Water Pollution Control Operator 1 (Anticipated)

Work Schedule TBD Dependent on Operating Needs: 1st Shift Sunday - Thursday OR 1st Shift Tuesday - Saturday

University of Connecticut, Facilities Operations, Storrs Campus 

Salary Range: $66,517.00-$85,519.00 Yearly. Individuals new to state service start at the minimum of the pay plan. 

Link to Water Pollution Control Operator Job Specification:

https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/specs/classspecdisplay.asp?ClassNumber=9252FM&R1=&R3=

INTRODUCTION 

UConn’s Facilities Operations Department has one anticipated job opening for a Water Pollution Control Operator 1.  This position is accountable for performing a limited range of tasks in the operation and maintenance of the Class IV Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF), to include water reclamation, and associated lift stations to the facility that are located at the Storrs Campus. 

Incumbents in this class are required to possess at the time of hire a Class I Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator Certificate in accordance with the regulations of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).  The Class I Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator Certificate is required and must be maintained throughout employment with the University. 

The Water Pollution Control Operator 1 position is a permanent, full-time, 1st Shift 40 hours/week position.   The work schedule is to be determined based on operating needs; the work schedule will be either 1st Shift Sunday – Thursday OR 1st Shift Tuesday – Saturday.  The work hours will be 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a paid half an hour for lunch.  This position may be eligible for weekend differential.  The hourly rate of pay is $31.86/hour and is non-negotiable for those new to State Employment; the hourly rate of pay for current NP-2 employees is calculated based on current salary/step.  

UConn offers the following benefits for NP-2 employees:

• Excellent and affordable healthcare options
• Full benefits package including medical and dental insurance. For more information, please visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/employee-benefits-overview/
• Employee retirement benefits (SERS Retirement plan). For more information, please visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/retirement/

The University offers a competitive salary, outstanding benefits, and a highly desirable work environment.  For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-beyond-pay/.

This position is categorized as Emergency Support Services/Essential Staff.  Must be willing and able to work during emergency closures/delayed openings due to inclement weather or for significant events that affect campus operations.   

This position may lead Water Pollution Control Operator Trainees, work based learning students and/or college student interns.   Some training may be required outside of the established work schedule and on overtime.  Applicants must also be willing to respond to emergencies on overtime (nights, weekends, holidays) and may be required to work on holidays.

Please note that Facilities Operations NP-2 employees may also be required to perform job duties as assigned at any of the Regional Campuses. 

A current motor vehicle license is required.

SELECTION PLAN

This position is categorized as “Open to the Public” and current, qualified UConn NP-2 employees will be given preference in the hiring process. 

• In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the minimum qualifications as listed on the job opening and must specify your qualifications on your application.  PageUp applications will be evaluated to ensure that the Knowledge, Skill and Ability, Minimum Qualifications and Special Requirements sections of the position have been met.  Please also be sure to demonstrate how you meet any of the Preferred Qualifications that you may have.
• Ensure that your PageUp Application is complete and detailed before submitting it.  You will not be able to make revisions once your application is submitted into the PageUp system.
• Incumbents in this class are required to possess at the time of hire a Class I Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator Certificate in accordance with the regulations of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).  Applicants are required to complete the Licenses and Professional Certifications section of the application, recording the information provided on their Class I Operator Certificate in the specific fields of Type, Issuing Agency, License Number, and Date Issued on their application.  Applicants are encouraged to record any additional licenses or certificates held in this section of the application.

• Applicants who do not hold an operator certification in Connecticut, but hold certification in another state such as Massachusetts or Rhode Island, will be required to apply for Reciprocity for Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator Certification and meet the requirements of CT Statute 22a-416-4. Please contact Craig Motasky at craig.motasky@ct.gov for more information and instruction prior to applying for reciprocity. As a reminder, out-of-state applicants must also complete the Licenses and Professional Certifications section of the application.

• If applicable, applicants are strongly encouraged to indicate on their application (under the Licenses and Professional Certification section of the application) any current trade license(s) held, along with the issuing agency, license number, date issued and expiration date.
• If applicable, applicants are strongly encouraged to indicate on their application (under the Job-Related Academic, Technical or Vocational Training section of the application) the name(s) of any Educational Institution(s) attended in trade related subjects, and to indicate the (in person and/or online) course(s) studies,  Address, City, State where the Educational Institution(s) are located, the years attended and the number of Credits earned or Diploma Earned.
• Although it is not required, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a cover letter, resume and a list of three professional, work-related references along with their contact information.

Important Next Steps Information:

• At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be contacted via email and provided with an opportunity to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, resume, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring department. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as indicated to apply for this position.
• If selected for an interview, you will be asked to supply the names, titles and phone numbers of three, professional, work-related references.  In addition, current State of Connecticut employees at UConn or other State Agencies, may be asked to provide copies of their last two (2) performance appraisals and CORE attendance records.  Employment will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination, including drug testing, as well as a criminal background check. 
• Please regularly check your email provided on your application for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.

Applicants must possess and retain a current and valid motor vehicle operator license throughout employment with the University.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Performs a limited range of duties in the operation, monitoring and maintenance of water pollution control and water reclamation facilities equipment for the processing and disposal of biosolids and reclaimed water processing; 
• Operates and maintains such equipment as grit chambers, step screens, bar racks, grinders, pumps, chemical dosing systems, dewatering systems, clarifier tanks, chlorination chambers and others; 
• Performs routine repairs to and/or replaces equipment including valves, motors, pipes, pumps and other machinery; 
• Performs biological and chemical analyses of the water pollution control and water reclamation water; 
• Records meters and gauges and interprets information according to operating characteristics; 
• Prepares operational records and reports; 
• Assists with fats, oils and grease (FOG) inspection and removal program; 
• Adheres to safety and cleanliness standards;
• Maintains the building and grounds of the facility and lift stations; 
• May respond to and resolve Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) alarms;
• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

• Knowledge of
• the operations of a large multi-treatment water pollution control facility including water reclamation; 
• repair and maintenance on pumps, tanks and other equipment used in wastewater and water reclamation treatment; 
• sampling procedures used in laboratory analyses of wastewater and reclaimed water; 
• Skills
• interpersonal skills; 
• oral and written communication skills; 
• Ability to
• perform required chemical tests; 
• keep operational records; 
• utilize Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, the facilities water data management program, and other computer software;
• Mechanical ability.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Experience in the operation and maintenance of a Class I, or higher, biological wastewater treatment facility including performance of skilled mechanical maintenance duties and/or laboratory analysis of wastewater, as required by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, as found below.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Incumbents in this class are required to possess at the time of hire a Class I Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator Certificate in accordance with the regulations of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
• Incumbents in this class are required by DEEP to possess and retain appropriate current certifications, licenses or permits, as required by the DEEP Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.
• Incumbents in this class are required to possess and retain specific education and/or experience to meet various certification requirements.
• Applicants must have a current motor vehicle operator license.

NOTE: DEEP Regulations for Class I Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator Certification requires: (A) Satisfactory evidence of (i) at least one year of experience in the operation of a wastewater treatment facility of Class I or higher; (ii) a high school diploma or G.E.D.; and (iii) successful completion of a basic wastewater treatment facility operation course, approved by the commissioner, equaling at least nine CEU’s; and (B) pass the Class I examination. No substitutions for the requirements of this subdivision shall be permitted.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Demonstrated experience in the supervision of employees in various job classifications such as student labor apprentices, skilled trades apprentices, or trainees in the wastewater field.
2. Experience communicating effectively through both verbal and written methods; technical writing ability.
3. Experience using an i-Pad, laptop or similar technology.
4. Ability to use technology to obtain information, solve problems and record data.
5. Experience using computer software such as MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, or similar program, GEIFIXX or similar program.
6. Educational courses, and/or hands on training, that is related to environmental, chemistry, and/or mechanical fields of work.
7. Ability to apply mathematical skills.
8. A current State of Connecticut P-1 or P-2 license.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Incumbents in this class must have adequate physical strength, stamina, physical agility and visual and auditory acuity, and must maintain such physical fitness as to be able to perform the duties.
• A physical examination may be required.
• Incumbents in this class will be required to drive and operate motor vehicles, including, but not limited to vans, box trucks, and pick-up trucks ranging in size from compact, midsize, full-size, and heavy-duty, some of which are equipped with lift gates.  Incumbents will also be required to operate landscape equipment such as mowers and Bobcat Toolcats.
• Incumbents must have adequate physical strength and agility to walk up and down stairs frequently and climb ladders independently. Must be able to lift, carry and push material weighing up to 75 lbs. Must have the ability to utilize ladders, scaffolding, high-lifts and enter confined spaces. Must be able to perform inspections, alterations, repairs and maintenance to equipment.  Incumbents must possess the ability to utilize tools, perform the required duties set forth above and will be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to extreme weather conditions, highly disagreeable effects of waste, loud and potentially dangerous machinery and working with chemicals; may be required to lift moderately heavy weights and work in uncomfortable positions.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT 

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check and a pre-employment physical. 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS 

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Faculty and Staff Openings, Search #499413. Although it is not required, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a resume, cover letter, and a list of three professional, work-related references along with their contact information. 

This job posting is anticipated to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on March 6, 2026.  

Questions pertaining to this position and the Water Resource Recovery Facility should be directed to Katie Milardo at katie.milardo@uconn.edu   

Please direct questions about the application process and employment to UConn HR at Workforce@uconn.edu.

CONCLUSION 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics, which may be found at https://portal.ct.gov/Ethics/Statutes-and-Regulations. 

Information concerning the University’s policies regarding the Cleary Act Statement, Non-Discrimination Policy, Accommodations for Applicants with Disabilities, and Recruiting Veterans can be found on UConn’s Job page at:  https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs/ 

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community. 

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce.  The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner.  This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all.  We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.  

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.