life Spouse
Supplemental Life Child
Benefits costs are paid by the City of Savannah, by the employee or shared by both the City and the employee.
01
Do you have a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

02
Please indiicate your education and experience level below.

• No License - Requires a High School Diploma or GED equivalent; with less than one year of work experience in water/wastewater treatment, maintenance or related environment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Class III - High School Diploma or GED equivalent; with one (1) year work experience in water/wastewater treatment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Class II - High School Diploma or GED equivalent; with two (2) years of work experience in the treatment of surface, ground water or the operations of water/wastewater treatment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Class I - High School Diploma or GED equivalent; with three (3) years of work experience in the treatment of surface water or ground water under the influence; operation of a ground water well system; or physical/mechanical activated sludge treatment process of municipal wastewater; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some supervisory experience is preferred

03
Are you able to obtain a Georgia Water/Wastewater Operator Class 3 certification within one year?

• Yes
• No

04
Are you able to obtain and maintain a valid state Commercial Driver's License with an acceptable driving history if assigned to work at a regional plant?

• Yes
• No

05
Describe your water/wastewater treatment experience. The name of the employer where this experience was obtained must be listed in the Work History section of the application.
06
Describe your experience with the treatment of surface, ground water or the operations of water/wastewater treatment. The name of the employer where this experience was obtained must be listed in the Work History section of the application.
07
Describe your work experience in the treatment of surface water or ground water under the influence; operation of a ground water well system; or physical/mechanical activated sludge treatment process of municipal wastewater.
08
Please indicate how many years of supervisory experience you have.
Required Question