Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator 3

State of Washington; Washington; On-site; USD 90,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote/telework/flexible schedules

Up to 25 paid vacation days a year

8 hours of paid sick leave per month

12 paid holidays a year

Generous retirement plan

Flex Spending Accounts

Dependent Care Assistance

Deferred Compensation

Bereavement leave for Teamsters 117 (3

Job summary

Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) Correctional Industries is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator 3 at McNeil Island to oversee the island’s water system, regulatory compliance, and related infrastructure. The role includes training incarcerated individuals and ensuring water quality meets DOH standards.

The position requires Group 3 wastewater certification, Water Distribution Manager 1, and the ability to obtain the 3 certification within 12 months.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma.
• Two years’ experience planning and supervising the work of others.
• Group 3 wastewater cert with ability to obtain Group 3 within 12 months.
• Water Distribution Manager 1 certification within 12 months of hire.
• Complete Correctional Worker Core training for interaction with offenders.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operation, maintenance, and regulatory compliance of the island’s water system.
• Maintain the well house and water distribution infrastructure.
• Lead training and instruction for incarcerated individuals.
• Ensure chemical testing meets federal and state requirements.

Skills

Team supervision

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

WDM1 Certification

Group 3 Wastewater Certification

Job description

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator 3

Full Time | Permanent

Location: McNeil Island Stewardship | McNeil Island, WA

Salary Range: $89,724 - $109,272 Annually

This position is represented by the Teamsters 117 bargaining unit.

The candidate of choice must work from the McNeil Island for each shift. This position has 4, 10 hour shifts from 6:30AM – 4:30PM Tuesday – Friday.

Are you an experienced water and wastewater treatment professional who enjoys sharing your knowledge and supporting hands‑on job training? Join Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) Correctional Industries and help maintain essential water and wastewater infrastructure while contributing to meaningful work training opportunities for incarcerated individuals.

As the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator 3, at McNeil Island, you will oversee the operation, maintenance, and regulatory compliance of the island’s water distribution system, well site, and associated equipment. This position requires a minimum Group 3 wastewater treatment operator certification, a valid Water Distribution Manager 1 (WDM1) certification, which will ensure you can be responsible for collecting appropriate water samples in accordance with Department of Health (DOH) standards. You will maintain the well house, related equipment, and water distribution infrastructure while providing operational support and backfill coverage for the wastewater treatment plant.

In addition to your technical responsibilities, you will serve as a lead resource for training and instructing incarcerated individuals in equipment maintenance, water system operations, and related physical plant activities. You will help ensure chemical testing meets applicable federal and state requirements while maintaining compliance with relevant Revised Code of Washington (RCW) provisions, Washington Administrative Code (WAC) regulations, and Department policies.

Correctional Industries is committed to expanding work training programs that develop marketable skills, promote positive work ethics, and reduce the financial burden of corrections. If you’re ready to put your technical expertise to work while helping others develop valuable skills, join DOC and make a lasting impact on operational reliability, workforce development, and safer communities.

We are looking for teammates who share our vision of public service and are committed to an equitable and inclusive culture that fosters and inspires excellence, while promoting innovation, engagement, and safety, leading to better outcomes for our incarcerated population, our agency, and our community.

As a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator 3, some of your duties will include:

• Operating Wastewater Treatment Plant and/or Well house and Distribution Network which could include:
  • Operating the Wastewater Treatment plant at McNeil Island concurrent to regulations and policy set by the Department of Ecology (DOE), Department of Health (DOH), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Corrections
  • Ensures proper operation of the MIS well and samples well water as described by DOH guidelines
  • Maintaining adequate quantity and quality potable water to staff and residents of McNeil Island
  • Ensuring sufficient quantities of water available for fire protection
  • Operating the plant per Department of Ecology(DOE), Department of Health (DOH) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Corrections policies.
• Instructing and training
• Chemical Testing
• Other duties as assigned

What we need (required qualifications):

• High School Diploma
• Two (2) years’ experience planning and supervising the work of others
• Must have a Group 2 Wastewater Certification issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology with the ability to obtain a Group 3 Wastewater Certification issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology with the first (12) months of hire.
• Must have or obtain a Water Distribution Manager 1 Certification from the Washington State Department of Health within 12 Months of hire
• Must successfully complete Correctional Worker Core (CWC) training program for interaction with offenders
• Valid driver’s license

What will make your application stand out (preferred qualifications):

• Ability to perform chemical tests, analyzes results, and makes appropriate adjustment to the water treatment system
• Computer skills with experience in Word, and Excel
• Backflow assembly test certification
• WDM2 or higher certification from WA DOH Cross connection specialist certification

Vision:

Working together for safer communities.

Mission:

Improving public safety by positively changing lives.

Our Commitment:

To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.

Our Core Values

• Cultivate an environment of integrity and trust: Corrections values partnership and trust. We foster openness and support courageous conversations. We are committed to doing what we say we are going to do by being accountable and taking personal ownership in our actions.
• Respectful and inclusive interactions: Corrections appreciates and values individuals by promoting an inclusive and diverse environment, which encourages safety. We respect, value, and listen to the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of our stakeholders and consider the impact on those we serve as well as each other.
• People's safety: Corrections believes in creating an environment that values physical, mental, and emotional security and well-being. We honor those who advance safety for all.
• Positivity in words and actions: At Corrections, we assume positive intentions and believe there is a shared desire for the best outcome. We consistently demonstrate positive behavior and always put forth our best effort.
• Supporting people's success: Corrections is committed to our community – understanding individuals, instilling hope, embracing change, and providing opportunities.

DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
• DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov
• This recruitment may be utilized to fill more than one position.
• Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates. **Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.
• A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.
• We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration.
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
• Foreign equivalent degrees awarded outside the United States must have a credential evaluation report attached to your application. You may request the required evaluation/documentation from www.wes.org and www.aice-eval.org. Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.

Telework Details

This position may be allocated for telework. If authorized for the role, work may be performed from your home or another offsite location within the state of Washington using a reliable internet or cellular hotspot service at that time. Employees are expected to perform assigned duties in a safe manner, to take proper care all state‑issued equipment, and maintain confidentiality of all information in possession while working offsite. Employees will be required to commute to a Department of Corrections facility or field office as business requires, to potentially include components of the onboarding process. Some offices will have a “drop in” area available, however, a dedicated workspace within a DOC facility will not be provided.

What We Offer:

As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:

• Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
• Up to 25 paid vacation days a year
• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
• 12 paid holidays a year
• Generous retirement plan
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Deferred Compensation and so much more!

*Teamsters 117 represented positions receive 3 days of bereavement leave.

Retirement Options

• PERS: State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, visit the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) or call 800-547-6657.
• PSERS: Many positions within DOC are covered by the Public Safety Employees' Retirement System (PSERS). If someone moves from a PERS-eligible position to a PSERS eligible position, they will retire under two different systems/plans. Contact DRS for more information.

For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email [e-mail] or call us at 509-630-9160. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.