Water Operator Trainee Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $41,288.00 - $52,644.80 Annually
Location : 2641 Old Flowery Branch Road, Gainesville, GA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 01066
Department: Department of Water Resources
Division: Flat Creek
Opening Date: 06/30/2026
Closing Date: 8/28/2026 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.
Operates various types of equipment and performs chemical analysis tests to assure the effluent released back to Lake Lanier is clean and environmentally safe.
Job Duties
Changes flow charts daily and records levels in digester, flow, and chlorine.
Checks influent flow and bar screen; cleans bar screen if a lot of trash has built up; drains water traps and checks heat exchanger at digester.
May monitor central computers to assure flow of influent is not blocked at any lift station; reports any backup and assists clean up if possible.
Assures all belts, rotors, drums, chains, augers, adjusters, dampers, bearings, rollers and switches are in proper working order; performs preventive maintenance such as changing oil, draining for cleaning, greasing fittings, etc.
Operates, calibrates, and maintains Dissolved Air Flotation Solids Separators; collects samples; runs tests such as solids, nitrates, pH, alkalinity, and jar tests; record all levels of various units; makes necessary adjustments in chemicals in the water; sends some samples to the Central Lab for analysis.
Operates and calibrates equipment on presses; mixes polymer and adjusts feed rate after the sludge solids test has been run; insures the proper filtrate level is maintained; greases rails, changes belts, and cleans presses as needed.
Monitors and responds to all functions of the SCADA system, to include properly reporting and logging all alarms.
Performs pH tests on septic tank loads in order to accept or reject loads according to plant operating procedures.
Collects samples including preliminary, primary and secondary solids removal units; performs spin, settleometer, pH, chlorine, and sludge blanket analysis: interprets analysis results and makes changes in operations as needed; checks equipment and corrects problems as needed.
Cleans drying beds; pumps sludge from the sludge boxes as needed.
Assists with operations of the presses as necessary; fills in for absent operators.
Performs other related duties as required.
Employee subject to recall to duty in cases of emergency.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
High School Diploma or G.E.D.
Six months experience as a WRF Trainee or previous experience as a state certified wastewater operator.
Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the minimum level of qualifications stated above.
Licenses and Certifications:
Class III Wastewater License.
Valid Class C Driver's License and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of activated sludge and biological treatment of water.
Knowledge of operating procedures and repair functions of equipment including presses, aeration basins, trickling filters, narobic digesters, SCADA system, DAF Unit, etc.
Knowledge of the tests used to determine the amount of chemicals present in water.
Knowledge of the procedures, techniques, and safety precautions in handling dangerous chemicals.
Ability to perform chemical analysis tests and interpret results.
Occasional lifting of up to fifty pounds.
Ability to climb up to 70 stairs 05/08.
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 an automatic promotion to an Operator II position upon attainment of a Class II Wastewater Treatment Certification.
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.
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