The City of Ottawa, Kansas is recruiting for a Water Plant Operator I or II depending on qualifications. Under the supervision of the Utilities Superintendent - WP, the Water Plant Operator I performs skilled and semi‑skilled labor in the maintenance and operation of the Water Treatment Plant and associated facilities.

Essential Job Functions:

• Operate various types of power pumps and related equipment/machinery.
• Check water levels and maintain flow into chemical feed machine; adjust feed rates for proper balance.
• Perform all tests required to maintain proper water quality and record results.
• Check all motors, bearings, and gearboxes to ensure that proper lubrication is maintained.
• Monitor condition of water pressure and levels in water towers.
• Treat holding ponds for algae.
• Perform general maintenance of plant, lab, and exterior grounds.
• Communicates by phone and in person with public and other City employees.
• Distinguishes color changes, reads small gauges and tests equipment accurately.
• Tightens and changes belts and chains.
• Determines electrical and mechanical malfunction to equipment and makes repairs.
• Maintains tools and maintenance equipment in ready order.
• Replaces pumps, motors, belts, valves, bearings, and gearboxes.
• Maintains written record of all maintenance performed on Plant equipment.

Ancillary Job Functions:

• Clean and replenish supplies in feed and lab rooms.
• Aid in maintaining the City swimming pool.
• Respond to trouble calls from the public or dispatch.
• Comply with all City ordinances and practices.
• Assist other departments and perform other related duties as assigned.
• Some shift work will be expected due to relief operations

Education and Experience: (Combination of education, training, and experience will be considered)

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical degree or some college credit in a related field preferred.
• Some water plant operation experience preferred.
• Must progressively acquire Water Operator certification by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment up to and including Class II within 12 months of the first eligibility date for obtaining a given certification level. Class IV certification preferred by five-year employment anniversary.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: (not all inclusive)

• Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and plumbing systems.
• General knowledge of chemistry, mathematics, and chemical reactions in the treatment process.
• Ability to operate laboratory testing equipment, chemical feed pumps, hoists, small electrical tools, hand tools, and other related equipment.
• Knowledge of personal computer, data entry, and spreadsheets.
• Strong verbal communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain successful working relationships with other employees, City officials, businesses, and the public.
• Ability to effectively organize and prioritize work as well as concentrate on multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work under general supervision and make responsible decisions.
• Ability to use good judgment and think quickly and rationally in difficult or stressful situations.

Work Environment:

• May be required to work in confined spaces, hazardous traffic conditions, or high/dangerous places.
• May be exposed to wet/humid conditions, inclement outdoor weather, vibration, extreme temperatures, mechanical oils, airborne particles/fumes, moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, potentially hazardous bodily fluids, potentially hazardous or cancer-causing agents/chemicals, or loud noise levels.
• May be required to wear a respirator in certain situations.

Physical Abilities: (Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions)

• Must be able to sit, talk, hear, feel attributes of objects, grasp, push, stand, walk, drive, reach with hands/arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, balance, operate mechanical equipment, and move up and down from/to sitting position on the floor.
• Must be able to have repetitive wrist/hand/finger movement and manual dexterity.
• Must have clarity of vision, three-dimensional vision, ability to identify/distinguish colors, and precise hand-eye coordination.
• Must be able to pass annual SCBA fit test.
• Must be able to lift up to 100 pounds.
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

Range: $21.12 to $23.23 per hour

Date Open: March 3, 2026

Date Closed: April 2, 2026

Hours:

Residency: Regular full-time employees are required to establish and maintain residency within a driving distance of 35 miles of the Ottawa City Hall within one year from hire.

E-Mail Confirmation: After your application has been received by the City of Ottawa, you will receive confirmation by e-mail. Please check your SPAM filter or JUNK Mail. If you have not received confirmation within 48 hours of submitting your application, please call 785-229-3634 to verify application has been received. For additional information, contact Human Resources at 785-229-3634 or e-mail humanresources@ottawaks.gov.

The City of Ottawa conducts background checks and drug screening on all potential candidates.

Anyone with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at 785-229-3634 at least two days prior to a scheduled test or interview.

The City of Ottawa is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.