Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I

City of Bremerton•Bremerton, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Bremerton is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I to perform skilled journey-level work operating and maintaining the City of Bremerton’s Class IV secondary wastewater treatment plant and Eastside UV/Combined Sewer Overflow Plant (ESTP). This position monitors and controls treatment processes, analyzes operational data, performs routine maintenance and repairs, and responds to changing plant conditions to ensure compliance with state and federal standards and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements. The salary includes longevity pay and a cost of living increase for 2027.

Requirements

Principles, practices, equipment, materials, and procedures used in the operation and maintenance of Class IV secondary wastewater treatment and UV/combined sewer overflow (CSO) facilities.
Advanced secondary activated-sludge treatment processes, including biotowers, aeration basins, fine-bubble diffusion systems, biosolids processing, and odor-scrubber systems.
Laboratory sampling, testing equipment, quality-control procedures, and reporting requirements applicable to wastewater treatment operations and Department of Ecology permits.
Mechanical, electrical, pumping, chemical-feed, and process-control systems used in wastewater treatment facilities.
Occupational hazards, confined-space requirements, hazardous chemical handling, and safety practices applicable to wastewater treatment plant operations and maintenance.
Computer applications, data-management systems, and asset-management software used to record and analyze plant operations, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
Operating, monitoring, and adjusting wastewater treatment, pumping, biosolids, laboratory, and odor-control equipment.
Using and maintaining hand tools, power tools, maintenance equipment, laboratory instruments, and landscaping equipment safely and effectively.
Analyzing operational data, instrument readings, and laboratory results to identify problems and respond quickly to plant operations problems.
Maintaining accurate records, logs, reports, and computerized operating data.
Interpreting and complying with NPDES permit requirements, City procedures, operating directives, and applicable safety regulations.
Prioritizing work and responding quickly and appropriately to process upsets, equipment failures, emergencies, and changing plant conditions.
Performing mathematical calculations and applying basic wastewater-treatment formulas and equations.
Communicating technical information clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Working independently and collaboratively while maintaining effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, contractors, and the public.
Entering and working safely in confined spaces in accordance with City and OSHA requirements.
At least eighteen (18) years of age.
High school diploma or GED.
At least one (1) year of experience working in a water, wastewater, industrial, process-control, mechanical, or closely related operational environment.
Washington State Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Class I certification.
Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license (and/or ability to obtain/transfer to WA Driver’s License within 30 days).
Obtain and maintain a Washington State CPR/First Aid certificate within twelve (12) months of hire.

Nice To Haves

Obtain a Class II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate within eighteen (18) months of hire.

Responsibilities

Monitor and operate all wastewater treatment equipment; evaluate laboratory data, instrument readings, and visual inspections; and make process adjustments to maintain treatment performance and regulatory compliance.
Operate the plant centrifuge and adjust flow rates and operating conditions to maintain consistent biosolids production.
Monitor plant effluent and ensure levels meet or exceed Washington State Department of Ecology and NPDES permit requirements.
Operate, inspect, and maintain the WWTP odor-control system, respond to odor complaints and make necessary operational adjustments.
Perform required laboratory duties, including collecting, handling, and securing samples to prevent contamination during regular plant hours and weekends.
Inspect plant machinery and equipment; perform routine, preventive maintenance; troubleshoot equipment malfunctions; and coordinate with maintenance staff as needed.
Review operating directives, laboratory data, instrument readings, and prior-shift log entries to make operational decisions and assist with maintenance planning.
Respond to plant alarms, equipment failures, process upsets, and other emergency situations as directed.
Coordinate hazardous chemical transfers and safely prepares or mix chemicals used in treatment processes.
Maintain accurate operating logs, instrument readings, work records, and electronic data in plant databases and asset management systems.
Maintain control of tools, equipment, and inventory and ensure treatment facilities and assigned work areas are clean, orderly, and safe during assigned shifts.
Conduct educational tours for members of the public, and train employees and volunteers as required.
Monitor and operate the recreational vehicle sanitary disposal site.
Perform landscaping and grounds-maintenance duties at wastewater facilities and properly operate and maintain landscaping equipment.
Perform janitorial and general facility-maintenance duties at the WWTP and ESTP.
Works assigned on-call 24hr coverage and respond to call-outs within thirty (30) minutes.
Performs related duties and special projects as assigned and/or required.