Wastewater Operator In Training Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $2,000.00 - $2,521.60 Biweekly
Location : Kodiak, AK
Job Type: Full-Time (Non-Exempt)
Job Number: 26-00054
Department: Public Works Department
Opening Date: 06/23/2026
Closing Date: 8/31/2026 5:00 PM Alaska
Description
The City of Kodiak is recruiting for a full-time Water/Wastewater Treatment Operator in Training (OIT), Operator I, II, or III. The Department is looking for an experienced team player that has a desire to be a part of a progressive Public Works Department working hard to serve the needs of our community.
Under general supervision, a Water/Wastewater Treatment Operator in Training (OIT), Operator I, Operator II, and Operator III, perform a variety of skilled technical duties and semi-skilled labor in the operation and maintenance of the City's water and wastewater treatment plants and the sewage collection system. Specific responsibilities will vary depending on the operator level of the individual, and will generally include, but is not limited to: operating, maintaining, and repairing collection system, pump stations, and wastewater treatment plant equipment in order to ensure the safe, effective, and efficient day-to-day operations and maintenance of these facilities; operates a variety of maintenance and construction equipment; and maintains a variety of logs and records.
This is a broad classification that encompasses four levels based on the certification levels held by the individual. Advancement to a higher operator level occurs when acquiring and maintaining higher level certifications. The City of Kodiak owns and operates water and wastewater treatment facilities and sewer pump stations. The Water/Wastewater Treatment Operator must frequently make independent, sound decisions on system operations and must perform these duties in a manner that reflects positively on the City and the Department
Examples Of Essential Duties

• Monitors, operates, services, and maintains plant equipment, systems, and processes to ensure proper operations. Duties include, but is not limited to: inspecting pump valves, motors, filters, meters, and computerized controls; taking readings and entering into a database; reviewing chemical levels; adding and mixing chemicals to ensure adequate chemical application according to regulations and guidelines; checking chemical feed pump settings and alarm point settings; repairing and/or replacing equipment; and handling hazardous and toxic chemicals and materials.
• Performs routine cleaning, inspection, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintenance of operations machinery, equipment and controls, facilities, and grounds, which may include, but not limited to: maintaining pumps and electric motors; ensuring belts, bearings, drives, and oil levels are properly adjusted; maintenance and repair of electrical wiring in motors; painting pumps and various structures; clearing stoppages from pipes and valves; pumping sludge; washing down chlorine contact chambers; maintaining lift stations; and/or operating a belt press, centrifuge an UV system.
• Collects water samples and performs applicable laboratory analyses and testing; performs on-site analysis and adjusts processes to achieve proper levels; prepares related bench sheets; enters information into applicable database(s).
• Operate, maintain and repair sewage pump stations. Includes weekly checks, cleaning floats, unplugging pumps, troubleshooting, and occasionally working with Vactor crew to clean wet wells.
• Performs confined space entry duties as required.
• Assists with maintaining supplies, materials, and inventory, ensuring adequate levels available for efficient and effective operations; recommends and orders parts, inventory, supplies, and materials as necessary.
• Maintain, compile and update records and logs of systems operation and maintenance activities.
• Operate a variety of heavy equipment including backhoes, manlifts, forklifts, dump trucks, truck-mounted sludge haulers; assist in unloading chemicals as necessary.
• Performs general plant facility maintenance such as cleaning, painting and repairing plant facilities; performs various grounds maintenance duties as required.
• Conduct tours for the general public, schools, and City staff as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Training and experience will vary in accordance with the designated Operator levels as follows:
Operator in Training (OIT): High school diploma or General Education Development (GED). One to three years of experience in maintenance or mechanical repair work. Hold at least one State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) provisional license.
Level 1: High school diploma or General Education Development (GED), one year of treatment experience, and State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Level 1 Operator certification in at least two of the following: Water Treatment (WT), Water Distribution (WD), Wastewater Treatment (WWT) or Wastewater Collection (WWC).
Level 2: High school diploma or General Education Development (GED), up to one year of technical training beyond high school, three years of treatment experience, and State of Alaska DEC Level 2 Operator certification in at least two of the following: WT, WD, WWT or WWC.
Level 3: High school diploma or General Education Development (GED), up to one year of technical training beyond high school, four years of treatment experience, and State of Alaska DEC Level 3 Operator certification in at least two of the following: WT, WD, WWT or WWC.
Must have a valid Alaska driver's license and commercial driver's license (CDL).
***Starting salary is based on certification levels, qualifications and experience.***
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (Generally describes the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time to successfully perform the assigned duties.):
Knowledge of:

• Water sampling methods and techniques;
• Data collection techniques;
• Recordkeeping techniques;
• Applicable tools, equipment, and materials;
• Operating principles of plant equipment such as valves, pumps and motors;
• Methods and techniques of maintaining, repairing and troubleshooting water or wastewater plant equipment and processes;
• Chemical handling procedures;
• Occupational hazards and safety regulations, practices and procedures;
• Computers and related software applications.

Skill in:

• Collecting water quality samples and data;
• Performing process control calculations and performing mathematical calculations;
• Using equipment and tools of the trade;
• Evaluating facilities and equipment for operational effectiveness;
• Operating motor vehicles, electric trucks, lift trucks, fork lifts, and related mobile equipment;
• Diagnosing system problems;
• Mechanical and electrical troubleshooting;
• Using a computer and related software applications and entering data into a computer;
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with subordinates, coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.

Ability to:

• Perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled maintenance, operational, and repair tasks involved in the City's collection system, pump stations, and treatment plants;
• Use and operate vehicles and equipment, hand tools, and power tools and equipment required for the work in a safe and efficient manner;
• Basic wastewater testing and collecting a variety of samples for laboratory tests;
• Inspect, troubleshoot, maintain and repair mechanical equipment and systems involved in wastewater treatment and associated processes;
• Read, interpret and utilize plant diagrams, manufacturer's specifications, operations manuals, etc.; Understand and follow oral and written instructions;
• Operate and monitor water or wastewater treatment plant equipment;
• Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner;
• Ensure safety around work areas in high traffic;
• Adapt to changing technologies and learn functionality of new equipment and systems;
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
• Respond to collection systems and/or treatment plant emergencies;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Supplemental Information
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Positions in this class typically require: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, pushing, pulling, grasping, finger dexterity, feeling, talking, hearing, smelling, seeing and repetitive motions. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
Primary functions require ability to work inside and outside setting; walk, stand, or sit for prolonged periods of time; occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; occasionally climb and balance; regularly push, pull, lift, and/or carry light to moderate weights; frequently lift and/or move light to moderate weights; operate office equipment including use of computer keyboard; requires a sense of touch, finger dexterity, and gripping with hands and fingers; ability to speak and hear to exchange information; ability to operate a vehicle and other equipment and specialized tools and equipment.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Most work is performed at the water and wastewater treatment plant buildings and lift stations. Exposure to inclement weather. Handles hazardous materials and chemicals. Must work with and safely handle hazardous materials and chemicals. Personal protective equipment is provided and must be used in accordance with federal and state laws, and City/Department policies and operating procedures. Exposure to moving mechanical parts, electrical energy, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, oils, bodily fluids, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, and noise.
Non-traditional work hours may be required. Rotating weekend schedule for routine checks. Required to respond to emergencies if needed.
The City of Kodiak offers a competitive benefits package to eligible employees that may include:
Retirement:

• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), a defined benefit or defined contribution plan based upon employee eligibility upon hire
• Option to enroll in a Deferred Compensation Program

Health Insurance:

• Health Insurance Coverage effective the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment
• Employee and Dependent Coverage Available
• Employer Contribution of 100% Medical/Dental/Vision/Rx Premium Costs

Life Insurance:

• Employee Basic Life and AD&D of $50,000
• Employer Contributions of 100% of the Premium Costs

Optional Insurance Benefits:

• Employee-funded Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for tax savings on eligible health care or dependent care expenses
• Employee Paid Group-Based Supplemental Insurance

Paid Leave and Other Benefits:

• Annual Leave Accrual Rate starting at 4.62 hours each pay period with accrual rate increases based on years of service
• Sick Leave Accrual Rate of 4 hours each pay period
• Twelve paid holidays each year
• Paid Leave for a Death in the Immediate Family
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement upon prior approval

01
Do you currently possess a valid State of Alaska Driver's License OR are you able to obtain a State of Alaska Driver's License?

• Yes, I currently have a valid Alaska Driver's License
• No, but I AM ABLE to obtain a valid Alaska Driver's License within 30 days if hired
• I do NOT have the ability to obtain an Alaska Driver's License within 30 days if hired

02
Do you have a valid State of Alaska Commercial Driver's License (CDL)?

• Yes, I currently have a valid Alaska CDL B
• Yes, I currently have a valid Alaska CDL A
• I do NOT have a valid Alaska CDL

03
What level is your State of Alaska Wastewater Collection (WWC) Certificate?

• Provisional
• Level 1
• Level 2
• Level 3
• No valid WWC certificate

04
What level is your State of Alaska Wastewater Treatment (WWT) Certificate?

• Provisional
• Level 1
• Level 2
• Level 3
• No valid WWT certificate

05
What level is your State of Alaska Water Distribution (WD) Certificate?

• Provisional
• Level 1
• Level 2
• Level 3
• No valid WD certificate

06
What level is your State of Alaska Water Treatment (WT) Certificate?

• Provisional
• Level 1
• Level 2
• Level 3
• No valid WT certificate

Required Question