Plant Operator

City of Kennewick•Waste Water Treatment Plant City of Kennewick, WA

8d•$31 - $45

About The Position

The City of Kennewick is recruiting to fill one vacancy, which may be filled at either the Operator-in-Training or Plant Operator level. Plant Operators work under general supervision in the wastewater treatment plant or collections divisions of the Public Works Department, performing skilled, semi-skilled, and general work. Duties include installing, inspecting, maintaining, and repairing wastewater system components; conducting wastewater sampling, monitoring, laboratory testing, and reporting; and ensuring proper performance and compliance with program guidelines, criteria, and City specifications. Employees may be temporarily assigned to other City departments as needed and must be able to work independently with minimal direct supervision, plan assignments, identify and resolve problems, and comply with City and department policies and procedures. Plant Operators are classified as Level II, III, or IV based on job-required qualifications and the level of Washington State Department of Ecology Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License obtained. The posting provides hourly salary schedules by classification and step: Operator-in-Training Group II, $31.27–$36.25; Plant Operator Level II, $34.74–$40.28; Level III, $38.38–$42.37; and Level IV, $40.76–$44.99. Work hours are varied and include holidays and overtime, including evenings and weekends. On-call work applies to Plant Operators only. The City emphasizes public service, employee and community safety, integrity, inclusiveness, stewardship, communication, accountability, and collaborative problem-solving. Employees are expected to follow applicable OSHA/DOSH regulations and the City’s Accident Prevention Plan, identify and correct potential hazards, promote workplace safety, and prioritize safe completion of work. For Plant Operator positions, the minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or GED and at least 12 months of experience in general maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant or sewer system of equivalent capacity, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The Plant Operator must obtain a Washington State Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Level II license within 18 months of hire. For the Operator-in-Training pathway, a high school diploma or GED is required, and the Washington State Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-in-Training Level II certification must be obtained within 24 months of hire. After the required operating experience under WAC 173-230-250, the certification upgrades to Group II and the position advances to Plant Operator Level II.

Requirements

For Plant Operator: high school diploma or GED and at least 12 months of experience in general maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant or sewer system of equivalent capacity, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
For Operator-in-Training: high school diploma or GED.
Knowledge of methods, tools, materials, and practices involved in installing, repairing, servicing, and constructing sewer lines and related equipment.
Ability to read and interpret maps, plans, blueprints, and similar engineering drawings.
Ability to operate equipment required for the position, including heavy equipment as a relief operator when needed.
Knowledge of safety and traffic-control procedures.
Ability to work independently, identify problems, and exercise initiative in making needed repairs.
Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with the general public and fellow employees.
Ability to oversee personnel in lower classifications.
Valid, unrestricted Washington State Driver’s License, which must be maintained.
Obtain first aid and any other certifications required by law, ordinance, or department regulations within six months.
For Plant Operator: obtain Washington State Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Level II within 18 months of hire.
For Operator-in-Training: obtain Washington State Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-in-Training Level II within 24 months of hire.

Nice To Haves

Optional Washington State Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Level III classification.
Optional Washington State Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Level IV classification.

Responsibilities

Operate and monitor wastewater treatment equipment, including headwork screens, sprayers, motors, screw presses, pumps, clarifiers, and biosolids-facility equipment.
Collect wastewater samples and perform, interpret, evaluate, and record standard laboratory tests on wastewater, biosolids, and composite samples.
Prepare periodic and specialized reports on laboratory testing and make recommendations regarding treatment plant process control.
Identify problems and deficiencies and perform general maintenance, housekeeping, repairs, and servicing of pumps, equipment, treatment facilities, pump stations, lift stations, and sewer system components.
Read flow meters, check flow loggers, record observations and weather data, and make adjustments as necessary.
Maintain municipal lift stations, make weekly rounds, and ensure wastewater auxiliary pumping systems are operating properly.
Operate equipment such as loaders, tractors with tillers, manlifts, and forklifts, and operate heavy equipment as a relief operator when needed.
Assist the Wastewater Collections Division and Automated Controls & Telemetry Specialist as directed.
Provide tours of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and biosolids facility and explain their functions and operation.
Educate the public on the proper operation of wastewater quality-control devices.
Assist with commercial and industrial pretreatment inspections according to City program and Department of Ecology guidelines.
Perform weekend, holiday, on-call (Plant Operators only), and overtime work as required.
Follow applicable safety practices and policies, identify and correct potential hazards, and promote safe work practices.
Establish and maintain good working relationships with the public and fellow employees, and oversee personnel in lower classifications.