Water Plant Apprentice/Water Plant Operator I/Water Plant Operator II

CITY OF WACO, TEXAS
300 Austin Ave, Waco, Texas 76701 United States  View Map
Posted: Mar 11, 2026
  • Salary: See Position Description USD
  • Full Time
  • Clerical and Administrative Support
  • Water and Wastewater Treatment
  • Other
  • Job Description

    Summary

    Water Plant Apprentice
    Starting Salary: $19.4000 per hour
    Minimum Qualifications:
    Required:
    • H.S. Diploma or GED equivalent
    • Valid Texas Driver’s License
    • Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued Class D License within 180 Days
    • Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued Class C Surface Water License within 1 1-2 years

    Position Overview :

    Under basic supervision, performs a combination of basic and semi-skilled work in the operation and maintenance of the Water Treatment Plants (WTP) and related facilities for the Water Utility Services Department.

    Essential Functions:

    • Assists in the operation and maintenance of WTP facilities and equipment; performs work in accordance with all quality standards, safety regulations and procedures; duties will vary according to job assignment and skill level.
    • Observes and monitors WTP equipment and process control system; cleans, maintains and adjusts equipment and components to meet WTP specifications; collects samples and checks equipment to verify proper operating conditions; maintains records of services performed.
    • Maintains and repairs mechanical equipment and components and performs preventive maintenance as directed; maintains and adjusts equipment to meet job specifications and technical codes; checks equipment to verify proper operating conditions and identify maintenance needs; maintains records of services performed.
    • May be required to respond afterhours, including holidays and weekends, in the event of a departmental or City-wide emergency.
    • Performs other related duties as assigned.
    • Complies with all policies and standards.
    • Supports the relationship between the City of Waco and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with residents, visitors, and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information.
    • Lives the City of Waco Values.


    Water Plant Operator I
    Starting salary: $28.2500 per hour
    Minimum Qualifications:
    Required:
    • H.S. Diploma or GED equivalent and 1 year of treatment plant operations, mechanical and electrical repair, maintenance, and installation experience.
    • Valid Texas Driver’s License
    • Class C Surface Water License from Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)

    Position Overview:
    Under general supervision, performs a combination of semi-skilled and skilled in the operations, monitoring, and maintenance of water treatment (WTP) facilities and associated systems for the Water Utility Services Department.

    Employees within this class are distinguished from the Water Plants Apprentice by the performance of the full range of duties assigned, including the ability to operate the plant without supervision. Employees at this level will still receive frequent instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and will be fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

    Essential Functions:
    • Assists in the operation and maintenance of WTP facilities and equipment; performs work in accordance with all quality standards, safety regulations and procedures, and maintaining records of services performed; duties will vary according to job assignment and skill level.
    • Observes and monitors WTP operations, equipment, and process control systems; including, but not limited to, cleaning, maintaining, reading, and interpreting plant equipment gauges, dials, graphs, manuals, and other instrumentation; operates and adjusts treatment processes, chemicals, pumps, valves, motors, and other equipment to maintain appropriate plant operations; receive and unload chemical or other deliveries; troubleshoot treatment issues and communicate to supervisors.
    • Maintains and repairs mechanical equipment and components and performs preventive maintenance as directed; maintains and adjusts equipment to meet job specifications and technical codes; checks equipment to verify proper operating conditions and identify maintenance needs; maintains records of services performed.
    • Operate various WTP lab and mechanical equipment including vehicles, heavy equipment, forklifts, lawnmowers, screens, dewatering equipment, hand tools and power tools, filters, mop, buffer, spray painter, grease gun, and various office equipment.
    • Performs shiftwork and may be required to respond after-hours, including holidays and weekends, in the event of a departmental or City-wide emergency.
    • Performs other related duties as assigned.
    • Complies with all policies and standards.
    • Supports the relationship between the City of Waco and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with residents, visitors, and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information.
    • Lives the City of Waco Values.

    Water Plant Operator II

    Starting Salary: $30.9700 per hour

    Minimum Qualifications:

    Required:

    • H.S. Diploma or GED equivalent and 3 years of treatment plant operations, mechanical and electrical repair, maintenance, and installation experience.
    • Valid Texas Driver’s License
    • Class B Surface Water License from Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)


    Position Overview:

    Under basic supervision, performs a combination of basic and semi-skilled work in the operation and maintenance of the Water Treatment Plants (WTP) and related facilities for the Water Utility Services Department.

    Employees within this class are distinguished from the Water Plant Operator I by the performance of the full range of duties assigned, including the ability to operate the plant without supervision and train Apprentice employees. Employees at this level will receive minimal instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and will be fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

    Essential Functions:

    • Assists in the operation of WTP facilities and equipment; performs work in accordance with all quality standards, safety regulations and procedures; duties will vary according to job assignment and skill level.
    • Observes and monitors WTP equipment and process control system; cleans, maintains and adjusts equipment and components to meet WTP specifications; collects samples and checks equipment to verify proper operating conditions; maintains records of services performed.
    • Maintains and repairs mechanical equipment and components and performs preventive maintenance as directed; maintains and adjusts equipment to meet job specifications and technical codes; checks equipment to verify proper operating conditions and identify maintenance needs; maintains records of services performed.
    • May be required to respond afterhours, including holidays and weekends, in the event of a departmental or City-wide emergency.
    • Performs other related duties as assigned.
    • Complies with all policies and standards.
    • Supports the relationship between the City of Waco and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with residents, visitors, and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information.
    • Lives the City of Waco Values.


    The City of Waco offers a complete benefits package for eligible employees including; health, dental, vision, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Accounts, life insurance, long term and short term disability, retirement, deferred compensation plans, holidays, vacation, sick leave, credit union and savings bonds.

    To learn more about the benefits offered, visit our Benefits page.

    Why Work For Waco:
    • Meaningful and challenging work
    • Make a difference and improve communities
    • Competitive Salary and Benefits
      • Full Range of Benefits, including Health, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
      • Mandatory TMRS Retirement Plan with a 2:1 City Match
      • Education Assistance Program
      • Paid Parental Leave
      • Employee Assistance
      • Longevity Pay
      • And More!
    • Chance to do work you are passionate about
    • Desire to give back
  • ABOUT THE COMPANY

    • City of Waco
    • City of Waco

    Waco is centrally located in the heart of Texas on the I-35 corridor midway between Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin. This progressive and diverse city with a vibrant community spirit offers major attractions, museums, recreation, and abundant shopping to more than 140,000 residents. Waco is the 25th largest city in Texas and the county seat of McLennan County.

    Waco is not only briming with Texas history, economic opportunity, and a rich variety of cultural experiences, it is also a major seat of high learning within three major colleges in its city limits including Baylor University, Texas State Technical College and McLennan Community College.

    The city is also the birthplace of Dr. Pepper, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame Museum and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.  Waco boasts one of the biggest and best municipal parks in Texas, Cameron Park. While the park is located in the middle of downtown situated on the Brazos and Bosque River it hosts numerous races, triathlons, boat races and much, much more.

    Governance and Organization

    Waco is a home rule city with a council-manager form of government. The City Council is comprised of a Mayor, elected at-large, and five City Council members representing single-member districts, all serving two-year terms. The City Council sets the tax rate, approves the budget, appoints members to City boards and commissions, enacts City ordinances, and appoints the City Manager, City Attorney, City Secretary, and the Municipal Court Judge.

    The City has a strong Financial Management Policy that guides the operation and delivery of quality City services, contributes to excellent AA+ and Aa1 bond ratings, and maintains an unassigned fund balance reserve in the General Fund equal to 28% of current year budgeted expenditures. The City of Waco has more than 1,600 employees and a total operating budget of over $400 million.

    The City provides a full range of municipal services including a regional airport, animal services, building inspections, code enforcement, convention and visitors bureau, emergency management, housing and community development, economic development, fire, public health, library, municipal court, parks and recreation, planning, police, public works, Texas Ranger Hall of Fame Museum, utilities and zoo operations.  

    The City Council and City Manager are committed to the mission of providing exemplary municipal services for citizens and visitors in a collaborative and transparent manner while honoring the public’s trust. Waco values include providing excellent and innovative services, promoting equality and inclusion, focusing on teamwork, investing in people and always doing the right thing.

    With the City of Waco, you will find our home; where everyone belongs and thrives as move forward together.

    Show more

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