Plant Operator III

This role is located in the Water Quality Division of the Utilities Department within the City of Oklahoma City and is under the direction of a Utilities Shift Supervisor. The Plant Operator III acts as a shift supervisor and is primarily responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a treatment plant and/or pump station(s) and for inspecting and monitoring assigned areas of plant operations to ensure established procedures are followed in maintaining the treatment of water and/or wastewater processes in compliance with regulatory and department requirements.

• Monitor equipment and chemical feed rates
• Record and compile data for operating reports
• Train and supervise operations personnel
• Monitor and ensure laboratory tests are accurately recorded and in compliance with regulatory and department requirements
• Ensure chemicals used in the treatment process are within required standards at minimal cost

• Knowledge of and ability to demonstrate job and safety procedures
• Knowledge of and skill in performing water and/or wastewater plant operations and processes
• Skill in recording information accurately in written form using logs, spreadsheets, or other technology
• Skill in utilizing computer software/technology and recordkeeping information tracking systems
• Skill in communicating verbally, in writing, or by physical demonstration
• Skill in supervising and coordinating activities of operations personnel
• Ability to travel
• Ability and willingness to make work-related decisions
• Ability and willingness to meet and maintain physical health standards and guidelines for the work performed
• Ability and willingness to exercise established environmental safety precautions for the work performed for self, co-workers, and the public
• Willingness to assume responsibility for workers and equipment
• Possession of a Class "B" Oklahoma State Water or Wastewater Operator license for water or wastewater processes (depending upon assignment)
• Possession of a Class "B" Oklahoma State Water Laboratory Operator license for drinking water or Oklahoma State Wastewater Laboratory Operator license for wastewater (depending upon assignment)

• Inside and outside, exposed to heat, cold, humidity, adverse weather conditions, etc.
• Subject to working in and around standing or flowing water, raw sewage or exposed to pressurized water and equipment
• Subject to working on or around slippery surfaces
• Subject to climbing portable ladders to heights up to 45 feet and climbing fixed ladders to heights up to 265 feet above ground level to work on tanks, platforms, grating and equipment
• Subject to climbing down portable ladders to depths of 45 feet and climbing down fixed ladders to depths of 72 feet when working on equipment or in pits below ground
• Subject to working in confined spaces and cramped positions where limited or restricted means of entry or exit exist
• Subject to working near moving objects such as motor vehicles and plant machinery or equipment
• Frequently exposed to constant noise at low levels and occasional loud noise for extended periods
• Possibility of burns when working near or around heated metals and equipment
• Frequently exposed to chemical vapors or fumes, dust, and natural respiratory hazards
• Occasionally exposed to insects, plants and other natural agents that cause allergic reactions
• Occasionally exposed to potentially hazardous wildlife, such as, muskrats, beavers, boars, raccoons, birds, snakes, etc.
• Occasionally exposed to toxins and irritants, such as, corrosive chemicals, acids and cleaners, fuel, and other otherwise harmful substances
• Possibility of electrocution, electrical shock, fire, or burn when working with electricity and electrical machinery
• Possibility of chemical or thermal explosions
• Subject to working irregular work hours, overtime, and on weekends and holidays
• Frequently required to work rotating shifts and/or work locations
• Frequently exposed to large concentrations of noxious odors
• Possibility of exposure to blood-borne pathogens, raw sewage, and other infectious agents

• Strength enough to lift, carry, push, pull or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds frequently and/or up to 50 pounds occasionally
• Stamina enough to exert oneself physically throughout the workday
• Flexibility enough to bend, twist, and reach while loading and unloading materials and equipment
• Mobility enough to continuously move oneself from place to place
• Gross body coordination and balance enough to perform work while standing on ladders, scaffolding, catwalks, tanks, etc.
• Arm-hand steadiness enough to perform tasks such as repairing pumps, motors, valves, piping, chemical feeder, etc.
• Manual and finger dexterity enough to use hand tools and replace small equipment or components
• Near vision enough to perform tasks such as inspect equipment and read gauges, schematics, blueprints, etc.
• Far vision enough to observe co-workers at ground level, while working on tanks, in pits, and to identify warning signs at a distance of 20 feet etc.
• Visual color discrimination enough to identify red, green, and yellow items
• Speech and hearing enough to communicate clearly and distinctly in person and by two-way radio, understand conversation in a noisy environment, and locate malfunctions in machinery
• Pulmonary function sufficient to use a self-contained breathing apparatus and respirator
• Maximum body mass, including equipment weighing up to 30 pounds, not to exceed 310 pounds

Note: All applicants considered for employment must be able to pass a respirator fit and cardiopulmonary test. Successful applicants must be able to utilize all safety equipment within its design capacities. (Examples: Fall protection/arrest systems, ladders/lifts, confined space entry gear, etc.)

Attachments: Applicants may upload only two attachments. Applicants may choose to combine documents into one file for upload.

Note: All applicants considered for employment must be able to pass a respirator fit and cardiopulmonary test. Successful applicants must be able to utilize all safety equipment within its design capacities. (Examples: Fall protection/arrest systems, ladders/lifts, confined space entry gear, etc.)

Pay Method: City employees are required to receive pay electronically, either via direct deposit or pay card.

Former Employees: If this position is open to external applicants and you are a former employee, you must be eligible for rehire to participate in any selection process. If you are unsure of your rehire status, please contact the Human Resources Department at If your rehire status has been coded "Not Eligible," "Eligible 3," or "Conditional," you will need to request a review of your rehire status through the Human Resources Department's Employee and Labor Relations Division.

Background Investigation, Drug Testing, Physical Examination: Upon a conditional offer of employment/acceptance of position, the City of Oklahoma City will conduct a criminal history background check for external applicants. Applicants will be provided contact information for any third-party reporting agencies used to collect background information in connection with conditional offers of employment.

If the position accepted includes a driver license (commercial or non-commercial) Job Requirement, the City of Oklahoma City will obtain a Motor Vehicle Report for internal and external applicants.

If the position accepted is safety sensitive and/or a driving position, internal and external applicants will be provided a copy of the City of Oklahoma City's Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy prior to being directed for a drug test.

If the position accepted is cyber security sensitive, internal and external applicants will be subject to a Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Interstate Identification Index (III) Fingerprint Background check. Additionally, employees in this job classification must complete Level 4 Security Awareness Training and pass an online certification test.

If the position accepted includes a lift/push/pull/carry Physical Requirement of 25 pounds and greater, internal and external applicants will be directed for a physical examination.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

If you require reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process, please notify one of the Human Resources Department Representatives by calling The City of Oklahoma City is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity and inclusion. The City of Oklahoma City will not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, creed, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex (to include sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression), age, genetic information, disability or political affiliation.

About Us

Oklahoma City is one of the fastest-growing metros in the United States and is the 20th largest city in the nation. For nearly two decades our residents have continually invested in our community to make it a place people can find belonging, visit and call home. Our employees are at the heart of those investments-delivering essential services our residents expect and creating a strong and thriving city for all people.

About the Team

Join our team and build a fulfilling career of public service in a diverse and inclusive workplace, alongside talented, hardworking, and dedicated coworkers who provide essential services to thousands of residents and visitors every day. As a City of Oklahoma City employee, you will earn competitive pay, have job stability, grow personally and professionally, and make a difference in your community. To learn more about our departments and the services they provide, go to