Wastewater Operator I (Teamster Grade 3)

City of Snoqualmie; Snoqualmie (WA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Wastewater Operator I/II position at the City of Snoqualmie is open as one combined posting. Depending on qualifications, the selected candidate will be placed at the Operator I (entry level) or Operator II (experienced) level.

The successful candidate will work within the Wastewater Operator series under the Parks & Public Works Department and contribute to the operation and maintenance of the sewer and water systems.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old and have graduated from high school or obtained a GED equivalent.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License with driving record free of serious or frequent violations.
• Able to acquire and maintain within 1 year: WA Wastewater Operator Class 1; WA Traffic Control Flagger; CDL with minimum Class B; First Aid CPR/AED; forklift/powered industrial truck operator; FEMA ICs 100, 200, 700, 800.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor wastewater treatment plant and related systems.
• Perform preventative and corrective maintenance on pumps, valves, motors, and control systems.
• Learn and assist with electrical, plumbing, and mechanical repairs as needed.
• Respond to emergencies and weather events; participate in routine maintenance tasks.
• Read and interpret engineering plans, schematics, and technical manuals.

Skills

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Communication

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Programmable logic controllers (PLC)

SCADA / data acquisition software

Job description

Wastewater Operator I / Wastewater Operator II
One Position Available

The City is recruiting for one (1) Wastewater Operator position within the Wastewater Operator classification series. The position may be filled at either the Wastewater Operator IorWastewater Operator II level, depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, certifications, knowledge, skills, and experience.

Wastewater Operator I is the entry-level classification within the Wastewater Operator series. Employees at this level perform a variety of duties related to the operation and maintenance of the Wastewater Treatment Plant while developing the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to progress within the classification series.

Wastewater Operator II is the experienced-level classification within the series. The Operator II level is distinguished from Operator I by the required level of certification, demonstrated understanding of wastewater treatment plant equipment and operations, and the ability to analyze treatment processes and make recommendations for process changes.

Important:

Although two job postings are listed—Wastewater Operator I and Wastewater Operator II—there is only one position available. Applicants will be considered for the appropriate classification level based on their qualifications.

About the City:

Nestled in the scenic foothills of the Cascade Mountains, the City of Snoqualmie is a vibrant and growing community known for its exceptional quality of life, strong sense of community, and stunning natural surroundings. The City is perhaps best known for the iconic Snoqualmie Falls, which attracts visitors from around the world and serves as a centerpiece of the region’s natural beauty. Snoqualmie blends small‑town charm with forward-thinking development, offering a balance of residential neighborhoods, thriving local businesses, and outdoor recreation opportunities. With continued growth and development, the City is committed to thoughtful planning, economic vitality, environmental stewardship, and maintaining the character that makes Snoqualmie unique. City leadership is dedicated to providing high-quality public services, fostering community engagement, and building strong partnerships across the region.

Equity Statement:

The City of Snoqualmie strives to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We value a variety of perspectives and life experiences and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply. Applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under federal, state and local laws. We believe diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to the success of our City operations.

Summary:

The Wastewater Operator performs semi-skilled work, while in a training capacity, monitoring and controlling operations of the City of Snoqualmie sewer collection and treatment facilities, reuse water system, during assigned shifts and emergency situations. The Wastewater Operator also participates in the overall operational functioning of assigned work on a team where the Parks & Public Works Director is the head of the Department. Works under the direct supervision of a Lead and general supervision of the Division Superintendent.

• A union position that performs general sewer collection utility work in the installation, maintenance, repair, and operation of control systems and mechanical and electrical equipment associated with Sanitary Sewer collection, and treatment systems.
• The work requires skills related to utilities equipment and systems. Duties include learning and gaining skill in the principles, practices, materials, equipment, and operating procedures of an advanced nutrient removal activated sludge treatment plant producing Class A reclaimed water, and sanitary sewer collection system.
• Performs janitorial as well as painting duties; complete electrical and plumbing repairs as needed.
• Maintain lawns and outdoor facilities through operation of mowers, pruning equipment, and other hand tools.
• Employees in this classification are responsible for assuring the technical correctness of their own work. May perform duties of similar complexity in other maintenance areas as required or assigned.
• The Parks and Public Works Department has a team approach to its maintenance activities. While this position is primarily in sanitation, the overall maintenance priorities will provide the opportunity to participate in other maintenance functions at times.

Scope of Responsibilities:

• Wastewater Operator I is accountable for performing all assignments in a timely, effective, and efficient manner. The following duties are not inclusive of all duties; may perform a variety of other duties as assigned, including assisting other Parks and Public Works Department divisions in the event of an emergency.
• Members of the Parks and Public Works maintenance team are involved on a routine basis in decision making, goal setting, scheduling, hiring, planning, peer review, and problem solving. They determine how they will work together and how they will rotate through various job tasks associated with their work. They have a part in developing performance measures for the group and in setting goals around these measures. Members are results-oriented, accountable, and work at a high standard of excellence.
• Assist senior staff with inspecting, testing, removing, disassembling, repairing, replacing, reassembling, installing, aligning, and restoring to operation a variety of water mechanical equipment and systems, including, but not limited to, the following: pumps, motors, engines, power transmission equipment, valves and piping appurtenances, tanks, screening devices, generators, chemical feed systems, auxiliary equipment, and control systems.
• Perform preventative and corrective maintenance measures and requirements; evaluate equipment operation.
• Use computerized maintenance databases to monitor related records, such as work orders, preventative and corrective maintenance systems, equipment specifications, and work histories.
• Prioritize and schedule maintenance in collaboration with maintenance and operations supervisory staff.
• Depending on area of assignment, inspect water pumping stations on a regular basis.
• Perform other related work as required.
• Responds to emergency situations such as weather events and natural disasters including heavy rain, downed trees, snow and ice events, windstorms, earthquakes, and mudslides/flooding.

Education and Experience:

The applicant must be at least 18 years of age and have graduated from high school or obtained a GED equivalent. Any combination of related education and experience may be considered if it demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

Licensing and Certification:

• Valid Washington State Driver’s License with driving record free of serious or frequent violations.

Ability to acquire and maintain the following certifications within (1) year of hire is required:

• Washington State certification as a Wastewater Operator Class 1
• Washington State Traffic Control Flagger
• CDL with minimum Class B endorsement may be required
• First Aid CPR/AED
• Forklift/powered industrial truck operator certification in accordance with (LNI) rules
• FEMA ICs 100, 200, 700, 800

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Occupational hazards and necessary safety precautions applicable to maintenance and operations work.
• Municipal wastewater collection system and its operating facilities and/or municipal water reuse systems. Collection, and pumping practices or similar heavy industrial experience.

Skill and Ability to:

• Maintain a safe and clean work area; clean and maintain tools and equipment used in the performance of duties.
• Safely and efficiently operate and utilize with skill all tools and equipment associated with the corrective and preventative maintenance activities in an industrial process setting, including various machinery, and welding equipment associated with plant maintenance.
• Learn the principles, practices, materials, and procedures pertinent to an activated sludge and biological nutrient removal wastewater treatment plant operation and collection system.
• Use computer terminals, software programs, and computer systems standard to the area of assignment, including programmable logic controllers and data‑acquisition programs.
• Read and interpret complex engineering plans, schematics, wiring diagrams, work orders, flow charts, and technical manuals.
• Applicants must demonstrate the ability to absorb, analyze, and apply new technical information; and communicate technical information clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Accurately log instrument readings, operating information; perform a variety of maintenance and housekeeping work; recognize and respond quickly to problems in the assigned facilities; work cooperatively with others as a member of a technical operations team; and perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Work safely with electrical equipment, toxic chemicals, and in unpleasant and/or dangerous conditions.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with co‑workers, supervisors, other City staff, and the public.
• Relate to others in a courteous and respectful manner, work in a team atmosphere. Maintain a work environment free of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
• Work safely and in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, and with City laws, policies, and standards.

• Support diversity and multi-cultural understanding in the workplace.
• Apply interpersonal skills using tact, patience, courtesy, and good judgment.
• Be coachable.
• Collaborate on a regular basis.
• Demonstrate accountability.
• Maintain regular reliable and punctual attendance, work flexible evening and/or weekend hours as required; Ability to travel as required.
• Work in a team and work independently with little oversight and without frequent reminders.
• Adhere to job site safety plan.

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Working conditions will vary depending upon assignment. The Wastewater Operator I may be assigned to hazardous work areas such as street surfaces, rights of way, medians, in ditches, pits and underground vaults, confined spaces, around heavy equipment, and operating potentially dangerous tools. Typical assignments are out of doors, occasionally requiring work in inclement weather at dirty, wet, noisy, or cramped work sites. The work involves strenuous physical labor, requiring physical dexterity and mechanical aptitude.