Salary

$5,652.40 - $6,787.73 Monthly

Location

Yakima, WA

Job Type

Full-time

Department

Public Works

Division

Water

Opening Date

07/27/2026

Closing Date

8/3/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

AFSCME

Description
Benefits
Questions

Initial candidate eligibility is based on the job application and any accompanying documentation. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient information and details within the body of the application (education and work experience sections) to permit the City of Yakima to properly evaluate the candidate's qualification, abilities and experience as it relates to the requirements of the position. For calculation of experience, one year of experience equals 12 months with a minimum of 173.33 hours per month. Additional required documents must be attached. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of application fields.

Overview And Minimum Class Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIRENTS

High school graduation or GED and any combination of education and experience equivalent to four years' experience related to the operation of a water treatment facility and two years of relevant education beyond high school or GED, with not less than one year of working experience in a drinking water surface water treatment plant. Must meet minimum education and experience requirements in the State of Washington Waterworks Operator Certification Program Guidelines for a Water Treatment Plant Operator III Certification.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

Must possess at time of appointment and maintain a valid State of Washington Driver's License and must possess or be able to obtain and maintain, within six months of appointment, a valid Washington State Water Treatment Plant Operator III Certification, a basic First Aid Certificate and CPR certificate.

Job Summary

Under limited supervision drives between, operates and maintains a wastewater treatment plant and associated sanitary, industrial, and storm water pumping stations. Drives City vehicles and performs other related work as required.

This is the senior level position in the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator series. Employees at this level are required to be fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Employees in this class will monitor, operate, adjust and maintain all treatment plant processes, will provide training and technical direction to other operators, and may act as the Operator-in-Charge of a shift based on policies and procedures outlined by Process Control Supervisor. Operators at this level are required to understand the treatment plant’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit reporting requirements and treatment process operation to ensure permit compliance.

Incumbents are expected to actively seek and obtain knowledge, skill and experience to enable obtainment of a Washington State Department of Ecology Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Group IV certificate as soon as qualified.

Essential Functions

Observes and monitors water flows directly and as indicated by instruments at the intake structure, booster pumping stations, reservoirs, wells and treatment plant. Operates and maintains the telemetry system including antennas, troubleshooting, programming and adjustments. Maintains and calibrates pressure transmitters, flow meters, valve position and limit switches, level transmitters, on-line water quality instruments such as fluoride, pH, temperature, chlorine, electrical charge, etc.

Bio-Terrorism, Security and Federal Emergency Management: In accordance with the Bio-Terrorism law, must be sensitive concerning the security of the water supply systems. Must also comply with the National Incident Management System.

Monitors and adjusts flows at the Water Treatment Plant to meet the demand of the water users and reservoirs and adjusts the pump sequence at the pump stations and wells to maintain the reservoirs at an acceptable level to provide adequate water for fires or other emergencies and for scheduled maintenance such as flushing mains. Manually and/or remotely adjusts valves and pump controls to regulate flow rates.

Safely drives and operates vehicles and other motorized equipment to perform required duties in a variety of locations, within a timely and efficient manner and adhering to all traffic laws and regulations. Worksites include but are not limited to the water treatment plant, ground water well sites, river intake sites and other locations in and around Yakima.

Maintains daily log on filters, chlorine residual, pressure, flows, reservoir levels, etc.; changes charts and enters information into the computerized data collection system. Maintains record of work through a computerized work order tracking system.

Adds correct amounts of several types of chemicals for disinfection, coagulation, filtration, taste and odor control and fluoridation. Adjusts chemical feed rates manually or remotely to maintain proper treatment as prescribed in the Surface Water Treatment Rule and the Washington State Department of Health "Treatment Optimization Program." Handles, mixes and stores a variety of chemicals used for water treatment including polymers, sodium hypochlorite, aluminum sulfate, ploy aluminum chlorides, calcium hypochlorite, caustic soda and fluoride. Receives chemicals from suppliers.

Monitors water quality and many points in the treatment and distribution system for turbidity, chlorine residual, pH, temperature, taste and odor, fluoride, hardness and alkalinity. Maintains and operates water testing equipment such as turbidimeters, pH meters, color meters and several types of residual analyzers, hydrometers, and others.

Monitors dual-media sand filters during production and backwash cycles. Monitors chemical reactions, coagulation and polymer additions to observe and assure proper operation and production of water. Makes changes in backwash set points on computer graphical user interface as required by conditions.

Maintains, calibrates and repairs a variety of equipment such as chemical feeders, pumps and motors, air compressors, pneumatic valves and air cylinders.

Maintains structure and grounds as required to maintain the cleanliness and proper appearance of various locations including but not limited to: booster pumping stations, wells and water treatment facilities by performing janitorial duties such as: painting, watering, weed and pest control and making repairs to needed structures. Drives to, maintains and repairs the Water Treatment Plant, wells and pump station buildings and all systems including plumbing, heating and cooling system, carpentry and other custodial duties.

Requires regular and reliable attendance.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Major Worker Characteristics

Knowledge of: current health and safety water standards including federal, state and local water quality rules and regulations, Washington State Department of Health "Treatment Optimization Program", and Endangered Species Act; computer and programmable logic controllers for plant operation control systems; machinery, equipment, materials and operating procedures of a water treatment plant including pumping stations; testing instruments and chemicals used in testing and treating water; chemistry, bacteriology, mathematics; safe handling techniques for hazardous materials.

Knowledge of City of Yakima rules, regulations, policies and procedures, federal, state and local traffic laws, rules and regulations, with ability to drive safely and efficiently.

Ability to possess a valid WA State driver’s license, drive and/or operate equipment, vehicles and tools with precision, speed and safety. Ability to consistently work safely and in compliance with the federal, state and local regulations, laws, policies and standards. Ability to recognize traffic hazards and other potential safety concerns and to make sound decisions and actions while operating vehicles, tools and machinery.

Ability to: work independently, make fast and accurate decisions leading to corrective action for the maintenance and operation of the plant; accurately read meters and gauges and detect faulty characteristics; keep logs and records of operations and input into the computer; set up and perform laboratory analysis of water samples and to determine adjustments; conduct preventative and corrective maintenance on plant equipment; operate all plant equipment including backhoe; perform skilled mechanical repairs; perform moderately strenuous physical work; establish and maintain effective working relations; understand and follow oral and written instructions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Capacity for sustained attention to functioning machinery, equipment, vehicles, and computerized monitor system. Good sensory perception to monitor plant machinery and operations visually, audibly, by smell, and by touch (for temperature and vibration) on an ongoing basis. Ability to make rapid and sound decisions in the event of extraordinary situations such as equipment malfunctions, rapid deterioration of raw water quality, or power outages, to ensure the quality of finished water and protect public health. Frequently required to exercise this judgment while unsupervised. Physical strength and ability sufficient to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods under wet, cold, and generally unpleasant conditions. Frequent climbing and balancing while on ladders. Frequent bending/twisting at knees/waist/neck while performing mechanical repairs and maintenance items. Occasional kneeling/crouching/crawling while making repairs in confined spaces and awkward positions. Continuous use of both hands and arms while driving and in maintenance activities. Continuous use of all senses, including feeling, talking, hearing, smell and vision while performing mechanical repairs and while communicating with coworkers and general public. Must not be color blind and must possess good field of vision. Required to wear safety protective gear when necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Shift work, adverse weather conditions, heights and possibility of exposure to hazardous chemicals. Requires routinely driving and/or traveling to a variety of locations. Due to the safety requirement to wear protective masks, incumbents may be required to remove facial hair or take other actions as necessary to obtain a proper seal between masks and face. Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs.

The City of Yakima is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Temporary employees are not covered by collective bargaining benefits listed below.

The City Of Yakima Is a Premier Employer In The Yakima Valley With Extensive Opportunities For Training And Growth. The City Offers a Competitive Benefit Package Including

Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
FREE healthcare clinic!
WA State PERS pension plan
2% contribution to a 457 deferred compensation plan
Leave accruals:
- Vacation – Starting at 7.67 hours/month
- Sick – 8 hours/month
- Personal holiday – 2 days
- Observed holiday – 11 holidays
Up to 5% bilingual/biliterate English/Spanish special pay
Life Insurance
Much more!

The pay range listed for this position is establish through the City of Yakima’s Master Pay Ordinance in accordance with the Municipal Code and/or the applicable collective bargaining agreement. New employees generally start at step A with progression through the steps based on merit and successful performance evaluation.

City of Yakima employees are paid and accrue benefits on a monthly basis.

This position is covered by the AFSCME Municipal collective bargaining unit. Click here to view the union contract and benefits.

01

Did you clearly document your work history in the Work Experience section of your application including dates, titles and duties for each position/classification held?

02

What is your highest level of education?

High School Diploma/GED
Some College
Associates Degree
Bachelors Degree
Masters Degree
Technical/Trade Certification
None of the above

03

Do you possess a Washington State Water Treatment Plant Operator III Certification?

04

How many years of experience do you possess related to the operation of a water treatment facility?

None
Less than 4 years
At least 4 years and less than 8 years
At least 8 years and less than 10 years
At least 10 years

05

If you have the experience above, enter here the name(s) of the employer(s) and your job title(s). (Be sure application clearly outlines your job duties and lists both the months and years of experience in each position.)

06

How many years of experience do you possess working in a drinking water surface water treatment plant?

None
Less than 1 year
At least 1 year and less than 5 years
At least 5 years and less than 10 years
At least 10 years

07

If you have the experience listed above, enter here the name(s) of the employer(s) and your job title(s). (Be sure your application clearly outlines your job duties and lists both the months and years of experience in each position.)

08

Please describe particular skills, experience or training which you believe BEST qualifies you for this position.

Required Question

Employer City of Yakima

Address 129 N. 2nd Street

Yakima, Washington, 98901

Phone (509) 575-6090

Website http://www.yakimawa.gov

City of Yakima

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Water Treatment Plant Operator III