Positions: Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator OIT / I / II / III

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Department/Site: Public Works – Wastewater Division

Salary Grade: OIT – 115, I – 116, II – 119, III - 121

Union: AFSCME

Position Summary

Under varying levels of supervision depending on classification, the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator series performs essential duties related to the safe and efficient operation of the City’s Wastewater Treatment Facility and pump stations. Responsibilities include: monitoring and adjusting treatment processes, conducting routine sampling and laboratory testing, performing equipment inspections and basic maintenance, responding to alarms and emergencies, and ensuring compliance with environmental permits and regulatory requirements. Higher-level operators perform more advanced operational decision-making and may act as operator-in-charge in the absence of supervisory staff.

Level of Authority

Operator-in-Training (OIT)

Entry level position working under direct supervision. Learns foundational plant processes, laboratory testing, equipment functions, and safety procedures. Expected to obtain Group I OIT certification and advance to certification to an Operator I within required timeframes.

Operator I

First level certified operator working under direct supervision. Performs routine operational duties, participates in on-call rotation, and makes limited process adjustments with supervisory approval. Must hold a Washington State Group I certification.

Operator II

Journey Level operator working under general supervision. Performs a full range of operational and maintenance duties, acts as operator-in-charge as assigned, and makes independent process control decisions. Must hold a Washington State Group II certification.

Operator III

Advanced Journey Level operator working under general direction. Performs the most complex operational, diagnostic, and process control duties; provides guidance to lower-level operators; and may act as operator-in-charge with broad decision-making responsibility. Must hold a Washington State Group III certification.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

· Operate and monitor wastewater treatment processes, equipment, and systems to ensure regulatory compliance and proper plant performance.

· Conduct routine sampling, laboratory testing, and basic process calculations.

· Perform preventive maintenance, basic repairs, and equipment inspections.

· Maintain operational log, records, and data in accordance with regulatory standards.

· Respond to alarms, equipment malfunctions, and after-hours emergencies as assigned.

· Assist with biosolids handling and related facility processes.

· Support capital, maintenance, and improvement projects as directed.

· Follow all safety procedures, chemical handling requirements, and confined-space protocols.

· Participate in required training and maintain necessary certifications.

· Provide customer service and participate in public education activities as assigned.

Higher-level operators perform more advanced process control, troubleshooting, and oversight consistent with their certification level.

Qualifications

Knowledge and Skills

· Basic through advanced knowledge (depending on level) of wastewater treatment processes, plant equipment, and regulatory compliance requirements.

· Ability to perform sampling, laboratory testing, and interpret operational data.

· Knowledge of safety procedures, chemical handling, and emergency response practices.

· Ability to use computers, SCADA systems, and related software.

· Customer service and communication skills appropriate to plant operations.

Abilities

· Operate equipment, systems, and tools safely and effectively.

· Diagnose operational issues and implement corrective actions within level of authority.

· Maintain accurate records and perform required reporting.

· Work independently and as part of a team.

· Respond to emergency situations outside normal working hours.

· Complete assigned duties within required timeframes.

Education and Experience

Minimum Requirements for All Levels

· High school diploma or GED

· Additional technical coursework or college-level training in water/wastewater technology, chemistry, biology, engineering, or related fields is desirable.

OIT

· Demonstrated competence and experience in mechanical, pump, equipment operation, or wastewater facility work.

Operator I

· One year of wastewater plant experience or equivalent mechanical/industrial experience.

Operator II

· Three years of experience equivalent to Operator I.

Operator III

· Four years of experience equivalent to Operator II.

Licenses and Certificates

OIT

· Washington State Group I OIT Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate or ability to obtain within three (3) months

· First Aid/CPR and Flagger cards or ability to obtain within six (6) months

· Valid Washington State Traffic Control FLAGGER license or ability to obtain within six months.

Operator I

· Washington State Group I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate.

· Valid First Aid/CPR and Flagger cards or ability to obtain within six (6) months

· ICS 100, 200, 700a, 800b within six (6) months.

· Additional desired certifications: ESC Lead, Pesticide, Wastewater Collection Specialist.

Operator II

· Washington State Group II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate.

· First Aid/CPR cards or ability to obtain within six months

· Same additional certifications as above (desired).

Operator III

· Washington State Group III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certificate

· Same additional certifications as above (desired).

Physical Abilities

· Ability to walk, stand, climb, kneel, and lift objects typically up to 25 pounds frequently up to 60 pounds occasionally; heavier lifting with assistance.

· Ability to operate tools, equipment, and laboratory instruments requiring manual dexterity.

· Ability to work in confined spaces, on uneven surfaces, and at varying heights.

Working Conditions:

· Work performed indoors and outdoors at a wastewater treatment facility and pump stations.

· Exposure to noise, odors, chemicals, biological materials, and all-weather conditions.

· Subject to 24-hour emergency call-backs, shift variations, weekends, and holidays.

· Requires adherence to strict safety procedures and use of protective equipment.

This job/class description describes the general nature of the work performed, representative duties as well as the typical qualifications needed for acceptable performance. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, work steps, and skills required of the job.

Pay: $66,099.00 - $96,385.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

Do you acknowledge that you must submit an application (found on www.sedro-woolley.gov 's website) and a cover letter to HR@Sedro-Woolley.gov as well as submitting your resume via Indeed to be considered for this position?

Education:

High school or equivalent (Required)

Ability to Commute:

Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284 (Required)

Work Location: In person

City of Sedro-Woolley

New Jobs

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I, II or III