Water Reclamation Plant Operator I
Recruitment #26-5121-002
Date Opened 6/1/2026 09:00:00 AM
Close Date 6/14/2026 11:59:00 PM
Salary $26.78 per hour (Grade 119)
Department Water
Job Type Promotional and Open Competitive
Responsibilities
The Water Reclamation Plant Operator I is part of a team that operates, monitors, services, and cleans equipment in a large water reclamation facility. Responsibilities include operating and monitoring plant equipment such as pumps, valves, filters, chemical feed systems, digesters, and cogeneration units. Operator conducts routine sampling, testing, and data collection to monitor water quality and process conditions, takes corrective action when necessary, performs minor maintenance and cleaning, provides support to more complex repairs handled by specialized personnel, assists in staff training, follows supervisor assignments, and ensures compliance with operational procedures. Shift operators may also perform basic grounds maintenance such as mowing and snow removal. Accurate record‑keeping of plant operations, equipment status, and maintenance activities is a key part of the job. All work is performed independently or with other team members to ensure the safe, reliable, and continuous operation of the facility.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
Graduation from high school (or G.E.D.)
Experience—Must meet one of the following:
- One year of experience in the maintenance of mechanical equipment; or
- Successful completion of the Operator Training Committee of Ohio (OTCO) Basic Wastewater Operator's course. A copy of the course certificate must be presented at time of appointment.
License Requirements
Must possess a valid driver's license at the time of appointment and maintain it as a term and condition of continued employment. A valid Ohio Class B commercial driver's license is preferred at the time of appointment. Out‑of‑state residents must have a valid license from their issuing state at the time of appointment and maintain that license until an Ohio license can be obtained. Incumbents hired without a Class B license will be required within 150 days of appointment to obtain and maintain a valid Ohio Class A Commercial Driver's License (C.D.L.), including the qualification to operate a vehicle with air brakes and any other endorsements required by the State of Ohio.
Special Requirements
Must obtain and maintain an Ohio EPA Water Reclamation Operator I license within 24 months of appointment as a term and condition of continued employment.
Promotional Qualifications
Must be a full‑time permanent or part‑time permanent employee in pay grade 118 (Wage) or below, pay grade 29 (Clerical) or below, or equivalent and have been employed for 6 consecutive months by the City of Dayton in a classified Civil Service position. Identical scores will be broken by seniority and then by a random selection method.
Open Competitive Applicants
Final appointment is contingent on the applicant passing a job‑related medical examination and providing documentary evidence of Employment Authorization and Identity. Identical scores will be broken by a random selection method.
Background Check
A background investigation is required prior to employment. All candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position, including for current city employees seeking transfer, promotion, demotion, etc. into a classified position.
Drug and Nicotine Testing
Final appointment is contingent upon the applicant passing a drug screen. Applicants offered employment with the City will be required to pass a nicotine screening. Newly hired employees must remain tobacco and nicotine free as a condition of continued employment. The Tobacco and Nicotine Free Hiring Policy does not apply to current City employees.
Contact Details:
City of Dayton Department of Water Recruitment Team
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