Job Description

Position Description

The City of Tacoma, Environment & Public Works 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.

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 $41.26 - $47.77 Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Operator, Senior $50.30 - $52.81 Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Operations Supervisor $55.82 - $64.62
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 .

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 Environment & Public Works 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

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

City of Tacoma’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

The Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

Application Process

Interested individuals should apply online by completing the application and attaching a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process.

Applicants who are eligible for veterans scoring criteria (Veterans Preference) MUST attach a copy of their DD-214 member copy 4 (proof of military discharge form) at time of application to be eligible for review for Veteran's Preference points.

Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the Neogov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should 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 email folders.

Supplemental Questions

This is a competitive selection process. Applicants will be required to respond to written questions outlining their experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of this position. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their responses to Supplemental Questions #8 to #12 reviewed and scored by a committee of subject matter experts, as the Experience and Training Test. These questions will be scored based on the information provided. 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.

Accommodations : We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation during this process, please contact Human Resources at (253) 591-5400.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Hourly Rate: $41.26 - $47.77

Annual Salary: $85,820.80 - $99,361.60

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

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 age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 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.

Closing Date/Time: 9/22/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

City of Tacoma, WA

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Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Operator