Water Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Three Rivers, MI

Salary: $24.83 - $27.37 Hourly
Location : Wastewater Treatment Plant, MI
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Department of Public Works
Division: Wastewater Treatment Plant
Opening Date: 08/06/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: AFSCME
The City of Battle Creek ("The City") provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The City complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
The City expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. Improper interference with the ability of the City employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.
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This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.
Description
The City of Battle Creek is looking to fill an Operator position for the City of Battle Creek's Wastewater Treatment Plant. This will include operating, monitoring, cleaning, adjusting, and maintaining plant equipment to facilitate flow and treatment of wastewater. The Wastewater Treatment Plant is a 24/7, 365 day operation.
This position is covered under the terms and conditions of the AFSCME collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which can be found on the City of Battle Creek's website. Pay for this position will depend on whether or not you currently have a WW D Operators Certification form EGLE.
Essential Functions

• Operates and maintains all plant processes, pumps, conveyors, blowers, chlorinators, thickening/de-watering equipment used to process wastewater and its side streams. Observes variations in operating conditions, interpret meter/gauge reading, and make appropriate settings and adjustments. Cleans, collects, and removes accumulated grit, sludge, trash, grease, or other process-related residual material from all areas of the facility.
• Collects samples of sludge, and/or wastewater for testing. May conduct tests on wastewater samples. Takes readings, submit reports, maintain logs, and keep records on gauges, charts, flow meters and other plant processes/equipment.
• Cleans, controls, inspects, adjusts, and maintains equipment, processes, vehicles, and buildings/grounds. Cleans walkways and facility walls and floors to ensure a safe and aesthetic environment. Maintains plant yard and landscaping. Assists in snow removal activities as necessary.
• Prepares correspondence, reports, and documentation as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Up to 1 year experience in operations and maintenance of wastewater related equipment or processing equipment in a similar environment.
• Valid driver's license in the State of Michigan.
• Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and physical.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:
This work requires the regular exertion of up to 10 pounds of force, frequent exertion of up to 25 pounds of force, and occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, bending, reaching, hand dexterity (grasping, holding, keyboarding, repetitive movements), reading, writing, eye-hand coordination, seeing (near and/or far, color, depth, field of vision), hearing, using the telephone, contact with government officials and the general public, working overtime, and working inside and alone. Work regularly requires exposure to fumes or airborne particles, exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, exposure to outdoor weather conditions and will be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment, frequently requires exposure to wet, humid conditions (non-weather), working near moving mechanical parts, working in high, precarious places, exposure to the risk of electrical shock; work is generally in a loud noise location (e.g. grounds maintenance, heavy traffic).
At the City of Battle Creek, we understand that benefits are an important part of the total compensation package. As such, we strive to offer employees a generous benefit package that provides flexibility, choice, and value, allowing employees to not only meet their needs today but to plan for a secure future.
Full-time employee benefits - Benefits vary slightly by union contract, employment agreement, or policy. For benefits specific to this role, please reach out to humanresources@battlecreekmi.gov.
Medical: Choose from a PPO plan with Blue Cross Blue Shield of MI - Simply Blue or an HMO plan with Blue Care Network and pair your election with a Health Savings Account.
Virtual Care: Included with your BCBSM and BCN health care plan.
Dental: 100% employer-paid through Blue Cross Blue Shield of MI - Simply Blue
Life Insurance: 100% employer-paid basic life insurance with AD&D benefit equal to 2X the employee's base annual earnings up to $400,000. Limited coverage is also provided for spouses and children.
Sickness and Accident: 100% employer-sponsored partial wage replacement for short-term disabilities after meeting eligibility criteria.
Retirement Savings:

• 457 through Mission Square with employer match
• MERS Pension * note that Police and Fire have a separate pension fund not through MERS

Employer Assistance Plan (EAP): 100% Employer paid through Pine Rest
Paid Time Off: Generous PTO package - Paid Time Off will vary by position and is outlined within City Policy or union contract.
Paid Holidays: 13 paid holidays per year
Voluntary Benefits:

• Supplemental Term and Whole life
• Critical Illness
• Hospitalization
• Accident
• Vision - NVA
• Lifecare Ambulance Service
• Flexible Spending Account
• Global Emergency Assistance Services

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Eligible Employer
In addition to the above, some positions may qualify for:

• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Schedule/Remote
• Educational Stipends
• Longevity pay
• Tool and safety allowances
• Employer-paid uniforms
• Cell phone allowance
• Military pay differential
• Professional development opportunities
• Ability to earn compensatory time
• Retiree health savings plan

01
Do you have a High School diploma or GED equivalent?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes, I have a valid Michigan Drivers License
• Yes, but it is out of state.
• No, I do not have a drivers license

03
Do you have up to 1 year experience in operations and maintenance of wastewater related equipment or processing equipment in a similar environment?

• Yes
• No

04
If you answered "Yes" to the previous question, please list the wastewater or water equipment you have operated and the facility or employer where you gained this experience. If you answered "No" enter "N/A" below.
Required Question