Hiring Bonus:
The Water Resources Department is excited to offer a hiring bonus for individuals newly hired as Water Resources Plant Operator I/II. New Water Resources Operator I's and II’s may be eligible for a $3,500 incentive at the conclusion of Initial City Probation. To receive the bonus, an Operator must work as a Plant Operator for one year and receive a successful performance evaluation.
This recruitment will be used to a current vacancy at a Potable Water Treatment plant at either the Operator I or Operator II level; however, this recruitment will also be used to create a list to fill possible future vacancies at either level. Offering salary may be made above the minimum of the posted salary range for this position depending upon qualifications and experience. Employees may progress through the full salary range, subject to their successful performance and annual budget approval. 
First review of applications will be Monday, May 20, 2024; then weekly thereafter until all vacancies are filled.
Water Resources Plant Operator I ($48,796.80 - $69,388.18)
A Water Resources Plant Operator I is a two-year assignment where incumbents function as trainees and are responsible for learning how to operate and maintain the City of Mesa’s water treatment plants during an assigned shift. During this two-year assignment the incumbent must meet requirements and expectations outlined in the criteria-based promotion document. Incumbents in this class will work only on a shift where an experienced Operator is present. As experience is gained and skill level increases, the intensity of supervision will gradually decrease. An employee in this class is expected to use appropriate safety equipment and follow safety procedures in performing assignments. This class performs related duties as required.
 
A Plant Operator in this class is exposed to such job hazards as toxic chemicals, methane gas, chlorine gas, ozone, hydrogen sulfide, raw sewage, sludge, and adverse weather conditions. During the training process, this employee will learn to perform all of the job duties as required. This class is distinguished from the Water Resources Plant Operator II class by working on a shift where an experienced operator is present, while the latter works on a shift independently. Employees in this class may be required to work rotating shifts. The Water Resources Plant Operator I receives close-to-general supervision from the Water Resources Plant Supervisor, who reviews the employee's work in progress through meetings and by the evaluation of results achieved. A Water Resources Plant Operator I will be eligible to progress to the Water Resources Plant Operator II class by noncompetitive promotion upon meeting the specific criteria-based promotion requirements of experience, performance, certification, and on the job training. An incumbent who fails to complete the training and noncompetitive, criteria-based promotion within the two years of hire may be transferred, demoted, or terminated. This class is FLSA nonexempt.
Water Resources Plant Operator II ($56,483.02 - $80,320.86)
A Water Resources Plant Operator II is responsible for managing the complex daily operations and maintenance of City of Mesa’s water treatment plants with oversight by the Water Resources Plant Supervisor. Employees at this level receive occasional supervision, instruction, and assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and must be capable of independent, well-informed, technically correct decisions. Duties include: analyzing trends and data; monitoring equipment and processes through all available means to include gauges, meters, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) inputs; documenting and reviewing ongoing plant process operations and maintenance issues; optimizing day to day processes; economic utilization of materials and equipment; collecting and analyzing process samples using laboratory procedures; demonstrating thorough and complete documentation; and systematic reviewing of all process procedures and anomalies. Computer data entry and organization of information is essential. Assist in the formulation and implementation of procedural objectives and programs. Operators in this class frequently participate in training activities both as a student and a teacher. Employees may progress from the Water Resources Plant Operator I to the Water Resources Plant Operator II level by noncompetitive promotion upon meeting the Criteria Based Promotion requirements, on-the-job training requirements, and obtaining the required certifications. An employee in this class is required to use appropriate safety equipment, and to follow strict safety procedures in performing assignments. This class performs related duties as required.
 
A Water Resources Plant Operator II works rotating shifts and may be required to work at different plant locations. This position assumes responsibility of operations while on assigned shift, weekends, or holidays. Employees are subject to stand-by, or emergency call-out during off-duty hours. This class works under the supervision of a Water Resources Plant Supervisor.This position provides leadership, mentorship, and training to other operational staff, and may serve in a lead capacity for operations in the absence of the Supervisor. Responsible for prioritizing activities between the different treatment facilities and systems in order to maintain proper facility operation. Employees are exposed to job hazards including: toxic chemicals, methane gas, chlorine gas, ozone, hydrogen sulfide, raw sewage, sludge, and adverse weather conditions. This class is FLSA nonexempt.
Please refer to the links below for the full job description and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions.Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity. 
Water Resources Plant Operator I
Minimum Requirements: Any combination of training, education, or experience equivalent to graduation from high school or GED. Some (6 months – 1 year) experience in a water treatment plant, water distribution systems, or a closely related operation.
Certification Requirements:Must possess a Grade I (or higher) Water Treatment System Operator certification from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) or equivalent certification from another state through reciprocity with Arizona by application date. Certification through reciprocity must be obtained within three months of hire or promotion. Incumbents must obtain a Grade II and Grade III Water Treatment System Operator Certification from the ADEQ within two years of hire or promotion. Shall be responsible for acquiring a minimum of 30 professional development hours (PDH’s) every three years and maintain ADEQ Certification.
Preferred/Desirable Qualifications. Completion of at least 15 semester hours of college coursework in Water Technology, Environmental or Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Maintenance/Repair, Manufacturing Equipment Maintenance/Repair, or any related curriculum. Grade II (or higher) ADEQ Water Treatment Certification.
Water Resources Plant Operator II
Minimum Qualifications:Any combination of training, education, or experience equivalent graduation from high school or GED. Three years of experience in a water treatment plant, with at least 12 months as a Water Treatment Plant Operator. Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate’s Degree in a related field can be substituted for one year of experience; OR one year of full-time experience with the City of Mesa as a Water Resources Plant Operator I, OR a minimum of six months of full-time experience with the City of Mesa as a Water Resources Plant Operator I AND six months of full-time experience with the City of Mesa as a Water Treatment Plant Operator/Intern may also be considered qualifying.
Certification Requirements:Must possess a Grade III (or higher) Water Treatment System Operator certification from the ADEQ or equivalent certification from another state through reciprocity with Arizona by application date. Certification through reciprocity must be obtained within three months of hire or promotion. Shall be responsible for acquiring a minimum of 30 PDHs every three years to maintain ADEQ Certification.
Preferred/Desirable Qualifications. Completion of at least 15 semester hours of college coursework in Water Technology, Environmental or Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Maintenance/Repair, Manufacturing Equipment Maintenance/Repair, or any related curriculum.
Water Resources Plant Operator I and II
Special Requirements. Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License by hire or promotion date. Must meet the physical standards and requirements for the wearing of a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) respiratory protection equipment. Must meet the qualifications to wear a tight-fitting respirator by passing a medical evaluation in accordance with Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910-134 by hire or promotion date and must maintain certification. Must obtain a 40-hour HazWoper Certification as per the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and must attend an annual HazWoper refresher course to maintain certification.
 
Substance Abuse Testing. Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this classification, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment or pre-placement alcohol, drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy and procedures.http://apps.mesaaz.gov/jobdescriptions/Documents/JobDescriptions/cs4203.pdfhttp://apps.mesaaz.gov/jobdescriptions/Documents/JobDescriptions/cs4515.pdf