City of Portales
Wastewater Operator IV
Portales, New Mexico · Posted today
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- Salary
- Not listed
- Job type
- Full-time
- Work mode
- Not specified
- Source
- Jazzhr (employer's hiring system)
About the role
THE CITY OF PORTALES, NEW MEXICO
POSITION POSTING #2026-39
POSITION: WASTEWATER OPERATOR IV
DEPARTMENT: UTILITIES – WASTEWATER TREATMENT
STATUS: NON-EXEMPT
REPORTS TO: UTILITIES DIRECTOR OR DESIGNEE
SHIFT: FT REGULAR – 40 HOURS PER WEEK / ON-CALL ROTATION
SALARY: $29.50–$38.51 HOURLY / $61,360–$80,101 ANNUALLY
**This is a safety-sensitive position, subject to drug and alcohol testing under City policy and applicable law.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Serves as the City’s Level 4 Wastewater Operator, performing and directing advanced technical work at the Portales Wastewater Treatment Plant and associated reuse systems. Makes process-control decisions, oversees regulatory compliance, maintains operating records, trains lower-level operators, and responds to emergencies.
TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Typical duties follow. Additional duties requiring comparable or lesser skills, knowledge, or dexterity may be assigned.
1. Operate, monitor, adjust, and troubleshoot the Aero-Mod activated-sludge and biological nutrient removal process, clarifiers, disinfection systems, tertiary disc filters, residuals handling, and associated blowers, pumps, chemical feed, reuse, storage, and disposal systems.
2. Serve as the facility’s appropriately certified operator and provide operational supervision consistent with 20.7.4 NMAC, City policy, other applicable requirements, and written NMED direction.
3. Evaluate flow and loading, dissolved oxygen, mixed liquor, solids inventories, return and waste activated sludge rates, clarification, nutrient removal, disinfection, and filtration. Document process adjustments and evaluate results.
4. Review laboratory and field data for abnormal trends or potential permit exceedances; initiate corrective action and promptly report actual or anticipated noncompliance through the required chain of command.
5. Collect or oversee representative samples; ensure proper locations, methods, preservation, chain of custody, laboratory coordination, quality control, and reporting schedules.
6. Prepare, review, certify, or assist with operating logs, monitoring and compliance reports, incident reports, and corrective-action records within assigned authority.
7. Implement approved operating and corrective action plans, contingency procedures, reclaimed-water requirements, standard operating procedures, and emergency-response protocols.
8. Inspect facilities and equipment; prioritize maintenance based on operational, safety, security, and compliance risks. Perform or assist with preventive and corrective maintenance within assigned training and authorization.
9. Respond to treatment upsets, power or equipment failures, alarms, spills, unauthorized discharges, reuse-system problems, and severe weather.
10. Provide technical direction, hands-on instruction, and documented training to lower-level operators. Support certification development and assign work consistent with each employee’s certification, training, and demonstrated competence.
11. Maintain chemical, spare-parts, safety, sampling, and equipment inventories; recommend purchases and prepare documentation. Develop operating, sampling, compliance, maintenance, and on-call schedules as assigned.
12. Coordinate with NMED, laboratories, engineers, manufacturers, contractors, and City departments as directed. Provide operational input for planning, design reviews, construction, start-up, testing, and acceptance of improvements.
13. Follow confined-space, lockout/tagout, respiratory protection, chemical handling, bloodborne-pathogen, fall-protection, and other applicable safety procedures. Keep facilities, vehicles, tools, work areas, and grounds safe, secure, orderly, and serviceable.
KNOWLEDGE EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
1. High school diploma or equivalent; at least 18 years of age.
2. Active, unrestricted New Mexico Level 4 Wastewater certification at hire and throughout employment, including required renewal training.
3. Experience operating an activated-sludge wastewater treatment facility.
4. Thorough knowledge of wastewater treatment, activated-sludge microbiology, nutrient removal, hydraulics, chemistry, disinfection, clarification, filtration, residuals, and reclaimed-water operations.
5. Knowledge of 20.7.4 NMAC, 20.6.2 NMAC, DP-887, applicable reuse, sampling and reporting requirements, and operator professional-conduct standards.
6. Ability to interpret laboratory results, flow and loading data, trends, plans, specifications, schematics, manuals, permits, and regulatory correspondence; calculate treatment and process-control values; diagnose problems and select corrective actions.
7. Ability to use computers, SCADA, spreadsheets, maintenance-management and electronic reporting systems; prepare accurate technical records; communicate professionally; lead and train staff; organize priorities; and work independently and calmly during emergencies.
8. Preferred qualifications include college coursework, technical education, or approved wastewater training; experience with Aero-Mod or comparable extended-aeration systems, biological nutrient removal, tertiary filtration, disinfection, reuse, and solids handling.
NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS
1. Valid New Mexico driver’s license, satisfactory driving record, and continued insurability under City requirements.
2. Obtain and maintain City-required first aid, CPR, confined-space, lockout/tagout, respiratory protection, and other safety training within City-established timeframes; maintain medical qualifications and ability to use assigned protective equipment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
1. Maintain stamina for extended sitting, standing, walking, climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and reaching. Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds; move heavier items with appropriate assistance or mechanical equipment.
2. Climb stairs, ladders, platforms, tanks, and equipment; maintain balance on wet, uneven, elevated, confined, or slippery surfaces near machinery and treatment structures. Use hands and fingers to operate controls, tools, instruments, computers, communication devices, and vehicles.
3. Work indoors and outdoors in heat, cold, wind, precipitation, and dust. Exposure may include raw wastewater, effluent, sludge, reclaimed water, chemicals, infectious materials, aerosols, fumes, odors, gases, moving machinery, electrical and pressurized systems, open tanks, and deep water. Noise ranges from moderate to loud; work may occur alone or with limited immediate supervision.
4. Properly use required protective equipment, including footwear, gloves, eye, face and hearing protection, protective clothing, fall protection, respirators, and self-contained breathing apparatus. Enter confined spaces only when trained, medically qualified, authorized, and working under an approved entry program.
5. Hear alarms and instructions and have visual acuity to read instruments, observe process conditions, distinguish colors where required, and safely operate vehicles and equipment.
WORK SCHEDULE
The City establishes a regular 40-hour workweek, which may include rotating shifts, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Additional hours, on-call rotation, and emergency call-back are required; employees must meet the response time established by City policy.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
1. Limited travel for meetings, certification, training, conferences, equipment inspections, and regulatory coordination may include overnight stays.
PRE EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT REQUIRED APPLICATION: First review of applicants: 4:00 p.m., November 16, 2026, then weekly until filled. Submit the required application to Human Resources, City Hall, 100 W. First Street, Portales, NM 88130, or online at www.portalesnm.gov.
The City of Portales is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug Free Workplace.
I have received this job description and I am capable of performing the essential functions of the position.
Applicant Signature __________________________________ Date ______________
POSITION POSTING #2026-39
POSITION: WASTEWATER OPERATOR IV
DEPARTMENT: UTILITIES – WASTEWATER TREATMENT
STATUS: NON-EXEMPT
REPORTS TO: UTILITIES DIRECTOR OR DESIGNEE
SHIFT: FT REGULAR – 40 HOURS PER WEEK / ON-CALL ROTATION
SALARY: $29.50–$38.51 HOURLY / $61,360–$80,101 ANNUALLY
**This is a safety-sensitive position, subject to drug and alcohol testing under City policy and applicable law.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Serves as the City’s Level 4 Wastewater Operator, performing and directing advanced technical work at the Portales Wastewater Treatment Plant and associated reuse systems. Makes process-control decisions, oversees regulatory compliance, maintains operating records, trains lower-level operators, and responds to emergencies.
TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Typical duties follow. Additional duties requiring comparable or lesser skills, knowledge, or dexterity may be assigned.
1. Operate, monitor, adjust, and troubleshoot the Aero-Mod activated-sludge and biological nutrient removal process, clarifiers, disinfection systems, tertiary disc filters, residuals handling, and associated blowers, pumps, chemical feed, reuse, storage, and disposal systems.
2. Serve as the facility’s appropriately certified operator and provide operational supervision consistent with 20.7.4 NMAC, City policy, other applicable requirements, and written NMED direction.
3. Evaluate flow and loading, dissolved oxygen, mixed liquor, solids inventories, return and waste activated sludge rates, clarification, nutrient removal, disinfection, and filtration. Document process adjustments and evaluate results.
4. Review laboratory and field data for abnormal trends or potential permit exceedances; initiate corrective action and promptly report actual or anticipated noncompliance through the required chain of command.
5. Collect or oversee representative samples; ensure proper locations, methods, preservation, chain of custody, laboratory coordination, quality control, and reporting schedules.
6. Prepare, review, certify, or assist with operating logs, monitoring and compliance reports, incident reports, and corrective-action records within assigned authority.
7. Implement approved operating and corrective action plans, contingency procedures, reclaimed-water requirements, standard operating procedures, and emergency-response protocols.
8. Inspect facilities and equipment; prioritize maintenance based on operational, safety, security, and compliance risks. Perform or assist with preventive and corrective maintenance within assigned training and authorization.
9. Respond to treatment upsets, power or equipment failures, alarms, spills, unauthorized discharges, reuse-system problems, and severe weather.
10. Provide technical direction, hands-on instruction, and documented training to lower-level operators. Support certification development and assign work consistent with each employee’s certification, training, and demonstrated competence.
11. Maintain chemical, spare-parts, safety, sampling, and equipment inventories; recommend purchases and prepare documentation. Develop operating, sampling, compliance, maintenance, and on-call schedules as assigned.
12. Coordinate with NMED, laboratories, engineers, manufacturers, contractors, and City departments as directed. Provide operational input for planning, design reviews, construction, start-up, testing, and acceptance of improvements.
13. Follow confined-space, lockout/tagout, respiratory protection, chemical handling, bloodborne-pathogen, fall-protection, and other applicable safety procedures. Keep facilities, vehicles, tools, work areas, and grounds safe, secure, orderly, and serviceable.
KNOWLEDGE EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
1. High school diploma or equivalent; at least 18 years of age.
2. Active, unrestricted New Mexico Level 4 Wastewater certification at hire and throughout employment, including required renewal training.
3. Experience operating an activated-sludge wastewater treatment facility.
4. Thorough knowledge of wastewater treatment, activated-sludge microbiology, nutrient removal, hydraulics, chemistry, disinfection, clarification, filtration, residuals, and reclaimed-water operations.
5. Knowledge of 20.7.4 NMAC, 20.6.2 NMAC, DP-887, applicable reuse, sampling and reporting requirements, and operator professional-conduct standards.
6. Ability to interpret laboratory results, flow and loading data, trends, plans, specifications, schematics, manuals, permits, and regulatory correspondence; calculate treatment and process-control values; diagnose problems and select corrective actions.
7. Ability to use computers, SCADA, spreadsheets, maintenance-management and electronic reporting systems; prepare accurate technical records; communicate professionally; lead and train staff; organize priorities; and work independently and calmly during emergencies.
8. Preferred qualifications include college coursework, technical education, or approved wastewater training; experience with Aero-Mod or comparable extended-aeration systems, biological nutrient removal, tertiary filtration, disinfection, reuse, and solids handling.
NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS
1. Valid New Mexico driver’s license, satisfactory driving record, and continued insurability under City requirements.
2. Obtain and maintain City-required first aid, CPR, confined-space, lockout/tagout, respiratory protection, and other safety training within City-established timeframes; maintain medical qualifications and ability to use assigned protective equipment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
1. Maintain stamina for extended sitting, standing, walking, climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and reaching. Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds; move heavier items with appropriate assistance or mechanical equipment.
2. Climb stairs, ladders, platforms, tanks, and equipment; maintain balance on wet, uneven, elevated, confined, or slippery surfaces near machinery and treatment structures. Use hands and fingers to operate controls, tools, instruments, computers, communication devices, and vehicles.
3. Work indoors and outdoors in heat, cold, wind, precipitation, and dust. Exposure may include raw wastewater, effluent, sludge, reclaimed water, chemicals, infectious materials, aerosols, fumes, odors, gases, moving machinery, electrical and pressurized systems, open tanks, and deep water. Noise ranges from moderate to loud; work may occur alone or with limited immediate supervision.
4. Properly use required protective equipment, including footwear, gloves, eye, face and hearing protection, protective clothing, fall protection, respirators, and self-contained breathing apparatus. Enter confined spaces only when trained, medically qualified, authorized, and working under an approved entry program.
5. Hear alarms and instructions and have visual acuity to read instruments, observe process conditions, distinguish colors where required, and safely operate vehicles and equipment.
WORK SCHEDULE
The City establishes a regular 40-hour workweek, which may include rotating shifts, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Additional hours, on-call rotation, and emergency call-back are required; employees must meet the response time established by City policy.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
1. Limited travel for meetings, certification, training, conferences, equipment inspections, and regulatory coordination may include overnight stays.
PRE EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
- Pass a background investigation, which may include work history, criminal and driving records, certification verification, and other necessary records; provide Level 4 certification documentation and authorize NMED verification.
- Must pass a post-offer pre-employment drug screen administered by a City-designated facility.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT REQUIRED APPLICATION: First review of applicants: 4:00 p.m., November 16, 2026, then weekly until filled. Submit the required application to Human Resources, City Hall, 100 W. First Street, Portales, NM 88130, or online at www.portalesnm.gov.
The City of Portales is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug Free Workplace.
I have received this job description and I am capable of performing the essential functions of the position.
Applicant Signature __________________________________ Date ______________
Job ID jz-cityofportales-20261102202253_cmb4bdgyqytuter7 · Original posting ↗