Water Treatment Plant Operator

City of Tacoma; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Tacoma is seeking a Water Treatment Plant Operator to join Tacoma Water. This role involves operating and maintaining the water treatment plant, ensuring safe and effective water supply for over 300,000 residents. Candidates must have relevant certifications and experience in water treatment. The position offers competitive hourly wages based on certification level.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience in water treatment or water quality.
• Possession of a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain water treatment plant equipment.
• Perform laboratory analysis and maintain safe operating conditions.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures for plant optimization.

Skills

Water Treatment

Chemical Analysis

Safety Procedures

Education

Water Treatment Plant Operator Level III certificate

First Aid Certificate

CPR card

Job description

The rate of pay is based on a collective bargaining agreement that expired on December 31, 2024. The City of Tacoma and IBEW Local 483 are currently engaged in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement.

Tacoma Water is recruiting to establish an eligible list for the Water Treatment Plant Operator classification, which will be used to fill vacancies as they occur for one year unless the eligible list is extended or abolished.

Tacoma Water provides direct service to more than 300,000 people in the City of Tacoma, Pierce and King counties, and several other municipal water suppliers. We operate a 150 MGD conventional/direct filtration plant commissioned in 2015. Positions are located at the Green River Filtration Facility near Ravensdale, WA.

Working in rotating 12-hour shifts, Water Treatment Plant Operators perform skilled work in the operation and maintenance of the water treatment plant. Responsibilities include maintaining operating conditions by interpreting meters, gauges, chemical analysis, and observing treatment processes; performing laboratory analysis; maintaining equipment and facilities in a safe and effective manner; operating, maintaining, and controlling various water treatment system components; and actively developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and providing input for plant improvements and optimization to ensure reliable water treatment and supply.

Hourly wage depends on Water Treatment Plant Operator certification level:

• Level 3 certification: $50.24 hourly
• Level 4 certification: $52.75 hourly

Candidates should have three years of experience working in water treatment or water quality with a private or public water utility.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a valid Water Treatment Plant Operator Level III certificate (or higher) with the Washington State Department of Health or other state agencies granted reciprocity by WADOH. (The Green River Water Treatment Facility has a Level IV rating established by the Washington State Department of Health.)
• Possession of a valid Washington State driver's license
• First Aid Certificate
• CPR card
• Completion of Tacoma Water's Hazardous Chemical Training Class within six months of appointment.

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. The city embraces its multicultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. Equity and empowerment are top priorities, ensuring all residents have equitable opportunities to reach their potential and share in community progress. We aim for our workforce to reflect the community we serve and actively work to eliminate disparities. We welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.

The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected basis.