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Water Plant Student Operator

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Water Plant Student Operator

Salary

See Position Description

Location

50010, IA

Job Type

Less than 20 hours/week

Job Number

25-WPSO-01

Department

Water & Pollution Control

Opening Date

10/27/2025

Closing Date

12/1/2025 12:00 PM Central

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

MERIT

Residency Requirement?

No

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Centrally located in the heart of Iowa, Ames is a vibrant, progressive community with more than 66,000 residents providing an excellent quality of life. Home to Iowa State University, Ames offers year-round recreation opportunities, diverse cultural offerings, a stable economy, safe neighborhoods, and a high-achieving school district.

General Information

The City of Ames is currently accepting applications for Water Plant Student Operator. Under close supervision, performs work involving primary responsibility for the operation of wells, water treatment plant, and pumping stations to treat and supply the domestic and industrial water supply needs for the Ames community and water service contracts.

The City of Ames Water Plant is located at 1800 E 13th St, Ames, IA 50010. Due to this location, candidates will need to have reliable transportation to get to and from the plant for this position.

Training Period

This position will require new hires to train for 80-120 hours prior to working on shifts independently. Training is anticipated to begin during Spring 2026. We will work with students around their current course schedule to provide 4 hours in the morning, afternoon, or evening. We can also provide up to 8 hour training shifts, depending on the student's availability.

Typical Independent Hours

This position will typically work 16 hours every other week, primarily on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) throughout the calendar year. After the training period, the Water Plant Student Operators work independently on their assigned shifts.

This position provides an excellent opportunity for practical experience in engineering, chemistry, and environmental science fields. Due to the amount of training provided to the Water Plant Student Operators, we request all applicants be committed to employment with the Water Plant for at least one school year.

Compensation Steps

No License:

Starting Rate of Pay: $21.17/hour

12 Months of Service: $22.22/hour

24 Months of Service: $23.34/hour

With Grade I Water Operator License:

Starting Rate of Pay: $22.22/hour

12 Months of Service: $23.34/hour

24 Months of Service: $24.50/hour

This position is a permanent, part-time, less than 20 hours per week position that is not benefit or paid leave eligible.

In order to be considered for this position, all applicants must submit their online application by the deadline listed on this posting. Your application includes complete responses to the supplemental questions. Please keep in mind that submission of a resume in lieu of work history on your application or answering the supplemental questions is not sufficient. Applications submitted for this position by the application deadline may be considered for other openings in this classification for up to 1 year.

Please attach a resume and cover letter to your application.

Examples of Essential Job Functions

Performs increasingly difficult and skilled work as training and education progresses. Conducts laboratory tests and equipment checks to monitor overall treatment process chemistry. Operates a wide variety of pumps, motors, chemical feed equipment, and other related equipment used in water treatment and water distribution; collects samples and tests for water chemistry parameters as assigned; adjusts chemical feed and other equipment to meet prescribed water quality limits; adjusts pumping and plant treatment rates accordingly to maintain adequate water supply and storage; enters process data into computer system; maintains plant operating records by making calculations and completing operating logs; creates reports; observes mechanical equipment to ensure proper operating condition and performance; attends or provides training as required; provides customer service as required; consults with and receives approval from supervisor(s) before making process changes such as plant start-up and shutdown, and well changes. Occasionally perform small maintenance duties during assigned shift; performs extra computer tasks, sampling and laboratory duties in connection with special plant or research projects. Performs related work as required.

Each employee is expected to continually strive to bring shared values to life through our Excellence Through People organizational culture. ETP values include: committing to continuous improvement; inspiring creativity and innovation; being customer driven; making data-driven decisions; championing employee involvement; striving for excellence; having fiscal stewardship; acting with honesty and integrity; exhibiting leadership; choosing a positive attitude; respect and dignity for one another; promoting safety and wellness; and cultivating teamwork. For leaders, this includes creating a work culture that brings these values to life. For all employees, this includes maintaining a Total City Perspective. The purpose of ETP is to deliver exceptional services to the public at the best price, and for employees to experience an enjoyable and stimulating work environment.

Qualifications

The City of Ames Water Plant is located at 1800 E 13th St, Ames, IA 50010. Due to this location, candidates will need to have reliable transportation to get to and from the plant for this position.

Education and Experience:

Required: Current college student.

Preferred: At least one semester of education in a program related to the field of water treatment, wastewater treatment, engineering, environmental science, or chemistry; OR two years of experience with laboratory and/or mechanical equipment; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Participation in an environmental, chemistry, or engineering-related organization/group.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Necessary to Perform Essential Functions:

Ability to successfully participate in training and periodic reviews; ability to consistently perform learned duties after successful periodic review; ability to retain training knowledge and skills; knowledge of computer systems; knowledge of the principles of hydraulics, chemistry, and electricity; ability to read and interpret data; ability to make mathematical computations; ability to work alone on an operating shift and take responsibility for previously outlined procedures; ability to follow standard operating procedures; ability to act quickly and calmly in emergency situations on an individual basis; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with citizens, supervisors, co-workers and other City employees.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Examples of Equipment Essential to the Job: Computers, software, and peripheral equipment, SCADA equipment, calculator, intercom, two-way radio, variety of printed materials, lab equipment, scale, cleaning chemicals, chemical feed equipment, process chemicals, emergency equipment, switches, pipes and valves; electrical equipment; radio telemetry; safety equipment including masks, and gloves.

Required Physical Activities: Climbing, balancing, kneeling, stooping, crawling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.

General Physical Characteristics: The work involves sitting 40 percent of the time, standing (but not walking) five percent of the time; standing and walking 55 percent of the time. Requires exertion of up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, to move objects.

Vision Requirements: The minimum standard for use with those whose work deals largely with preparing and analyzing data and figures, accounting, computer terminal, extensive reading, operation of machines (including inspection), and use of measurement devices.

Environmental Conditions: The work is performed inside and/or outside and includes being exposed to mechanical and electrical hazards, chemical hazards, atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system or skin, oils, and working in isolation.

Supplemental Information

Selection Process:

The selection process consists of an evaluation of education, experience, and supplemental questions, on-site interview, and completion of a criminal background check which includes a sex offender registry check. All candidates will be notified by email of their application status.

NOTE: Preference may be given to applicants possessing qualifications above the minimum.

E-Verify Process:

The City of Ames participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered a position with the City of Ames must complete Section 1 of Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity on their first day of employment. Please be prepared to provide required documents on your first day of employment. For additional information regarding acceptable documents for this purpose, please contact Human Resources at 515-239-5199 or go to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services web page at: http://www.uscis.gov.

NOTE: Applicants with disabilities may submit requests for ADA testing or interview accommodations to the Human Resources Department prior to the test or interview.

The City of Ames is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Human Resources Department at 515-239-5199.