Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I

The salary indicated above includes longevity (1% earned after five years and increases to a maximum of 4% after 20 years). Additionally, a 3.8% cost of living increase has been approved for 2027.

Under the general supervision of the WWTP Operations Supervisor, the WWTP Operator I performs skilled journey-level work operating and maintaining the City of Bremerton’s Class IV secondary wastewater treatment plant and Eastside UV/Combined Sewer Overflow Plant (ESTP). The position monitors and controls treatment processes, analyzes operational data, performs routine maintenance and repairs, and responds to changing plant conditions to ensure compliance with state and federal standards and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements.

•Monitor and operate all wastewater treatment equipment; evaluate laboratory data, instrument readings, and visual inspections; and make process adjustments to maintain treatment 38.14performance and regulatory compliance.

•Operate the plant centrifuge and adjust flow rates and operating conditions to maintain consistent biosolids production.

•Monitor plant effluent and ensure levels meet or exceed Washington State Department of Ecology and NPDES permit requirements.

•Operate, inspect, and maintain the WWTP odor-control system, respond to odor complaints and make necessary operational adjustments.

•Perform required laboratory duties, including collecting, handling, and securing samples to prevent contamination during regular plant hours and weekends.

•Inspect plant machinery and equipment; perform routine, preventive maintenance; troubleshoot equipment malfunctions; and coordinate with maintenance staff as needed.

•Review operating directives, laboratory data, instrument readings, and prior-shift log entries to make operational decisions and assist with maintenance planning.

•Respond to plant alarms, equipment failures, process upsets, and other emergency situations as directed.

•Coordinate hazardous chemical transfers and safely prepares or mix chemicals used in treatment processes.

•Maintain accurate operating logs, instrument readings, work records, and electronic data in plant databases and asset management systems.

•Maintain control of tools, equipment, and inventory and ensure treatment facilities and assigned work areas are clean, orderly, and safe during assigned shifts.

•Conduct educational tours for members of the public, and train employees and volunteers as required.

•Monitor and operate the recreational vehicle sanitary disposal site.

•Perform landscaping and grounds-maintenance duties at wastewater facilities and properly operate and maintain landscaping equipment.

•Perform janitorial and general facility-maintenance duties at the WWTP and ESTP.

•Works assigned on-call 24hr coverage and respond to call-outs within thirty (30) minutes.

•Regular attendance is required.

•Performs related duties and special projects as assigned and/or required.

•Principles, practices, equipment, materials, and procedures used in the operation and maintenance of Class IV secondary wastewater treatment and UV/combined sewer overflow (CSO) facilities.

•Advanced secondary activated-sludge treatment processes, including biotowers, aeration basins, fine-bubble diffusion systems, biosolids processing, and odor-scrubber systems.

•Laboratory sampling, testing equipment, quality-control procedures, and reporting requirements applicable to wastewater treatment operations and Department of Ecology permits.

•Mechanical, electrical, pumping, chemical-feed, and process-control systems used in wastewater treatment facilities.

•Occupational hazards, confined-space requirements, hazardous chemical handling, and safety practices applicable to wastewater treatment plant operations and maintenance.

•Computer applications, data-management systems, and asset-management software used to record and analyze plant operations, including Microsoft Word and Excel.

•Operating, monitoring, and adjusting wastewater treatment, pumping, biosolids, laboratory, and odor-control equipment.

•Using and maintaining hand tools, power tools, maintenance equipment, laboratory instruments, and landscaping equipment safely and effectively.

•Analyzing operational data, instrument readings, and laboratory results to identify problems and respond quickly to plant operations problems.

•Maintaining accurate records, logs, reports, and computerized operating data.

•Interpret and comply with NPDES permit requirements, City procedures, operating directives, and applicable safety regulations.

•Prioritize work and respond quickly and appropriately to process upsets, equipment failures, emergencies, and changing plant conditions.

•Perform mathematical calculations and apply basic wastewater-treatment formulas and equations.

•Communicate technical information clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.

•Work independently and collaboratively while maintaining effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, contractors, and the public.

•Enter and work safely in confined spaces in accordance with City and OSHA requirements.

Equivalent combinations of education, technical training, certifications, and experience that demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the position will be considered except where licenses or certifications are required. 

•Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license (and/ ability to obtain/transfer to WA Driver’s License within 30 days) .

•Possess and maintain a Washington State Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Class I certificate and obtain a Class II certificate within eighteen (18) months of hire.

•Obtain and maintain a Washington State CPR/First Aid certificate within twelve (12) months of hire.

The position requires the ability to perform heavy physical work, including climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, and performing repetitive hand movements while operating, inspecting, maintaining, and repairing wastewater treatment equipment and facilities.

Work requires manual dexterity to operate tools, controls, laboratory equipment, computers, and machinery, as well as the ability to communicate effectively through speaking and hearing. The position requires exerting up to 100 pounds occasionally, up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 20 pounds continuously.

The position also requires close visual acuity sufficient for reading instruments and documents, analyzing data, using computers and measurement devices, inspecting equipment, and evaluating the accuracy and completeness of work.

Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor wastewater treatment environments with limited protection from weather and temperature changes. The position may involve exposure to extreme cold below 32 degrees and extreme heat above 100 degrees for periods exceeding one hour, including the effects of wind and humidity.

The position may involve exposure to loud noise requiring raised voices, vibration, moving machinery and vehicles, electrical hazards, elevated work areas, chemicals, sewage, fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, poor ventilation, and other atmospheric or physical hazards associated with wastewater treatment operations.

Work frequently requires entry into confined or restricted spaces, including crawl spaces, shafts, manholes, small enclosed rooms, pipes, narrow aisles, and passageways. Employees must follow established safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment.

Applicants must apply on-line at https://www.BremertonWA.gov/169/Current-Jobs.

Required Application Materials: 

A completed City application and personal résumé are required. Incomplete applications packets will not be considered. Required application materials must be submitted online by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure their application materials reflect the minimum qualifying experience, knowledge, skills and abilities as listed on the job posting.

Important Application Note: Please do not attach copies of certifications or transcripts to your application unless they are listed as a requirement for the position.

Application process after submittal - What to expect:

Initial screening – Once the position closes, the HR Department will review and evaluate your application materials to determine whether your materials reflect and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience required to meet the minimum qualifications.

Invitation to Interview – After initial screening and additional review by the hiring department, if it is determined that you exceed the minimum qualifications, you may be contacted and invited to interview with a hiring panel.

References – After the interview, if it is determined that you are the most qualified candidate for the position, references will be sent electronically to the individuals listed on your application.

Pre-employment Requirements – If/when applying for safety-sensitive positions, pre-employment physicals and/or drug testing may be required prior to any final offer of employment.

NOTE TO APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES:  If you require an accommodation at any point during the application process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 473-5348 or humanresources@ci.bremerton.wa.us 

Salary : $38 - $47