"Alerted.org



Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Operator

Salary

$41.26 - $47.77 Hourly

Location

Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Classified

Job Number

5101-25

Department

Environmental Services

Opening Date

08/01/2025

Closing Date

8/25/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Position Description

The City of Tacoma, Environmental Services Department is accepting applications for qualified candidates interested in becoming a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator on their platinum award winning team. Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators perform skilled work in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment, sludge processing, compliance and process testing, sampling, and other related tasks in a wastewater treatment facility. Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators maintain operating conditions by interpreting meters, gauges, biological and chemical analysis and observation of the treatment process.

Hourly range of pay for this this classification is: $41.26 - $47.77

Why it's a great opportunity:

The City of Tacoma is growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Enjoy a competitive total compensation package, the opportunity for a flexible schedule, opportunities for career advancement, and innovation workspaces.

The department recognizes the value of operator certifications and the benefit to the city of having a workforce that possess them. The City offers incentive pay for Operators with Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) Wastewater Operator Group 3 and Group 4 certifications. Operators with a Group 3 certification receive a 6% pay increase over the base wage while Operators with a Group 4 certification receive a 7% pay increase over the base wage.

This is an excellent promotional opportunity. You have the ability to grow with an exciting organization that is focused on supporting healthy neighborhoods and a thriving Puget Sound.

Advanced classifications in the Wastewater Treatment field include the following:

Position Titles Pay Range

Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Operator (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/tacoma/classspecs/103899) $41.26 - $47.77

Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Operator, Senior (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/tacoma/classspecs/103900) $50.30 - $52.81

Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Operations Supervisor (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/tacoma/classspecs/103896) $54.19 - $62.74

Our ideal candidate:

+ Has an excellent work record in Wastewater Treatment with proven knowledge, skills, and abilities to excel in a team environment.

+ Embraces continuous improvement, fosters innovation, ensures accuracy, manages details, and takes initiative.

+ Has good critical thinking ability and uses sound data to inform decisions.

+ Consistently helps coworkers and partners to achieve desired outcomes; gaining their trust and respect.

+ Genuinely embraces the mission to protect public health and the environment.

+ Is resilient and easily adapts to a changing work environment

If this sounds like you, please apply!

The City of Tacoma believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. This job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Examples of Job Duties:

+ Operate and maintain various equipment used in a wastewater treatment plant.

+ Start and regulate the operation of electric motors and pumps used to control the flow of wastewater or sludge.

+ Operate and control computer systems, mechanical rakes, grit systems, sludge withdrawal and dewatering equipment, boiler/heater exchangers, circulating and transfer pumps and related equipment.

+ Operate and provide process control using a sophisticated plant control computer systems and field equipment including barscreens, influent pumping, grit systems, primary sedimentation and raw sludge pumping; aerobic and anaerobic digestion systems including sludge withdrawal/recirculation and pumping systems; dewatering equipment, , boilers/heater exchangers, circulating and transfer pumps; high purity oxygen activated sludge secondary treatment, clarifiers, dissolved air flotation thickening system; odor control and related equipment.

+ Make necessary adjustments from an interpretation of readings of meters, gauges and other control and measuring devices.

+ Inspect bubbler systems, density meters, flow meters, chlorine applicators, gas mixers, air blowers, compressor and gas analyzers for proper operation.

+ Perform operational laboratory analysis to monitor and assure the efficiency of plant operations.

+ Perform minor plant repairs as needed. Perform manual operation of various gates and valves.

+ Perform various duties to assure the equipment, plant and grounds are in a safe, effective and orderly condition.

+ Prepare and maintain daily logs, records, and lab reports.

+ May operate heavy equipment such as dump trucks, front-end loaders and forklifts as needed.

+ Operate the plant process computer system and log lab data onto the computer network.

+ Contact other City agencies and vendors in the routine operation of the plant.

+ Perform related duties as assigned.

To see the full job classification please click here (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/tacoma/classspecs/103899?keywords=5101&pagetype=classSpecifications) .

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

+ Work includes indoor and outdoor environment; subject to adverse weather conditions, noise, fumes and odors; subject to working during non-regular working hours and emergency call-outs as needed.

+ Position requires lifting, bending, standing and climbing.

+ An employee in this position may be exposed to potentially hazardous materials.

+ The Wastewater Treatment Plant is a 24 hour, 7 days per week operation; employees are required to work shifts and the shifts may occasionally change due to operational needs.

To learn more about the Environmental Services Department, check out these links:

Central Treatment Plant Tour Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jx5DUy3SMaU

Operations and Maintenance Division: http://

cityweb/Gnet/Departments/ES/OpsMaint/Pages/default.aspx

Plant Operations: http://cityweb/Gnet/Departments/ES/OpsMaint/Pages/PlantOperations.aspx

North End Wastewater Treatment Plant: http://cityweb/Gnet/Departments/ES/OpsMaint/Documents/Plant%203%20NETP%20Overview.pdf

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.

Qualifications

An equivalent combination to:

Graduation from high school including training or course work in wastewater plant operation

AND

One year of experience in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

+ Valid Washington State driver's license at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter.

+ Valid Washington State certification as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator for Group I plants at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter. Refer to this link to the Washington State Department of Ecology for information on certification: https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Permits-certifications/Wastewater-operator-certification

Knowledge & Skills

KNOWLEDGE:

+ Basic tools and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of engines, motors, pumps and other equipment used in a wastewater treatment plant.

+ Standard practices and principles of wastewater treatment plant operation.

+ Oral and written communication skills.

+ Methods, equipment and materials used in wastewater plant operation and maintenance.

+ Operation, care and routine maintenance of plant equipment.

+ Health and safety regulations.

+ Safety techniques, testing and procedures used in handling dangerous or hazardous gases in confined spaces as related to wastewater treatment plant.

+ Basic mathematics and laboratory testing procedures.

SKILLS:

+ Learn and apply operating procedures for the wastewater treatment plant.

+ Apply safety procedures when working in hazardous areas or confined spaces.

+ Read and interpret system data and adjust processes.

+ Understand and follow oral and written directions.

+ Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

+ Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.

+ Maintain records and logs and prepare reports.

+ Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with other city employees.

+ Perform minor maintenance using a variety of tools and machines.

+ Operate heavy equipment such as dump trucks and forklifts within the plant facility.

+ Operate motor vehicles.

+ Evaluate by observation and inspection the effectiveness of operational processes and equipment.

+ Run standard wastewater laboratory tests.

+ Operate various computers used to control processes and record data.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

To be considered for this career opportunity:

Please apply online through the City of Tacoma's website . Individuals must meet the minimum qualifications to progress in the examination process.

Examination Process:

This is a competitive selection process. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their responses to the Supplemental Questions # 8-12 reviewed and scored by a committee of subject matter experts, as the Experience and Training Test . It is the responsibility of the applicants to adequately describe all pertinent experience and training. Please make sure you read the questions and provide complete informative answers, including your roles in the position and key activities. DO NOT respond with "see resume" in lieu of answering these questions; this will result in a failing score. Providing false information will result in disqualification.

Applicants who pass the Experience and Training test will be placed on an Eligible List for hiring consideration for a period of one year.

Per City of Tacoma Personnel Management Policy #170, the City of Tacoma is a drug-free work environment. Appointment is subject to passing a background check and a pre-employment medical exam, physical ability test and drug screen.

This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between The City of Tacoma and Local Union #483-Water Pollution (http://cityweb/Gnet/Departments/HR/Labor/Documents/483\_WP\_2018-2019\_Final\_Signed.pdf) .

New employees must successfully complete a nine-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.

Current Permanent City of Tacoma e mployees moving into the classification must successfully complete a six-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.

WHY WORK FOR THE CITY?

The City of Tacoma offers a generous program of employee benefits.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision benefits for the whole family; paid holidays and personal time off; participation in Tacoma's Public Employees' Retirement System and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities. For more information on the City of Tacoma's benefit package feel free to explore Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma (https://tacoma.gov/government/departments/human-resources/employee-benefits/)

Communication from the City of Tacoma:

We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders.

In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.

For assistance with the NEOGOV application process, questions regarding this job announcement, or if you are experiencing complications while applying, please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 pm of the closing date of the job announcement. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

01

The Supplemental Questionnaire is part of the selection process; accordingly, it should be completed carefully. It must be submitted with your application. Do not indicate "see resume" or copy unrelated content from your resume when answering these questions. Answer all information requested in each question. Failure to do so may result in rejection of your application.

I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification may cancel any terms, conditions, or privileges of employment.

+ Yes

+ No

02

Are you a high school graduate or equivalent?

+ Yes

+ No

03

Do you have least one year of experience in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant?

+ Yes

+ No

04

Will you have a valid Washington State Driver License by the first day of the job if you are offered this position?

+ Yes

+ No

05

Do you have a current, valid Washington State Group I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification, or will you be able to have one at the time of appointment to this position if selected for the job?

(Please attach a copy of your state certification if you have this certification)

+ Yes

+ No

06

If you do not have a current, valid Washington State Group I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification, when will you be able to attain this certification?

+ Not applicable, I already have my certification

+ January - March 2026

+ April - May 2026

+ June - July 2026

+ August - September 2025

+ October - November 2025

+ December 2025

07

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING TEST:

The Supplemental Questionnaire (Questions 8-12) are part of the experience and training test that will be used to establish the eligibility list is part of the examination process; accordingly, it should be completed carefully. It must be submitted with your application. Do not indicate "see resume" or copy unrelated content from your resume when answering these questions. Answer all information requested in each question. Failure to do so may result in rejection of your application.

Responses to supplemental questions must be the original product of the applicant. The use of the internet online tools including the use of Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc.), or plagiarism is considered cheating and falsification of the application. I understand that any form of cheating or falsification will disqualify my application for further consideration. I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification may cancel any terms, conditions, or privileges of employment. Your score on the experience and training test will reflect your responses.

Please indicate "Yes" to show that you have read and understand these instructions.

+ Yes

+ No

08

List all certifications you hold that are relevant to working in this position (beyond your Wastewater license). Include certification numbers and expiration date: upload the documents onto your candidate profile. If you do not have any relevant certifications, respond with "N/A."

09

In detail, please describe your domestic wastewater treatment plant operation experience. Include the type of plant facility and the design flow of the plant and maintenance experience; also include your major responsibilities in the operations of the treatment plant(s) you've worked in. If you have no relevant experience type "N/A".

10

Please describe your ideal wastewater treatment work team/group. What role(s) would you like to have on this team, and how would you sustain a productive functional team?

11

In what ways do you or have you promoted equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace? Please provide specific examples.

12

Tell us about what work you enjoy doing in the wastewater treatment industry.

13

Please tell us how you learned about this job opening. Select one.

+ Job Interest Card notification

+ Professional organization

+ Military organization

+ City of Tacoma employee

+ Online job board posting

+ Word of mouth

+ LinkedIn

+ Tacoma Training & Education Program (TTEP)

+ Indeed

+ Facebook

+ Instagram

+ Careers in Government

+ Government Jobs

+ Outreach Event

+ National Diversity Network

+ African American Job Network

+ Disability Job Network

+ Asian Job Network

+ Latino Job Network

+ Retirement Job Network

+ LGBT Job Network

+ Veteran Job Network

+ International Association of Venue Managers

+ Teamwork Online

+ Venue Coalition

+ Venues Now

+ International Entertainment Buyers Association

+ Other (see below)

14

Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Thank you, your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings.

15

Military Members - Did you remember to upload a copy of your DDForm 214, Member Copy 4, to this job announcement so your application can be reviewed for potential Veteran's Preference?

+ Yes

+ No

Required Question

Employer

City of Tacoma

Address

Human Resources Department 747 Market Street Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764

Phone

253-591-5400

Website

http://www.tacoma.gov

Apply

Please verify your email address Verify Email