Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Operator-in-Training

Position Description

The City of Tacoma is accepting applications to provide an opportunity to entry-level candidates for the position of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-in-Training.

The City of Tacoma is committed to training and developing qualified individuals who are pursuing careers in the Wastewater field. As an Operator in Training, you will have the opportunity to gain experience in routine operational duties typical of a wastewater treatment plant.

**Hourly range of pay for this this classification is: ** $35.07 - $39.20 **

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainees will participate in a supervised on-the-job training program. The goal of this program is to provide candidates with the necessary skills and abilities to become successful Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators. Under direct supervision, the trainee will learn a variety of functions pertaining to the efficient and safe operation of the facilities. Elements of the training program may include pre-treatment processes; primary treatment; secondary treatment; oxygen generation; disinfection; effluent pumping; solids handling; methane utilization; laboratory sampling and analysis; electrical systems; instrumentation and control; safety procedures; computer duties; odor systems; regulations; general plant housekeeping and maintenance duties.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator in Training Program
Candidates selected for this opportunity will be placed in the Wastewater Treatment Plant
Operator-in-Training classification and paid at the following rates:

Step 1 85% of WWTP Operator Step 1 at time of appointment Step 2 90% of WWTP Operator Step 1 after passing the OIT examination Step 3 95% of WWTP Operator Step 1 after passing the WWTP Operator Level 1
certification and completing a minimum of twelve (12) months. Step 4 100% of WWTP Operator Step 1 after passing the WWTP Operator Level 1
certification and completing a minimum of twenty four (24) months.
The City of Tacoma will reimburse 100% of the testing fee for a successfully passed test. All provisions in the current collective bargaining agreement which apply to the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators will apply to the Operator(s) in Training, except that Operators in Training will not be eligible for standby or bidding to other locations. Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-in-Training candidates will be subject to a two-year probation period.

The Ideal Candidate is a person with the following traits:

• Excellent attendance
• Great customer service skills and a positive, friendly attitude
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn by following examples and asking questions
• Enjoys teamwork and proactively pitches in on projects and assignments
• Enjoys working both indoor and outdoor, in a variety of weather conditions
• Self-motivated individual with a positive attitude who has the ability to work independently and within a team.

If this sounds like you, please apply!

Essential Duties:

• Assist Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators.
• Clean digesters and grit tanks; pump out sludge; remove rags and sand.
• Maintain facilities and equipment in a safe, clean and orderly manner; wash down facility equipment and machinery as required.
• Assist plant operators in lab tests, plant operation and general clean-up.
• Inspect, clean and perform preventive maintenance on buildings, grounds and wastewater treatment plant, process and safety equipment.
• Assist in wastewater operations, maintenance and process control (prepping and cleaning of treatment facility equipment and areas, performing laboratory sampling and providing emergency support at assigned facility).
  Perform manual labor using basic hand or power tools or miscellaneous equipment at wastewater treatment plant and associated facilities.
• Participate in continuing education and training programs related to wastewater treatment.
• Operate specialized equipment such as forklifts and portable pumps at wastewater treatment plant and associated facilities.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

• Position requires heavy lifting, climbing and working from heights, climbing stairs, fast reflexes, good eyesight, bending, stretching and standing.
• Work includes indoor and outdoor environment; subject to adverse weather conditions. Employees may be required to work night shifts as part of the training program.
• Employees in this position may be subject to hazardous chemicals; operate and maintain oily, greasy machinery, climb ladders and scaffolding; shovel coal, sand and rock. Walk up to three miles per shift; climb stairs; lift 50-pound bags of chemicals.

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.

Qualifications

Graduation from high school or equivalent.

Two years college level course work in the environmental sciences, microbiology, chemistry, or mathematics is preferred (but not required).

Please note that this is an entry-level job opportunity. Candidates with prior job experience in this area, training and/or certifications as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Group 1 or higher, will exceed, and therefore not meet the qualifications for this position, and will not be eligible to proceed in the hiring process .

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Valid Washington State driver's license at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter.

Satisfactory completion of training and on-the-job experience to obtain Operator in Training Certification within six months.

Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of basic mathematics and algebra.
• Basic knowledge of mechanical and electrical theory.
• Basic knowledge of industrial safety procedures and practices.
• Skill in operating basic hand and power tools.
• Skill in following basic written and oral instructions.
• Skill in communicating effectively with the general public, team members and other work groups.
• Knowledge of and ability to maintain compliance with safety rules and procedures.
• Ability to write legibly, read with comprehension, and perform accurate algebraic and arithmetic calculations.
• Ability and willingness to attend job-related classes and seminars.
• Ability to operate and maintain equipment and machinery used in wastewater treatment.
• Ability to work closely with others.
• Ability to learn to operate and use computer systems.
• Skill in the operation of hand and power tools.
  

COMPETENCIES
An employee in this class must be able to demonstrate continuing progress in gaining the following competencies while enrolled in the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Training Program.

PHYSICAL:
Participate in daily physical activities required of the assigned position.

LEARNING:
On a daily bases come to work prepared and ready to learn given assignments. Complete training assignments on time, safely, and accurately.

MOTIVATION:
Demonstrate the desire to learn and work in the trade. Perform all assignments with a high degree of enthusiasm and encourage peers to perform at their highest level.

ADAPTABILITY:
Report to work on time and prepared. Work during day and night and various weather situations.

TECHNICAL:
Properly and safely operate assigned tools and equipment based upon the methods taught and demonstrated in class and in the field. Remain current by reading and interpreting applicable codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures as they apply to field of trade.

COMMUNICATION:
Read and interpret study material, applicable codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures as they apply to field of trade. Write in clear and legible hand writing.

PROFESSIONALISM:
Conduct all work and study assignment in a professional and timely manner. Learn and maintain professional skills of the trade that apply to all aspects of field of trade through continued learning, training, and work assignments.

PUBLIC RELATIONS:
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors and the general public.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

To be considered for this opportunity:
Interested individuals must complete the online application and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that includes major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position.

Candidates who are eligible for Veteran's Preference scoring criteria must attach a copy of their DD-214 member copy 4, (proof of military discharge form) at time of application , to be eligible for review for Veteran's Preference points, with redacted birthdate and social security numbers.

Examination Process:
This is a competitive selection process. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their responses to the Supplemental Questions # 8-10 reviewed and scored by a committee of subject matter experts, as the Experience and Training Test . It is the responsibility of the applicants to adequately describe all pertinent experience and training. Please make sure you read the questions and provide complete informative answers, including your roles in the position and key activities. DO NOT respond with "see resume" in lieu of answering these questions; this will result in a failing score . Providing false information will result in disqualification.

Applicants who pass the Experience and Training test will be placed on an Eligible List for hiring consideration for a period of one year.

Per City of Tacoma Personnel Management Policy #170, the City of Tacoma is a drug-free work environment. Appointment is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment background check, and will include a pre-employment medical exam, physical ability test, and a drug and alcohol screen.

This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and the IBEW Local 483/Water Pollution. New employees must successfully complete the probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification in accordance with the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-in-Training program.

Employees in the same Rank on the Eligible List will have the date and time of the submission of their job application used as the tie-breaker to determine which employee has seniority over any others; seniority will be determined by the sequence of application submittals, with the first submittal having seniority over subsequent submittals.

WHY WORK FOR THE CITY?
The City of Tacoma offers a generous program of employee benefits.
The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision benefits for the whole family; paid holidays and personal time off; participation in Tacoma's Public Employees' Retirement System and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities. For more information on the City of Tacoma's benefit package feel free to explore Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

The City of Tacoma
Tacoma is a mid-sized urban port city that sits along the Puget Sound with a population of nearly 220,000. The third largest city in the state of Washington, it is a diverse, progressive international gateway to the Pacific Rim.

The City of Tacoma supports a healthy work/life balance, continuing education programs, leadership pathways, wellness incentives and a total rewards benefits program. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny:

http://www. tacoma.gov
http://www.traveltacoma.com/

The City of Tacoma believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. This job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Communication from the City of Tacoma:
We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

The online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information. Be prepared to spend at least an hour entering information. In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.

For assistance with the NEOGOV application process, or questions regarding this job announcement, call the Human Resources office at (253) 59-5400 before 4:00 pm of the closing date of the job announcement.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 8/11/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Tacoma

• 253-591-5400

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