Wastewater Operator In Training Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $55,328.00 - $70,491.20 Annually
Location : 2641 Old Flowery Branch Road, Gainesville, GA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 01078
Department: Department of Water Resources
Division: Flat Creek
Opening Date: 08/18/2026
Closing Date: 10/30/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Summary
This position is designated as safety-sensitive. As such, a pre-employment physical examination and drug screening are mandatory. The incumbent will also be subject to random drug and alcohol testing throughout the duration of employment.
Plans work and oversees the activities of the Treatment Plant Operators and Maintenance Operators to ensure maximum efficiency of the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) or Water Reclamation Facility (WRF). Monitors the activities of operations and maintenance and assists in both areas to meet operational compliance goals.
Job Duties
Monitors effluent water flow to ensure that all State and Federal guidelines are met; provides reports to the Assistant Plant Manager and the Plant Manager of the treatment plant.
Monitors and checks all work and performance of the operators and maintenance personnel. Directs the work of subordinate personnel.
Makes chemical, operating, maintenance, or laboratory procedure changes when appropriate.
Responds to emergencies such as pump failures, equipment breakdown, turbid water conditions, and malfunction of rate controllers, chlorinators, and chemical feeding equipment.
Oversees treatment plant operations during absence of Plant Manager and Assistant Plant Manager.
Maintains list and routinely informs maintenance personnel of equipment problems as necessary.
Works with the maintenance personnel to resolve equipment problems as experience allows. Records, updates, and maintains records for proper equipment and operational performance.
Presents programs and conducts tours for the general public as requested.
Assists in the asset management program to achieve maximum useful life of all equipment used during the water treatment process.
Assists in maintaining accurate records in the asset management software for work orders and equipment information entries.
Monitors work of different operating shifts to ensure consistency of work procedures conducted by operators.
Serve as trainer for all new operators.
Assists in training, implementing and enforcing safety programs.
Develops standard operating procedures (SOP's) for new and existing water treatment regulations.
Performs other related duties as required.
Employee is subject to work weekends, different shifts, and recall to duty in cases of emergency.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
High School Diploma or G.E.D.
Technical school diploma in related field desired.
Three years' experience in Water Treatment (when located at WTP) or Wastewater Treatment (when located at WRF).
Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the minimum level of qualifications stated above.
Licenses and Certifications:
Class I Water Operator's license (when located at WTP) or Class I Wastewater Operator's license (when located at WRF) required.
Valid Class C Driver's License and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).
Level III Water/Wastewater Maintenance Technologist Certificate preferred.
Level II Water/Wastewater Maintenance Technologist Certificate preferred.
Level I Water/Wastewater Maintenance Technologist Certificate preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of the practices, principles, and supervisory techniques associated with Water Treatment Plants (when located at WTP) or Water Reclamation Facilities (when located at WRF).
Knowledge of chemistry, characteristics, and treatment techniques of water (when located at WTP) or wastewater (when located at WRF).
Knowledge of laboratory equipment, procedures, and processes involved in processing raw water into potable water (when located at WTP) or processing of municipal wastewater (when located at WRF).
Knowledge of State and Federal regulations regarding water (when located at WTP) or wastewater (when located at WRF) treatment and purification.
Knowledge of water works operation (when located at WTP) or wastewater operations (when located at WRF) and maintenance.
Knowledge of mathematical formulas, and the ability to calculate the amounts of chemicals needed to purify water (when located at WTP) or treat wastewater (when located at WRF).
Knowledge of the safety precautions used in chemical analysis.
Knowledge of maintenance records applied to Plant operations.
Ability to read and interpret charts.
Ability to operate a personal computer.
Ability to perform routine and emergency maintenance.
Ability to anticipate operational problems and plan prevention measures before operations stop.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
Supplemental Information
This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.

• Position qualifies for a 5% certification incentive based upon attainment of a Level III Water/Wastewater Maintenance Technologist Certificate.
• Position qualifies for a 5% certification incentive based upon attainment of a Level II Water/Wastewater Maintenance Technologist Certificate.
• Position qualifies for a 5% certification incentive based upon attainment of a Level I Water/Wastewater Maintenance Technologist Certificate.

When located at Water Treatment Plant:

• Position qualifies for a 5% certification incentive based upon attainment of a Class II Water Operator License.
• Position qualifies for a 5% certification incentive based upon attainment of a Class I Water Operator License.

When located at Water Reclamation Facility:

• Position qualifies for a 5% certification incentive based upon attainment of a Class II Wastewater Operator license.
• Position qualifies for a 5% certification incentive based upon attainment of a Class I Wastewater Operator license.

Maximum of 15% in certification incentive pay.
The City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity employer. The City of Gainesville prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. The City of Gainesville conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
Overview
Part of the City of Gainesville's success is due to the efforts and loyalty of City employees. Gainesville offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees and retirees. In assessing our comprehensive programs, the City has taken great care to seek a fair balance between business needs and employment security. There are many options available which afford City staff with coverage to best suit individual and family needs. In many cases, deductions are available on a pre-tax basis.
City Benefits Paid at 100%

• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Clinic & Wellness Center
• GMEBS Retirement Plan (select positions)
• Life Insurance (up to $75,000)
• Paid Holidays (10)
• Paid Jury Duty Leave
• Paid Military Leave
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Protective Safety Equipment
• Short-Term Disability Insurance (After 12 months of employment)
• Tuition Reimbursement (After one year of employment)
• Uniforms (select positions)
• Workers' Compensation

Supplemental Benefits

• Accident
• Critical Illness
• Death and Dismemberment
• Deferred Compensation
• Dental
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Long-Term Disability
• Medical
• Plan A Retirement (50% City paid - select positions)
• Vision
• Voluntary Life Insurance

Other Benefits

• Biweekly Paycheck
• Credit Union
• Direct Deposit
• Discount PC Purchase Plan
• Employee Recognition Events
• Employee Wellness Opportunities
• Free Flu Shot
• Free Parking
• Health and Benefits Fair