Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I, II, III

Team Gilbert has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated professional to fill the position of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I, II, III. With every job we fill, our focus is on providing best-in-class service to our citizens while offering opportunities for professional growth in a rewarding, innovative work environment.

The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I, II, III reports to the Wastewater Treatment Supervisor. The primary functions of this position include:

• Operating and monitoring wastewater treatment processes plant-wide, using both SCADA systems and manual controls
• Performing lab testing and analysis to manage biological treatment, chemical dosing, and disinfection processes
• Completing routine plant and equipment maintenance, including general housekeeping and support to maintenance staff
• Maintaining accurate operational records — log books, lab reports, inspection reports, and daily rounds
• Building a working knowledge of treatment plant operations, the reuse distribution system, and the wastewater collection system
• For a full list of duties, please review the job descriptions: Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I, Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II, Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III

This is a full-time, non-exempt position eligible for overtime compensation. Employment with the Town of Gilbert is at-will.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline:

• Posting Closes: August 23, 2026
• Tentative In-Person Interviews: Week of August 31, 2026
• Tentative Start Date: September 28, 2026

You're someone who takes pride in precision and doesn't mind getting your hands dirty to keep essential infrastructure running. You're comfortable learning new systems — whether that means reading SCADA displays or running lab analysis on a complex biological treatment process — and you know how to document your work carefully so nothing slips through the cracks. Shift work, physical demands, and the occasional hazard that comes with operating a treatment plant don't intimidate you; you show up ready to problem-solve and help protect the community's water systems. You see this role as a launchpad rather than a landing spot, and you're ready to work toward your ADEQ certifications and advancement within your first two years.

At Team Gilbert, we hire innovative, forward-thinking problem-solvers who love what they do! In addition to possessing the ability to live out our core and functional values daily, candidates must possess the following requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.)
• 0–2 years of experience in public-sector wastewater treatment plant operations
• Ability to work day, evening, and night shifts as required, including overtime when necessary, under the direction of a Wastewater Treatment Operator II or III
• Valid Arizona driver license
• ADEQ Grade 1 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification within 6 months of hire (Grade 2 required for advancement to Operator 2)
• Confined space entry certification within 6 months of hire
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II ($30.94 - $46.41/hr)

• High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D)
• 2-5 years of experience in public-sector wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Must be able to work day, evening, and night shifts as required and overtime when necessary
• Valid Arizona driver's license
• ADEQ Grade 2 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification by time of hire or promotion
• Must be certified for confined space entry within 6 months of hire.

• High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D)
• 5 plus years of experience in public-sector wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Must be able to work day, evening, and night shifts as required and overtime when necessary.
• Valid Arizona Driver's License
• ADEQ Grade 3 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification at time of hire.
• ADEQ Grade 4 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification is preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.

This position requires a pre-employment background check, physical, and drug screen.

This position has been designated as a Medium work position that spends a majority of their workday in a plant and field environment, with exposure to chemicals, moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, and extreme temperatures.

The physical demands and working conditions information above is meant to provide a general idea of the conditions for this role. Gilbert is committed to being an inclusive employer of candidates with a wide range of abilities, and looks for opportunities to accommodate different abilities within reason.

Gilbert is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. If any reasonable accommodation is needed while participating in the application and interviewing process, please contact our People Team (Human Resources) at 480-503-6823. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.

Gilbert provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.