Job Description

Job Title: Water Treatment Plant Operator.
Salary: $62,140 per year, with benefits including medical, dental, paid leave, membership in the NYS Retirement System, and Deferred Comp.
Classification: Non-Competitive – No Civil Service Exam required.

The Kingston Water Department is seeking a Water Treatment Plant Operator to join our team. This is a full-time, non-competitive position within the City Civil Service. The role involves the technical operation, monitoring, and maintenance of our Type A Water Treatment Plant. The role supports water quality assurance and ensures compliance with public health standards.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Collects and analyzes water samples to ensure plant performance and water quality.
• Conducts basic laboratory procedures (e.g., preparing distilled water, buffer solutions).
• Operates and monitors the plant using the SCADA system.
• Performs preventive and routine maintenance on plant equipment.
• Assists the Chief Operator with inspections and investigating water quality complaints.
• Carries out general building maintenance, basic repairs, and custodial duties.
• Receives and responds to after-hours water-related calls; coordinates with on-call staff.
• Regulates and adjusts chemical feed systems.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Strong understanding of operating principles for a Type A Water Treatment Plant.
• Familiarity with Federal, State, and local regulations related to water treatment.
• Knowledge of water treatment laboratory techniques, equipment, and safety procedures.
• Ability to conduct field and lab tests to support plant operations.
• Competency in record-keeping and maintaining operational logs.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and work independently.
• Physically capable of performing manual labor and equipment maintenance.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma.
• Valid New York State Driver’s License at the time of application.

Special Requirements for Employment:
Must possess a Grade IIA Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate issued by the New York State Department of Health at time of appointment.

Application Process:
Applications for this position may be obtained from the Kingston Civil Service Office, located at 420 Broadway, Kingston, or online at

The Kingston Water Department is an equal opportunity employer.

City of Kingston is a government agency located in the Hudson Valley.

We are dedicated to recruiting and retaining the most qualified people for positions in local government. Most jobs in local government fall under the Civil Service system. A "Civil Service" employee can be anyone from a secretary, Police Officer, Fire Fighter, a mechanic or a supervisor for a department. Different jobs have different requirements. Some jobs require that you take an examination to be considered for a permanent job. These are called competitive positions. There are three types of positions that have no examination requirements:

Exempt positions are those where the employer decides the qualifications of applicants and chooses the person they want to hire. The process is similar to that found in private industry.

Non-competitive positions have specific education and experience requirements that you must meet. Employers choose from among the qualified people who apply.

Labor positions have no requirements. Employers may choose anyone for these jobs.

If you are interested in a position with the City of Kingston, whether it be a tested or non-tested position, you must complete the Application for Examination and Employment which can be found on our website at

About City of Kingston:

We are dedicated to recruiting and retaining the most qualified people for positions in local government. Most jobs in local government fall under the Civil Service system. A "Civil Service" employee can be anyone from a secretary, Police Officer, Fire Fighter, a mechanic or a supervisor for a department. Different jobs have different requirements. Some jobs require that you take an examination to be considered for a permanent job. These are called competitive positions. There are three types of positions that have no examination requirements: Exempt positions are those where the employer decides the qualifications of applicants and chooses the person they want to hire. The process is similar to that found in private industry. Non-competitive positions have specific education and experience requirements that you must meet. Employers choose from among the qualified people who apply. Labor positions have no requirements. Employers may choose anyone for these jobs. If you are interested in a position with the City of Kingston, whether it be a tested or non-tested position, you must complete the Application for Examination and Employment which can be found on our website at

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Local area,

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