Plants Operator In Training, Plants Operator I, II, III

City of Bellingham • City of Bellingham, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Keep the water flowing. Protect public health. Build a career that matters. Join our team as a Plant Operator, and operate the critical systems that provide safe drinking water and wastewater treatment for our community. We offer hands-on training, career advancement opportunities, and meaningful work every day. Apply today! JOB SUMMARY: The Plants Operators In Training, I, II, III series performs progressively responsible wastewater and water duties, computer console operations, process control, troubleshooting functions, minor maintenance to equipment, facilities and grounds to ensure proper operation of incinerators, advanced secondary wastewater treatment plant systems, water distribution, wastewater collection, and water treatment plant. Duties are performed on a rotating shift basis and include weekend, graveyard, swing shift, and after-hours public works dispatch responsibilities. Error or negligence in performance could result in equipment damage, violation of air and water quality standards, and have serious consequences for the City's water supply and/or wastewater treatment system. For more information, please review the job classification . WHY JOIN OUR TEAM? Joining the City of Bellingham means becoming a part of a team that believes our greatest impact comes from working together with purpose, humility and a shared commitment to our community. Every employee contributes to delivering meaningful results for the people who live, work and visit here. We value people who approach challenges with curiosity, respect and collaboration. If you are motivated by building a career in public service, we encourage you to apply.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required upon entry.
• One year of experience or related training using hand and power tools and motorized equipment to perform manual labor required upon entry.
• Department of Ecology certification as an Incinerator Operator obtained within 1 year from date of hire (for Operator in Training).
• Must advance to Plant Operator I within two years of hire as a Plant Operator in Training.
• Department of Ecology Solid Waste Incinerator Operator certification (for Plant Operator I, II, III).
• Department of Ecology Wastewater Operator Group I certification (for Plant Operator I).
• Department of Health Waterworks Operator Level I certification (for Plant Operator I).
• Must advance to Plant Operator II within three years of promotion or hire as a Plant Operator I.
• Department of Ecology Wastewater Operator Group II certification (for Plant Operator II).
• Department of Health Waterworks Operator Level II certification (for Plant Operator II).
• Must advance to Plants Operator III within six years of promotion or hire as a Plants Operator II.
• Department of Ecology Wastewater Operator Group III certification (for Plant Operator III).
• Department of Health Waterworks Operator Level III certification (for Plant Operator III).
• Valid Washington State driver's license and good driving record.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule involving shift rotation, call-back for relief shifts, overtime, and emergency situations which may include evenings, weekends or holidays.
• Employment contingent on passing a criminal background check.
• Must secure and maintain the required certifications to progress in the classification series within established time limits.
• Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Associates in applied science degree in process technology, instrumentation and control technology, water supply technology, wastewater technology, or related field preferred.
• Associates of science degree or bachelor's degree in science, engineering, or mathematics is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate critical systems that provide safe drinking water and wastewater treatment.
• Perform progressively responsible wastewater and water duties.
• Operate computer consoles.
• Perform process control.
• Perform troubleshooting functions.
• Perform minor maintenance to equipment, facilities, and grounds.
• Ensure proper operation of incinerators, advanced secondary wastewater treatment plant systems, water distribution, wastewater collection, and water treatment plant.
• Work on a rotating shift basis, including weekends, graveyard shifts, swing shifts, and after-hours public works dispatch responsibilities.

Benefits

• 10 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
• 12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year
• 8 hours sick leave accrued monthly
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security
• Optional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED