Plant Operator-in-Training (Water Operations)

City-of-Richland,-W; Richland (WA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Richland is seeking a Plant Operator Trainee in Water Operations. You will operate motorized equipment and perform plant and facility operations and maintenance, including groundskeeping. The role involves rotating shifts, weekends and holidays.

Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent, and one year of experience in potable water systems operations. A full set of WA licenses/certifications must be pursued within specified timeframes; a valid driver’s license is

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• One year of experience in operations or construction of potable water systems.
• WA Operator-in-Training certificate required within six months to test.
• WA Water Plant Operator I/II/III and WA Water Distribution Manager I/II/III certificates required within one year to test.
• Valid driver’s license required at hire.

Responsibilities

• Operate motorized equipment and perform plant and facility operations and maintenance including grounds keeping.
• Serve as Plant Operator Trainee performing Plant Operator functions as needed.
• Work rotating shifts, to include weekends and holidays.

Skills

Valid driver's license

Plant operations knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Operator-in-Training (OTI) certificate within six months

Water Plant Operator I certificate within one year

Water Distribution Manager I certificate within one year

Water Plant Operator II certificate within one year

Water Distribution Manager II certificate within one year

Water Plant Operator III certificate within one year

Water Distribution Manager III certificate within one year

Job description

Department:Public WorksDivision:Water OperationsThe wage for this position is set by the IUOE Collective Bargaining Agreement, starting at step A: $29.30/hourlyPosition Salary range is $29.30 - $33.72/hourlySUMMARY OF POSITIONUnder the direction of the Water Manager or designee, operates motorized equipment and performs plant and facility operations and maintenance including grounds keeping; serves as Plant Operator Trainee performing Plant Operator functions as needed.Works rotating shifts, to include weekends and holidays.Click here to review the full job description for this position.SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATIONThis position will be posted internally/externally concurrently for ten (10) working days. However, only qualified, regular full-time, IUOE City employees will be given first consideration if they apply within the first five (5) working days of posting.If no qualified regular IUOE City employees apply within the internal posting close date/time, then all qualified external applicants will be considered. Internal qualified IUOE applicants who apply after the initial five (5) day promotional posting will compete with qualified external applicants.Selection will be based on overall qualifications, skills testing (if applicable) and an interview process. Final candidate selected will be subject to a comprehensive background/reference check and pre-employment physical commensurate to the position.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSEDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTSHigh school diploma or equivalent.One (1) year of experience in the operations or construction of potable water systems.Or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that will provide the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS & OTHER REQUIREMENTSValid driver’s license upon hire date.Washington State “Operator-in-Training” certificate within six (6) months of eligibility to test.Washington State Water Plant Operator I certificate within one (1) year of eligibility to test.Washington State Water Distribution Manager I certificate within one (1) year of eligibility to test.Washington State Water Plant Operator II certificate within one (1) year of eligibility to test.Washington State Water Distribution Manager II certificate within one (1) year of eligibility to test.Washington State Water Plant Operator III certificate within one (1) year of eligibility to test.Washington State Water Distribution Manager III certificate within one (1) year of eligibility to test.WE ARE RICHLANDAt the City of Richland, your work makes a difference every day. From maintaining essential services to enhancing our community, you’ll be part of a team that values teamwork, integrity and excellence in what we do.With a strong sense of purpose, great benefits, and a commitment to growth, we are building a community we’re proud to serve.Richland Rewards – Supporting Those Who ServeSummary of City of Richland benefits for IUOE affiliated staff (union-represented employees):Regular Full-Time Employee BenefitsExcellent preferred provider plan with a substantial City-paid contributionCity-paid dental and vision plansCity-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance (equals two times the employees annual salary)City-paid Long-term Disability InsuranceParticipation in the State of Washington's Retirement Plan (PERS)Paid Time Off (PTO)10 Paid Holidays4% City-match (base pay) deferred compensation plan 457Extended Sick Leave (ESL)City-paid and Employee-paid Retirement Health Savings PlanSection 125 - Flexible Benefits Plan (Medical/Dependent Care)Employee Assistance ProgramPaid Time Off (PTO) AccrualPaid Time Off (PTO) Accrual Rates**Rates subject to change based upon collective bargaining agreement (CBA). See CBA for eligibility requirements. For 2025-2027 IUOE CBA, rates are as follows:Years of Continuous Service**Hours Per Month**0-9: 20.1710-15: 22.1716-20: 24.1720+: 26.17The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting and retaining a highly qualified and diversified work force. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age (over 40), martial or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities will be provided for participation in the application and selection process, if requested. Persons with a disability who need assistance must notify the Human Resources Department about the accommodation needed at the time of application and prior to the closing date by calling [phone].The provisions of job announcements listed on this website do not constitute an expressed, or implied, contract of employment with the City. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.