Wastewater Operator in Gig Harbor, Washington at City of Gig Harbor

The City of Gig Harbor is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Wastewater Operator. Applicants may be considered for appointment at any level within the Wastewater Operator series, from Operator in Training through Operator III, depending on certifications, experience, and qualifications. We are looking for candidates who take pride in serving the community and want to play a meaningful role in protecting public health, preserving environmental quality, and supporting essential services that keep the city safe, sustainable, and thriving for residents and future generations.

Salary Range:

Operator in Training: $35.21/hour

Operator 1: $38.17 - $47.75/hour

Operator 2: $46.18 - $57.77/hour

Operator 3: $50.81 - $63.56/hour

Benefits

Position Closes: June 26

POSITION OVERVIEW

The wastewater operator 1 is an apprentice level position responsible for operating and maintaining a single biological nutrient removal wastewater treatment plant and collection system utilizing wastewater lift stations and pressure mains.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The job duties and responsibilities represented in this job description do not imply that these are the only duties to be performed. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to undertake other projects consistent with the role as requested by a supervisor.

• Maintains collection system which consists of approximately 57 miles of sewer main and 17 lift stations of various sizes.
• Collects samples from the incoming wastewater, recirculated sludge, effluent, aeration basins, anoxic basins, and digester to determine such things as biochemical oxygen demand; temperatures, pH, suspended and dissolved solids; food to micro-organism rates; recirculation rates, chlorine residual; etc.
• Records equipment and instrument data on record sheets and computer.
• Inspects and maintains plant and system equipment which includes assuring proper operation of wastewater lift stations by checking operation of pumps, valves, and ventilators; cleaning and servicing equipment; and checking telemetry alarm system which detects malfunctioning equipment.
• Operates, maintains, repairs, and replaces primary and secondary treatment equipment including, but not limited to, tanks, pumps of various types, generators, UV disinfection, odor control equipment, process water equipment, instrumentation and controls, odor control scrubbers, centrifuge, gravity drum thickener, blowers, de-gritting equipment, clarifiers, and machinery.
• Participates in the operations and maintenance of lift stations, collection system and related equipment.
• Operates and maintains sewer line video inspection equipment.
• Uses a computer or tablet to effectively utilize the city’s asset management and maintenance program (Cartegraph).
• Operates various hand and power tools.
• Operates a variety of heavy equipment such as dump trucks, forklifts, backhoe, excavator, small crane truck, portable pumps, generators, diesel pumps, pressure washers and related equipment.
• Operates a variety of specialized equipment including but not limited to chain saws, weed eaters, lawn mowers, paint sprayers, pumps, cutoff saw, concrete saws, jackhammers, shoring equipment, compactors, fall protection, gas detectors, line locators, metal detectors, welders, cutting torches, amp probes, multi-meters, voltage testers, and closed-circuit television (CCTV).
• Stores, accounts for, and safely handles hazardous chemicals per Safety Data Sheets and safety practices.
• Repairs and maintains lift station pump and generator, and other general plant and lift station housekeeping and maintenance duties.
• Purchases equipment, parts, and supplies necessary for operation and maintenance of facilities.
• Operates the city’s eductor truck for line jetting and cleaning.
• Participates in required continuing education and training programs related to wastewater treatment.
• Collects data from lab bench sheets and biosolids production sheets, then enters in database.
• Performs and analyzes wastewater samples.
• Participates in the Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) program to ensure that fast food service establishments are adhering to the city’s municipal code pertaining to grease.
• May support in leading part-time, temporary or intern personnel within the division.
• Maintains punctual and reliable attendance.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Knowledge of:

• Basic math with the ability to read and calculate mathematical formulas.
• Safety and accident prevention practices and procedures and confined space entry practices.
• Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and procedures as related to wastewater collections and treatment.
• Secondary wastewater treatment processes and the operation of plant and wastewater system equipment.
• National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and associated testing requirements.
• Biosolids testing procedures.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively with other employees and the public, individually and in groups, verbally in-person and by phone, and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with residents, staff, elected officials, manufacture’s representatives, and other municipal technicians and officials.
• Quickly grasp new techniques, deal with rapid changes in priorities, and remain calm and effective in difficult situations.
• Perform tasks safely with accuracy and reasonable speed.
• Wear protective clothing and equipment such as rain and snow gear, hard hat, hearing protection, respirators, boots, goggles, and gloves.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

This job is performed primarily in an outdoor environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to discomforts such as adverse and sometimes extreme weather conditions, noxious and toxic fumes and gasses, and infection and disease carried by raw wastewater. Work may involve moderate risks, discomfort, or unpleasantness such as dust, grease, mud, and moving vehicles or machines. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to high. Performs job duties safely in a confined space environment as necessary.

Schedule: Typically works daytime hours with early morning starts, though hours are subject to occasional change and the employee may work a swing or night shift. May work overtime and is subject to 24-hour callouts during scheduled duty periods and emergencies. The employee will also be part of the scheduled on-call rotation and will be required to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays. Alternative work arrangements may be available as decided by the wastewater superintendent following the probationary period.

Driving and Travel: Driving would typically be less than ten hours per work week driving within the city limits. Travel is required to visit other work sites in the area and to attend meetings, trainings, and/or conferences as needed. Travel within the state is possible up to one week per year on average.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education, training and experience that indicates the individual can successfully perform the job may be considered.

Operator in Training

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Three (3) years of experience in general maintenance and/or trades related work.
• At least 6 months of full-time work related to Wastewater Treatment or Collections preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Basic knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and procedures as related to wastewater collections and treatment preferred.

Operator 1-3

• High school diploma or GED equivalent. Associate or bachelor’s degree in wastewater technology, environmental sciences, or related field preferred.
• Two (2) years of experience in general maintenance and trades related work.
• One (1) year of full-time work related to wastewater treatment or collections.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES

The following certifications and licenses are required for the position (or must be obtained within the timeframe stated) and must be maintained for the duration of employment.

• A valid Washington State driver’s license and two years of driving experience.
• First Aid/CPR card or the ability to obtain within six months of date of hire.
• Forklift certification or the ability to obtain within six months of date of hire.
• Commercial Class A or B Washington State Driver’s License (CDL) with a Tanker endorsement preferred.

Operator in Training

• Ability to obtain a Washington State Department of Ecology Group 1 Certification within twelve months of date of hire.

Operator 1

• Washington State Department of Ecology Group 1 Certification at time of hire.

Operator 2

• Washington State Department of Ecology Group 2 Certification at time of hire.

Operator 3

• Washington State Department of Ecology Group 3 Certification at time of hire.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The physical attributes described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and sit. The employee will use hands to finger, handle, feel, and keyboard; hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate various pieces of equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The employee is occasionally required to stand for long periods of time; walk, including over rough and uneven surfaces; engage in considerable activity including climbing ladders, balancing, bending, kneeling, stooping, squatting, crouching, crawling, and reaching; and lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally up to 80 pounds. An average level of physical agility and dexterity is required.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• A history of and ability to maintain safe and responsible driving that meets the city’s motor vehicle record minimum driving requirements.
• Ability to pass position relevant pre-employment screening.
• Ability to pass pre-employment medical exam and maintain a level of physical fitness necessary to perform the essential job functions.

The requirements outlined in this job description may be modified to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified for employment.