Chief Plant Operator

Job Description

Salary Range: $5,301-$7,949 per month

Work Location: 7300 Hawthorne Rd

Normal Work Days/Hours: Thursday-Monday 11:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m.

Application Deadline Date: October 02, 2026

Responsibilities

What you'll do

• Supervises and participates in the operation of one or more major treatment facilities and multiple pumping stations and flood pumping stations.
• Establishes operating procedures on an assigned shift for the efficient operation of wastewater facilities.
• Supervises and participates in troubleshooting problems with processes and equipment.
• Ensures proper priority is assigned to repair work by maintenance crews and that operational records are accurate, complete, and up to date.
• Ensures that sample collection and handling is performed in accordance with NPDES permit requirements and sound scientific practices.
• Trains plant operators and develops specific plans for career development of employees under their supervision.
• Provides safety training and ensures that safe work practices are strictly adhered to.
• Enforces city policies and work rules and performs related duties as required.

• Treatment facilities and pump stations operate reliably, safely, and in regulatory compliance.
• Equipment and process issues are identified quickly and resolved with minimal disruption.
• Maintenance priorities are clearly communicated and aligned with operational risk.
• Staff are properly trained, engaged, and progressing in their careers.
• Safety procedures are consistently followed, resulting in a strong safety record.

• Leadership role with real operational ownership and decision-making authority
• Paid training and certification support
• Clear career progression within wastewater operations leadership
• Comprehensive benefits package including health coverage, retirement, and paid time off
• Predictable scheduling with defined shifts

This position ensures the safe treatment of wastewater and the protection of public health and the environment. Your leadership directly affects regulatory compliance, system reliability, and the safety of both employees and the community.

Qualifications

REQUIRES

• High school graduation and
• 1 year experience at the level of Senior Plant Operator.
• Must possess a valid State -issued driver's license in accordance with the City of KCMO policies.
• Must possess an A-level operator certification in waste/wastewater issued by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
• May be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen.
• Must pass a post-offer phyiscal examination as prescribed by the City.

Other Information

Military veterans encouraged to apply

Why You'll Love Working with Us - Core Employee Benefits (Benefits offered to all permanent employees unless otherwise specified)

Comprehensive Health Coverage

Affordable medical, dental, and vision plans with multiple options and low employee contributions.

Generous Paid Time Off

Enjoy vacation, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays-with accruals that grow the longer you're with us.

Secure Retirement Planning

City-funded pension plan plus an optional 457 savings plan to help you build long-term financial security.

Support for Life's Big Moments

Paid parental and bereavement leave to help you navigate major life events with peace of mind.

Tuition Assistance

Get reimbursed for eligible education expenses-invest in your future while you work.

Income Protection

Short- and long-term disability coverage options to safeguard your earnings.

Life Insurance Provided

City-paid life insurance with the option to add more coverage for extra peace of mind.

Community Volunteer Leave

Take up to 8 hours annually to give back to causes you care about.

Want the Full Picture?

Click here for a complete benefits summary.

URGENT!!! CRITICAL RECRUITMENT INFORMATION

Applications and/or resumes are evaluated on the information received by the application deadline. Please ensure that your application or resume clearly demonstrates how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying, this includes providing all relevant educational dates and a detailed description of relevant work experience, including months/years of employment. Applications and/or resumes may not be considered if information is incomplete.

In order for a resume to be used in lieu of an application the resume must have been submitted online via the City's Applicant Tracking System.

Positions requiring a high school diploma/GED certificate must be obtained from a school/program accredited by the Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

The minimum education requirement for positions that allow for experience equivalency for an accredited degree is a high school diploma. Unless otherwise specified, an accredited degree must be obtained from a college or university listed with the U.S. Department of Education and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

For positions with a salary grade of EX6 or higher that require an accredited degree, qualifying professional experience must be obtained AFTER the accredited degree is obtained.

Successful completion of a pre-employment criminal history/background check is required for all positions. Some positions require a post offer drug screen and/or physical.

If appointed, non-residents must obtain residency inside Kansas City, Missouri's city limits within nine months.

The City of KCMO is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The City is committed to providing a workplace environment for its employees and citizens free from discrimination based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity. For more information, please see our EEO Policy

The City of KCMO is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please call 816-513-1908 or send an e-mail to [email protected] .

If claiming military veterans' preference points, you must attach a copy of your DD-214 or a DD-256 (for reservists). To claim veterans' points you must have served 180 days of regular active duty service and be discharged or released under honorable conditions during peacetimes or 90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during "wartime" and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions. (DOD) 38 U.S. Code • 4211).