Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Assistant
About The Position
The City of Tacoma is hiring a Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Assistant in its Environment and Public Works Department. The position supports maintenance machinists, electrical technicians, and plant operators with operating, repairing, and cleaning equipment, tools, buildings, and grounds at wastewater treatment plants, pump stations, and the bio-solids manufacturing area. It is an entry-level opportunity to gain practical experience alongside skilled maintenance and wastewater professionals. The department’s Operations and Maintenance, Plants and Pump Stations team maintains two wastewater treatment plants and 49 pump stations. The work includes assisting with equipment and facility maintenance and repair, performing preventive maintenance, cleaning treatment facilities and equipment, ordering and transporting supplies as directed, maintaining electronic records, and operating tools and equipment. The position involves indoor and outdoor work, travel between sites, exposure to noise, fumes, odors, gases, and potentially hazardous materials, and work in confined spaces and varied weather conditions. Physical demands include prolonged standing, bending, climbing, using tools and machinery, and lifting or moving heavy objects.
Requirements
- High school graduation or equivalent, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Six months of experience in maintenance, construction, equipment operation, or general manual labor.
- Valid Washington State driver's license at appointment, maintained thereafter.
- Knowledge of safe working methods.
- Knowledge of basic methods, tools, and techniques used in wastewater system maintenance and operation.
- Knowledge of basic maintenance and construction materials and supplies.
- Ability to operate small hand and power tools, including pipe threaders, grinders, drills, hammers, wrenches, and saws.
- Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions.
- Ability to perform heavy semi-skilled labor with minimum supervision.
- Ability to learn and apply hygiene, safety, and health procedures related to wastewater treatment plants.
- Ability to meet schedules and established timelines.
- Ability to lift, carry, or move equipment, parts, and materials weighing up to 90 pounds.
- Ability to observe legal and defensive driving practices.
Responsibilities
- Assist higher-classification employees with repair and maintenance of wastewater treatment and conveyance equipment and facilities.
- Assist with removing, repairing, and rebuilding pumps and motors.
- Assist with inspecting and replacing flights in settling tanks and perform work on evaporators and water pumps.
- Inspect fire and first-aid equipment.
- Connect and replace motor controls in electrical panels and troubleshoot various systems.
- Perform preventive maintenance, including changing oil and filters; checking and replacing batteries; checking and adjusting pump packing; lubricating and oiling equipment; cleaning air conditioners; and inspecting equipment according to established procedures.
- Clean digesters and grit tanks, pump out sludge, and remove rags and sand.
- Maintain facilities and equipment in a safe, clean, and orderly condition; wash down equipment and machinery as required.
- Contact vendors to order parts and supplies as directed and transport parts and supplies as required.
- Prepare and maintain electronic records.
- Operate hand and power tools, including drills, hammers, pipe threaders, grinders, wrenches, and saws.
- Operate equipment such as diesel or gas pumps, pressure washers, motor vehicles, and forklifts.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Employee benefits are offered; specific benefits are not detailed in the posting.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
