Water Treatment Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $40,721.00 Annually
Location : J.G. Beacham Water Treatment Plant - 800 Water Works Drive, Athens, GA 30601, GA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-03921
Department: Public Utilities
Division: Water Treatment
Opening Date: 08/19/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Purpose & Job Related Requirements
REPORTS TO:Water Treatment Plant Operator Supervisor
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
CLASSIFICATION: Personnel System; Requires satisfactory completion of a twelve month probationary period.
PAY GRADE: 111
SAFETY SENSITIVE: Yes; Subject to random drug testing per the Athens-Clarke County Drug and Alcohol Ordinance.
Purpose of Job
The purpose of this job is to perform general/technical work functions associated with operating the water treatment plant and to ensure a continuous, adequate supply of potable drinking water meeting federal/state regulations. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: analyzing and treating water; mixing chemicals; performing laboratory tests; operating various pumps and valves; repairing and maintaining machinery and equipment; maintaining records; and performing additional tasks as assigned.
Job Related Requirements
WORK SCHEDULE: Sunday - Saturday, 40 hours per week. Shifts rotate every eight weeks. Holidays and weekends per shift schedule and subject to call back 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
May be required to work on religious holidays.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.
Must work cooperatively with others.
When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACC's safe driving policy.
Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions
High school diploma or equivalent required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Must possess or have the ability to obtain a state-certified Class III license for water treatment as required within 12 months of date of hire.
One year of experience in water treatment systems maintenance or operations preferred.
Essential Duties, Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Controls treatment plant processes and equipment to purify and clarify water for human consumption and for industrial and commercial use.
Uses SCADA to monitor the plant process and equipment.
Operates and controls various pumps and valves to regulate the flow of water through the treatment plant and distribution system.
Operates high service pumps to control pressures and tank levels in distribution system.
Operates and maintains dual media filters.
Performs a variety of laboratory tests to determine the chemical composition of water and to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations for turbidity, chlorine, fluoride, pH, iron and manganese; makes adjustments as necessary.
Performs bacteriological tests.
Performs pH, chlorine, fluoride, iron, manganese, turbidity, and other tests to control quality.
Monitors and controls the addition of chemicals to the water supply.
Mixes chemicals.
Changes chemical containers.
Monitors and maintains proper levels for all chemical tanks and containers.
Performs inspections of plant operations for safety, maintenance and proper process operations.
Repairs and maintains machines, equipment, pumps, and electrical equipment.
Helps train newly hired operators; reviews work to ensure compliance with standards.
Maintains log of various data, including daily inventory log of chemicals used in treatment process.
Records plant operation data from observations, instrumentation and laboratory tests; records test results for reporting to state agency as appropriate.
Prepares and/or receives various forms, reports or other documents, processes and forwards as appropriate.
Responds to calls from the public concerning water system problems and sewer complaints.
Responds to routine requests for information from officials, employees, and members of the staff, the public or other individuals.
Answers the telephone; provides information; takes and relays messages and/or directs calls to appropriate personnel; returns calls as necessary.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the Public Utilities Department as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Water Treatment Plant Operator.
Knowledge of the terminology used within the department.
Knowledge of departmental policies and procedures, and of other procedures and methods as required in the performance of duties.
Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations concerning safe drinking water.
Knowledge of water system operations, of water treatment plant operations, and of the handling and application of chemicals necessary to maintain a safe water supply.
Knowledge of laboratory procedures and safety procedures.
Skill in basic math and chemistry, and in oral and written communication.
Skill in water plant operation and in the use of maintenance equipment and water analysis equipment.
Skill in operating various machinery and equipment including a computer, telephone, pumps, streaming current detector, particle counter, chemical feed equipment, bacteriological testing equipment, mechanic tools, power tools, plumbing tools, hand tools, etc.
Skill in utilizing various software programs relevant to the position.
Ability to compile, organize, prepare and maintain an assortment of records, reports and information in an effective manner and according to departmental and/or governmental regulations.
Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and other staff members.
Ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations.
Ability to handle required mathematical calculations.
Ability to utilize and understand computer applications and techniques as necessary in the completion of daily assignments.
Ability to plan, organize and/or prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
Ability to comprehend and apply regulations and procedures of the department.
Supplemental Information
(ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including a computer, telephone, pumps, streaming current detector, particle counter, chemical feed equipment, bacteriological testing equipment, mechanic tools, power tools, plumbing tools, hand tools, etc. Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials. This position requires: stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion. Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those of medium work.
DATA CONCEPTION: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to hear, speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving/receiving assignments and/or directions to/from co-workers, assistants or supervisors.
LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires ability to read a variety of manuals, informational documentation, directions, instructions, methods and procedures. Requires the ability to prepare logs, reports, forms, etc., using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak to people with poise, voice control, and confidence.
INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques; to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation; and to make independent judgment in the absence of management.
VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of administrative, technical or professional languages including water treatment/systems and mechanical terminology.
NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; determine percentages; interpret graphs; compute discount, interest, profit/loss, ratio/proportion, etc.; perform calculations involving variables, formulas, square roots and polynomials.
FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with a computer, telephone, pumps, streaming current detector, particle counter, chemical feed equipment, bacteriological testing equipment, mechanic tools, power tools, plumbing tools, hand tools, etc.
MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands, fingers, and eyes accurately in using equipment. Requires the ability to lift, bend, push, pull, manipulate equipment/tools and objects as the position necessitates.
MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as automated equipment, machinery, chemicals, hand tools, mechanic tools, plumbing tools, etc. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
COLOR DISCRIMINATION: Requires the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under minimal stress when confronted with an emergency.
PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (Talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to communicate via telephone and/or two-way radio.
ACCGov is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. ACCGov is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Leah Jagatic, HR Coordinator, Human Resources, 762-400-6370 or leah.jagatic@accgov.com.
Total compensation at the Unified Government includes a comprehensive set of benefits, a well-established culture of wellness, and a secure retirement that set us apart as a stable Employer of Choice where you can serve and make a difference in the community.
Our Benefits program is designed to support every aspect of our employees' lives, from physical and emotional to social and financial.
Along with their salary, employees receive a variety of comprehensive benefits as part of their total compensation.
As an Employer of Choice, we offer:
Health

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Prescription drug plan

Wellness

• Onsite Employee Wellness Center - free for employees, spouse, and children 18+
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness education and incentive programs
• Annual Wellness Fair
• Annual employee appreciation events
• Free onsite health screenings (to include hearing, skin cancer, biometric screening, flu shots)
• Safety & Risk training and job-related vaccinations

Family and Career

• Training and professional development opportunities through the Organizational Development Department
• Opportunities and Career Development via the Government Wide Learning Management System

Time

• Annual/Sick leave
• 13 paid holidays per calendar year

Money

• Robust Wellness Program - earn up to $175 per quarter for participation
• Health Savings Account for medical and dependent care
• Employer Paid Pension Plan (10 years of service)
• 457 (b) Deferred Compensation Program with employer match
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Employer - Federal Student Aid
• Financial education programs
• Uniforms provided (if applicable)
• Discount Admissions - ACCGov Parks, Georgia Aquarium

Protection

• Group Accident insurance
• Critical Illness insurance
• MASA Medical Transportation Insurance
• Employer paid basic life insurance
• Whole life insurance
• Employer Paid Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Contributory term life insurance
• Pet Insurance

To learn more about the Benefits offered at ACCGov, you may access them below.
BENEFITS
WELLNESS
http://www.accgov.com/wellness
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
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