Plant Operator

City of Savannah
Savannah, GA

One of ten most beautiful places in America, the City of Savannah is set within a vibrant and diverse community, filled with charm and great people! We are always looking for hidden gems ready to champion challenges, foster a culture of belonging, and make a difference within the communities we serve! Is that You? We are looking for motivated and career driven Water/Wastewater Plant Operators!
  • Do you hold a current Class III Water/Wastewater License or have the drive and motivation to earn it within 8 months?
  • Do you want a career with the City of Savannah that will positively impact the lives of our Citizens?
  • Are you interested in a career opportunity that combines your passion to serve with your experience and skillset?
Click Play to learn more about how you can make a difference as a new City of Savannah Plant Operator!
As a Plant Operator you will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of a water/wastewater treatment facility.
Are you holding a Class II or Class I Water/Wastewater License?Apply with your Class II Operator License and bump your salary to $50,881 annually / $24.46 per/hour!Apply with your Class I Operator License and bump your salary to $56,096 annually / $26.96 per/hour! We offer excellent medical, dental and vision benefits; wellness programs; educational reimbursement; deferred benefit contribution (457B), and 11 paid holidays.
Click Benefit U to learn more about our awesome Benefits!
Start your career with the City of Savannah! Complete your online application today!
This is a GREAT Time to Join the City of Savannah!
  • Observes plant metering equipment on a scheduled basis, noting reading of flows at specified intervals; makes adjustments to flows of water and chemicals as necessary to maintain plant operation within operational standards.
  • Keeps a log of plant operational characteristics, changes and repairs made, and other incidents of relevance to plant production.
  • Collects samples of water or wastewater at stages of treatment for lab analysis.
  • Reports defects of plant operations to the Superintendent.
  • Supervises the work of trainees and instructs them in plant operations and the responsibilities of an operator.
  • Washes prescribed areas of the plant on a designated schedule; paints areas and equipment as required.
  • Maintains all required records such as operating logs, chemical and repair part inventories, maintenance logs; distributes information to internal and external personnel.
  • Performs routine/daily maintenance activities on treatment plant and generator equipment.
  • Support and assists in major maintenance activities on treatment plant and operation equipment.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
Additional Duties - Class II Operator
  • Calibrates lab equipment for proper function and accurate results.
  • Operate motor driven equipment i.e. forklifts, jockey truck and trailer.
  • Supervises the work of new Plant Operators and instructs them in plant operations and the responsibilities of an operator.

Additional Duties - Class I Operator
  • Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
  • Coordinates, assigns and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.
  • Prepares work orders and directs the maintenance and repair of fixtures and equipment.
  • Provides technical assistance to operators.
  • Performs visual inspection of water samples for color, microscopic particles, and insects.
  • Operates a belt filter press and sand filter; cleans clarifiers and filters.
  • Operates the activated sludge treatment plant.
  • Records data pertinent to daily plant operations and processes; maintains operator log.
  • Performs grounds maintenance duties, including mowing, weeding, and applying insecticides.
  • Monitors Supervisory and Control Data Acquisition (SCADA) information to foresee potential problems.
  • Responds to after-hours emergencies.
No License - Requires a High School Diploma or GED equivalent; with less than one year of work experience in water/wastewater treatment, maintenance or related environment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must obtain a Georgia Water/Wastewater Operator Class 3 certification within one (1) year of hire
Must obtain and maintain a valid state Commercial Driver’s License with an acceptable driving history if assigned to work at a regional plant.


Class III- High School Diploma or GED equivalent; with one (1) year work experience in water/wastewater treatment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Class II-High School Diploma or GED equivalent; with two (2) years of work experience in the treatment of surface, ground water or the operations of water/wastewater treatment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Class I - High School Diploma or GED equivalent; with three (3) years of work experience in the treatment of surface water or ground water under the influence; operation of a ground water well system; or physical/mechanical activated sludge treatment process of municipal wastewater; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some supervisory experience is preferred.

Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license with a acceptable driving history.


Work Location: 1400 E President St Work Hours: Monday - Friday, on call, weekends, and rotating shifts

Additional Requirements
Background investigation, including supervised drug screen, post offer/pre-employment medical screen; and verification of education, certifications, and licenses required prior to employment.
  • Knowledge of department policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of wastewater treatment process control techniques.
  • Knowledge of state and federal environmental laws and regulations.
  • Knowledge of laboratory analysis techniques and processes.
  • Knowledge of safety regulations pertaining to chemicals.
  • Skill in collecting and analyzing data.
  • Skill in using a computer.
  • Skill in operating standard wastewater treatment instruments and equipment, including a belt filter press, pump, generator, and water pressure machine.
  • Skill in using laboratory instruments such as a settleometer, drying oven, pH meter, dissolved oxygen meter, and Imhoff cones.
  • Skill in operating heavy and light equipment, including a dump truck, overhead crane, tractor, loader, forklift, bobcat, and mower.
  • Skill in performing basic mathematical calculations.
  • Skill in oral and written communication.

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