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City of Columbia

Water Operator I – W&L

City of Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, United States

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Position Information Posting Number: 4044P

Position Title: Water Operator I – W&L

Department: Utilities

Job Code: 02641

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Union Code/Affiliation: W&L Association

Division: WATER PRODUCTION

Job Description Summary The purpose of this job is to perform a variety of tasks to ensure proper treatment of water. Monitors equipment and performs janitorial duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Monitors operational status of running equipment vital to water treatment process, such as pump stations and wells.

Samples water and performs lab tests to determine water quality.

Cleans water treatment plant and basins.

Operates, tests, and replaces chlorine tanks.

Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Job has no responsibility for the direction or supervision of others.

Human Collaboration and Job Impact

Work requires regular interaction involving exchange and receipt of information.

Interactions have limited impact on the organization in terms of time, money, or public/employee relations.

Fiscal Responsibility

Position has no fiscal responsibility.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent.

1 to 3 years of related experience.

Licenses or Certifications

Valid driver’s license.

Must obtain “D” level water operator’s certificate within 6 months of hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

Pump operation.

Safety standards and precautions related to water treatment.

Skill in:

Organizing and maintaining attention to detail.

Organizing work and managing time effectively.

Communicating verbally to meet the needs of the audience.

Applying active listening and asking questions for understanding.

Ability to:

Read gauges, flow meters, and level sensors.

Sample and test water.

Maintain accurate records.

Use and maintain hand and power tools.

Follow oral and written instructions.

Use a computer, software, phone and related office equipment.

Focus on tasks.

Work Environment

Office or similar indoor environment – Frequently or Often

Outdoor environment – Sometimes

Confined space – Sometimes

Vehicle – Sometimes

Shop environment – Sometimes

Other: chemical rooms

Exposures

Extreme cold (below 32 degrees) – Sometimes

Extreme heat (above 100 degrees) – Sometimes

Moving mechanical parts – Frequently or Often

Fumes or airborne particles – Frequently or Often

Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances – Frequently or Often

Loud noises (85 decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Physical Demands

This position involves frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards and majority of work is performed outside or with exposure to risk.

Incumbents may be required to exert up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Incumbents required to feel attributes of objects, grasp, push, stand, walk, drive, reach with hands/arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb/balance, and operate mechanical equipment.

Hours/Days 12‑hour shifts from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM, 3 nights one week and 4 nights the next. $1.00 per hour shift differential is available for hours worked between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Starting Salary: $18.59/hr – $22.43/hr (commensurate with training and experience)

Pay Grade: 105

Number of Positions Available: 1

Deadline to Apply Open Until Filled: Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants Position is open until filled, preferred application date Friday, January 23, 2026. Notice to Applicants: Individuals needing accommodation to apply may call 573.874.CITY (2489)TTY: 711 (MO RELAY). The CITY OF COLUMBIA IS A MERIT, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: MALE / FEMALE. The CITY OF COLUMBIA REQUIRES PRE‑EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTING.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The City of Columbia participates in the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) rule. The City of Columbia is a merit, affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.

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