Wastewater Plant Operator I/II

Are you looking for a meaningful career that has a positive impact on the community? If you answered YES, come join the City of Sparks! Aside from working for an organization that is dedicated to the community, you will also receive a generous and competitive salary and benefit package. Some benefits may include tuition reimbursement, bilingual pay (when applicable) and retirement plans. People who come to Sparks, stay in Sparks.

The City of Sparks is currently seeking to hire multiple Wastewater Plant Operators at the Truckee Meadows Water Reclamation Facility (TMWRF). TMWRF operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Schedules are assigned through a shift-bid process, and selected shifts may vary depending on operational needs. This posting will close on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 4:00 PM PST.

Application Tips:

• COMPLETELY fill out and update your general online application before attaching it to any job posting. HR reviews information listed on the application submitted to the specific job posting. HR does NOT use personnel files in the screening process. 
• Contact information: use an email address you can easily access at any time.
• The Qualifications section below is your guide to understand what the City is looking for on your application, use this to your advantage. It is up to the candidate seeking employment/promotion to include all relevant information for qualification purposes, on the application the candidate submits to be considered for the job.
• ATTACHMENTS REQUIRED: remember to attach all licenses/transcripts/certificates required at time of application to demonstrate you meet the qualifications for the position you believe you meet the qualifications for at time of application, before submitting your application. Attaching your education and certification requirements (see qualifications section to determine what documents are required for attachment at time of application) will allow you to continue in the recruitment process. Failure to attach these requirements will constitute disqualification.
  • Candidates who have an Associate's degree or higher must attach proof of degree conferred in biology, chemistry, construction, engineering, environmental science, manufacturing science, or a closely related field. If the required documentation is not received with the application, the candidate's application will be disqualified.
  • Candidates looking to meet the qualifications for Wastewater Plant Operator II must attach their Nevada Grade II Wastewater Plant Operator's Certificate at time of application. If the required documentation is not received with the application, the candidate's application will be disqualified.
• DO NOT attach resumes or cover letters. The City of Sparks does not review these items with the application.

The Civil Service Examination for this position will be a written exam conducted in-person on Monday, June 22, 2026. Qualified candidates will be notified via email of schedule and testing specifics, including time and location.

DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, perform routine operational duties, preventive maintenance on the full range of plant equipment for the continuous operation of a tertiary wastewater treatment plant. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the experienced class in the wastewater plant operator series, expected to perform duties with minimal supervision.

Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below, on their completed application, to continue in the recruitment process. If there are certifications or degrees that require proof of completion, be sure to attach them to your application before submission:

Education and Experience:

Associate’s degree in biology, chemistry, construction, engineering, environmental science, manufacturing, science, or a closely related field.

or 

High School Diploma or equivalent and two (2) years of experience in water or wastewater treatment, mechanical maintenance, operations, manufacturing or industrial equipment, plumbing, construction, storm drain maintenance, collection system maintenance, septic pumping service, or another field related directly to the essential functions of this position.

Licenses and Certificates:

Must possess within thirty (30) days of hire and maintain throughout employment, the equivalent to a valid Nevada Class C driver's license.

Must possess within six (6) months of hire and maintain throughout employment, a Nevada Operator-in-Training Wastewater Operator certificate.

Must possess within six (6) months of hire and maintain throughout employment, a forklift certification.

Must possess within one (1) year of hire and maintain throughout employment, a Nevada Grade I Wastewater Plant Operator's Certificate.

Education and Experience:

Associate’s degree in biology, chemistry, construction, engineering, environmental science, manufacturing, science, or a closely related field and two (2) years of experience equivalent to the City’s class of Wastewater Operator I.

or 

High School Diploma or equivalent and four (4) years of experience in water or wastewater treatment, mechanical maintenance, operations, manufacturing or industrial equipment, plumbing, construction, storm drain maintenance, collection system maintenance, septic pumping service, or another field related, in which two (2) years of experience is at a level equivalent to the City’s class of Wastewater Plant Operator I.

Licenses and Certificates:

Must possess at time of application and maintain throughout employment, a Nevada Grade II Wastewater Plant Operator's Certificate.

Must possess within thirty (30) days of hire and maintain throughout employment, the equivalent to a valid Nevada Class C driver's license.

Must possess within six (6) months of hire and maintain throughout employment, a forklift certification.

Wastewater Plant Operator I

Role of primary operator for a full range of sophisticated wastewater treatment plant equipment. Operate pumps, valves and other equipment via flow controllers, hand, or mechanical means to regulate the flow of wastewater through primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment processes. Maintain an even flow to ensure maximum efficiency of plant equipment and processes. 

Take samples of wastewater, scum, grit, sludge, and other materials at established times. Conduct standardized control tests. Interpret process control tests and notify supervisor as necessary.

Read meters, gauges, charts, and instruments. Operate, monitor, and control wastewater equipment and systems using complex computer systems. 

Operate, monitor, and maintain biological, chemical, mechanical, and hydraulic processes at a wastewater treatment plant and associated facilities.

Operate, adjust, and maintain chemical feed and co-generation equipment to ensure compliance within established standards.

Perform recordkeeping functions such as logging plant operations, test results, maintenance work performed and unusual operating conditions encountered. Interpret plant piping and distribution diagrams. Maintain records associated with plant operations, timekeeping, goals and safety training. Prepare special oral and written reports as required. Maintain adequate stock levels, requisition materials and supplies.

Inspect plant facilities and equipment; recognize inefficient, unusual or dangerous operating conditions; report any failures or operating difficulties and take corrective action as needed. Initiate work orders and requests for equipment repairs. Stop and start equipment as required for repairs, preventative maintenance and rehabilitation work.

Perform routine maintenance on wastewater treatment plant and associated facilities, buildings, equipment, and grounds. Duties include cleaning, servicing and operating equipment; painting and housekeeping tasks. 

Use common hand and power tools. Drive or operate motor vehicles, forklifts, portable pumping equipment and all other specialized equipment as needed to achieve assigned objectives. Operate all treatment plant vehicles skillfully and safely. Observe safe driving practices.

Observe safe work methods and adhere to all safety practices and policies at the treatment plant, including but not limited to: lock-out-tag out procedures, confined space entry, blood borne pathogen awareness, arc-flash awareness and respiratory protection. Always use appropriate safety equipment, inspect and maintain assigned work areas. Correct or report safety hazards as necessary. Safely receive supplies and offload chemicals delivered and ensure that they are properly stored. Attend safety meetings as required.  

Perform related duties and responsibilities as required and other duties which may be assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of principles and practices of primary, secondary, and tertiary wastewater treatment, wastewater sampling and standard process control tests
• Knowledge of safety rules, codes and regulations pertaining to the work 
• Knowledge of methods and precautions in storing and handling hazardous chemicals and basic preventive maintenance and general shop procedures and techniques
• Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles related to a wastewater treatment system
• Knowledge of shop math
• Knowledge of treatment plant facilities discharge permitting   
• Knowledge of and ability to use computer applications and software related to the work including but not limited to, Microsoft Office
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions 
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with those contacted during work 
• Ability to exercise sound judgment within general policy guidelines
• Ability to train others in work procedures

Physical Demands:

Requires ability to work in a chemical and biological industrial environment which includes any chemicals used in the biological wastewater treatment process. Duties require sufficient vision, hearing and manual dexterity to perform assigned duties and sufficient strength and stamina to climb stairways and ladders, walk and stand for extended periods of time and to maneuver hoses and other equipment and tools. Must be willing to wear and work in self-contained breathing apparatus.

SUPPLEMENTAL JOB INFORMATION

• This is a Civil Service position and is Non-Exempt under FLSA guidelines
• This position reports to the Crew Supervisor and takes work direction from a Wastewater Plant Operator III 
• Must be willing to be called back, held over, work nights, weekends and holiday shifts as required
• May be required to work during emergency circumstances or inclement weather conditions
• May be required to pass a background investigation and a pre-placement drug screen

Role of primary operator for a full range of sophisticated tertiary treatment plant equipment. Operate pumps, valves and other equipment via flow controllers, hand, or mechanical means to regulate the flow of wastewater through primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment processes. Maintain an even flow to ensure maximum efficiency of plant equipment and processes. 

Take samples of wastewater, scum, grit, sludge, and other materials at established times. Conduct standardized control tests. Interpret process control tests and direct the adjustment of plant operations accordingly. Implement operating schedules and procedures to meet changing conditions and to ensure safe, effective, efficient and legal plant operation. Analyze and recommend improved methods and procedures.

Read meters, gauges, charts, and instruments. Operate, monitor, and control wastewater equipment and systems using complex computer systems. 

Operate, monitor, and maintain biological, chemical, mechanical and hydraulic processes at a wastewater treatment plant and associated facilities.

Operate, adjust and maintain chemical feed and co-generation equipment to ensure compliance within established standards.

Perform recordkeeping functions such as logging plant operations, test results, maintenance work performed, and unusual operating conditions encountered. Interpret plant piping and distribution diagrams. Maintain records associated with plant operations, timekeeping, goals and safety training. Prepare special oral and written reports as required. Maintain adequate stock levels, requisition materials and supplies.

Inspect plant facilities and equipment; recognize inefficient, unusual or dangerous operating conditions; report any failures or operating difficulties and take corrective action as needed. Initiate work orders and requests for equipment repairs. Stop and start equipment as required for repairs, preventative maintenance and rehabilitation work.

Perform routine maintenance on wastewater treatment plant and associated facilities, buildings, equipment, and grounds. Duties include cleaning, servicing and operating equipment, painting and housekeeping tasks. 

Use common hand and power tools. Drive or operate motor vehicles in the performance of the work such as forklift operation, portable pumping equipment and all other specialized equipment as needed to achieve assigned objectives. Operate all treatment plant vehicles skillfully and safely. Observe safe driving practices.

Observe safe work methods and adhere to all safety practices and policies at the treatment plant, including but not limited to lock-out-tag out procedures, confined space entry, blood borne pathogen awareness, arc-flash awareness and respiratory protection. Always use appropriate safety equipment, inspect and maintain assigned work areas. Correct or report safety hazards as necessary. Safely receive supplies and offload chemicals delivered and ensure that they are properly stored. Attend safety meetings as required.  

May direct and provide work instruction to less experienced operators during an assigned shift. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required and other duties which may be assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Physical Demands:

Requires ability to work in a chemical and biological industrial environment which includes any chemicals used in the biological wastewater treatment process. Duties require sufficient vision, hearing and manual dexterity to perform assigned duties and sufficient strength and stamina to climb stairways and ladders, walk and stand for extended periods of time and to maneuver hoses and other equipment and tools. Must be willing to wear and work in self-contained breathing apparatus.

SUPPLEMENTAL JOB INFORMATION

Human Resources will require prior to the first examination for the position, necessary documentary evidence be submitted for fitness of any qualification. Any requirement not met for the advertised position prior to the first examination for that position, will be cause for Human Resources to decline to examine, certify or hire the applicant.

Recruitment Communication:

Human Resources will be contacting you at various stages of the recruitment process via email only, even if you have chosen U.S. mail for prior application processes or for applications with other agencies. Please make sure your email address is accurate.

Reasonable Accommodation:

Human Resources will make efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to disabled candidates in the selection process. If you have special needs, please notify the Human Resources office when you turn in your application or at least three (3) business days prior to the examination/interview by calling (775) 353-2345.

Disclaimer:

The City of Sparks hires and promotes candidates based on a competitive merit selection process, which may include any or all of the following: screening for minimum qualifications, written examinations, supplemental training and experience questionnaires, assessment centers, interviews (oral or written), physical tests or any combination which the Sparks Civil Service Commission may order.
 
Scoring in the top five (5) for promotion or top ten (10) for entry level in any part of the selection process merely advances the applicant to a higher round of examination, which may consist of additional interviews and other evaluations. Scoring in the top five (5) or ten (10) gives no right to be selected for the position. The City of Sparks reserves the right to select applicants who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications for the position.