Wastewater Treatment Operator

We are looking for two Wastewater Operators to join our dedicated team of environmental professionals. This role combines science, problem solving, and hands-on mechanical work to protect one of our community’s most valuable resources: water. Our wastewater treatment team works hard to create and control an environment for bacteria and microorganisms to thrive, ensuring clean water is returned to the river. If you are a dedicated and hard-working professional with a background in science and/or strong mechanical experience looking for a stable and fulfilling new career in the high country, then starting a career in wastewater treatment might be right for you. 

The work you do as a Wastewater Operator directly protects public health and the local environment, and you will see the impact of your work every single day. Additionally, we offer competitive pay, excellent benefits, a robust employee housing program, and opportunities for growth and development. 

The Day to Day: 

• Operations: Control the chemical and biological treatment environment through monitoring and adjusting systems to ensure microorganisms effectively break down waste and produce clean water that meets regulatory standards.
• Mechanical Expertise: General mechanical work including troubleshooting/diagnosing issues, performing repairs and part replacements, making routine adjustments, and coordinating fixes to keep equipment running reliably, while following safe work practices and escalating complex issues as needed.
• Laboratory: Collect samples, conduct laboratory tests, and monitor system data for process control and compliance. Identify trends, analyze results, and recommend adjustments to meet regulatory discharge limits.
• Equipment Operation: Operate pumps, motors, sludge equipment, and odor control systems in accordance with regulatory discharge limits. Monitor and evaluate SCADA data to identify trends and anomalies.
• Preventive Maintenance: Perform general equipment inspections, adjustments, and minor repairs. Collaborate with senior staff regarding equipment needs or larger maintenance projects and assist with replacements as needed.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Collects wastewater operations and control data, making process control decisions based on plant observations, lab data, and historical trends.
• Safety and Compliance: Follow established safety policies, assist with monthly inspections, ensure the availability of first aid and PPE materials, and clean plant areas to ensure efficient and safe operations.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED, related college-level coursework in scientific fields preferred
• Experience performing operations, service, or maintenance of mechanical equipment
• Laboratory experience preferred
• Willingness to work overtime, holidays, and weekends.
• Willingness to work in on-call rotation and ability to respond to call outs within one hour.
• Computer skills preferred, including Microsoft suite and SCADA
• Must possess a Colorado Wastewater Operator Class D certification within one year
• Must have a valid Colorado Driver’s license within 30 days of full-time employment.
• CPR/First Aid Certification required within the first six months of employment.

Schedule 

This role will work five days per week 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Schedules will vary slightly based on work location. 

Salary Range 

There are four levels of Wastewater Operator with different titles and pay ranges depending on certifications, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The District will support you in earning your licenses. Pay range and title depend on certifications and experience. Starting range depends on qualifications but generally falls within the minimum and midpoint of the pay range. Pay ranges for each level are as follows: 

• Operator I: $27.47 – $38.45
• Operator II (requires CCWP Operator C License): $30.28 – $42.40
• Operator III (requires CCWP Operator B License): $31.79 – $44.51
• Senior Operator: (requires CCWP Operator A License): $36.81 – $51.53

Benefits:

At ERWSD, we value life-work balance and are leaders in the industry with our holistic benefits package, which includes but is not limited to: 

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
• Employee housing or $522 monthly housing stipend
• Wellness program
• Retirement savings plans (414h and 457)
• 13.5 Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Relocation Assistance (if applicable)
• $700 Annual Recreation Benefit
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Loan programs for: Ski Passes, Electrical Vehicles, and Computers

Click here to learn more from our full 2025 Benefits Guide.  

All District employees must submit to a pre-employment drug screen and extensive background check. For a full position description including work environment and physical requirements, email erwsdjobs@erwsd.org. All applicants must apply online at https://jobs.erwsd.org/ by November 15, 2025. 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer 

We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.