Become a Water Treatment Plant Operator with the USDA
Are you an experienced operator looking to make a tangible impact on the environment and public health? The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is hiring a Water Treatment Plant Operator for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in Edinburg, Texas. This role is central to the operational integrity of our facilities.
Job Responsibilities
As an operator, you will manage, monitor, and maintain both water purification and sewage treatment plant systems. Key duties include:
- Inspecting sewage treatment equipment and performing preventative maintenance.
- Conducting routine laboratory tests, such as chlorimetric water analysis.
- Executing major mechanical repairs on pumps, valves, and complex plant components.
- Requisitioning parts and documenting maintenance logs to ensure regulatory compliance.
Requirements
This position requires specific technical credentials. Candidates must have:
- A valid Class B Public Water System Operator license (Texas).
- A valid Class C Wastewater Treatment Operator license (Texas).
- Ability to perform mechanical repairs under normal supervision.
Quick Comparison: Operator Role Requirements
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Certification 1 | Class B Public Water System (TX) |
| Certification 2 | Class C Wastewater Treatment (TX) |
| Resume Limit | 2 Pages Max |
| Location | Edinburg, Texas |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive hourly wage between $33.48 and $39.15, depending on experience and qualifications, operating under the Wage Grade (WG) pay scale.
Benefits
Employees of the federal government enjoy robust benefits, including comprehensive health insurance, federal retirement programs, and generous paid time off.
Application Tips
- Customize your resume to highlight the required Texas state licenses immediately.
- Ensure your work experience documentation clearly matches the duties outlined in the announcement.
- Verify all uploads are non-encrypted and formatted correctly.
Join a team that values your technical expertise. This is a unique opportunity to apply your water treatment skills to a mission-critical federal environment in Texas.
Why This Water Treatment Plant Operator Job Matters
Protect public health and agriculture by managing critical water infrastructure in Edinburg, Texas.
Water Treatment Plant Operator Job Overview
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking a skilled Water Treatment Plant Operator to ensure the efficient operation of water and sewage treatment systems. This vital role supports our agency's mission to protect U.S. agriculture, providing essential maintenance and monitoring for a large-scale, multi-faceted facility.
Requirements for Water Treatment Plant Operator
- Must possess a current Class B Public Water System Operator license for the state of Texas.
- Must possess a current Class C Wastewater Treatment Operator license for the state of Texas.
- Ability to perform technical preventative maintenance and repairs on water/sewage equipment.
- U.S. Citizenship or National status.
- Must provide a resume not exceeding two pages.
- Ability to pass a background investigation for suitability.
Preferred Qualifications for Water Treatment Plant Operator
- Proven experience in operating sewage treatment plants and auxiliary equipment.
- Demonstrated ability to perform complex mechanical repairs on pumps, valves, and digester mechanisms.
- Strong record of maintaining accurate preventative maintenance logs and facility records.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- ✓Retirement savings plans including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development within the USDA.
- ✓Support for work-life balance in a mission-driven environment.
💡 How to Apply Water Treatment Plant Operator Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Water Treatment Plant Operator Job
- Create a profile on the official USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare a concise resume (two-page limit) detailing your specific water treatment experience.
- Submit your resume, licenses, and optional veterans' preference documentation through the online system.
- Complete the occupational assessment questionnaire to demonstrate your technical competencies.
- Monitor your email for notifications regarding your application status.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly mentions your Texas water and wastewater licenses.
- Do not infer experience via job titles; describe your actual duties clearly.
- Verify that your uploaded documents are under 5MB and in supported formats like PDF or Word.
- Apply well before the deadline to avoid potential system-related delays.
- Double-check that your contact information for former supervisors is accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific licenses are required for this role?
You must hold a current Class B Public Water System Operator license and a current Class C Wastewater Treatment Operator license from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
Is this a remote or telework position?
No, this position is onsite at the facility in Edinburg, Texas, due to the nature of the mechanical and operational work required.
What is the page limit for the resume?
The resume must not exceed two pages. Any submission exceeding this limit will result in removal from consideration.
Job from Animal And Plant Health Inspection Service
APHIS is a vital agency within the USDA, responsible for protecting the health of American agriculture. Our team operates globally to facilitate trade and ensure the health of plants and animals. Working with APHIS means you are part of a team dedicated to safeguarding national interests through science and infrastructure excellence.