Waste Water Treatment Operator I (BD-46892)

CLOSING DATE: Friday, May 1st, 2026 

POSITION: Water Waste Treatment Operator I 

SALARY: $21.35 - 24.75/hour 

REPORTS TO: Program Manager 

LOCATION: Nespelem, WA 

Basic Functions: The Wastewater Treatment Operator I is the first level in a three-tiered career ladder.  Level I operators have a DEQ Operator I certification and can perform a full range of operations and monitoring under direct supervision. The Operator II is qualified to independently operate and maintain wastewater collection and treatment equipment and systems, and inspect and administer certain aspects of the water distribution system.   Advancement to level II requires certifications listed in the qualifications section for that job. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Training: 

• Requires a High School Diploma and 36 months of work related experience, plus certification as an Washington State WDM-1 operator or ability to obtain within one year of employment.
• Industry training or certification may substitute for some experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Requires basic knowledge of the processes, techniques, and all applicable safety practices, tools, and materials used in wastewater treatment equivalent to that required for Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I certification.
• Requires a working knowledge of process control equipment and process troubleshooting techniques.
• Requires a basic knowledge of the processes and chemicals used in testing and treating effluent.  
• Requires a basic knowledge of the operating characteristics of pumps and pumping equipment; wastewater laboratory equipment, sampling and testing procedures, and computer-aided lab and operations support hardware and software. 
• Requires a working knowledge of chemistry, the properties of water, and the use of re-agents to change constituency of effluent. 
• Requires sufficient language and writing skill to prepare detailed technical documentation of activity. 
• Requires sufficient math skill to perform complex math computations. 
• Requires sufficient human relations skill to convey technical concepts to others. 
• Requires the ability to carry out the essential functions of the position with general supervision. 
• Requires the ability to independently maintain all operational processes and procedures connected with wastewater treatment. Requires the ability to use computer-aided hardware and software, laboratory equipment, and use of tools, power equipment and specialized process related equipment.  

Physical Abilities:

• Requires the ability to stand, walk, and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of up to 50 pounds on a continuous basis, pushing, pulling, guiding over 50 pounds on an infrequent basis. 
• Requires the ability to stoop, kneel, and crouch to place and move work objects. 
• Requires the ability to perform full arm extension and movement out and overhead. 
• Requires sufficient hand-eye coordination, hand and finger dexterity including ability to grasp, and visual acuity to operate equipment and read technical and safety information. 
• Requires the ability to work on varying work shifts, and in disagreeable work conditions that have septic and chemical exposure risks. Work is performed indoors and outdoors where extensive safety considerations exist from physical labor, moving equipment, chemical reactions, septic situations, and temperature, odor, and noise extremes. 

Working/Special Conditions:

• Requires a valid Washington State driver’s license and be eligible for the Tribes’ vehicle insurance.
• Requires a  Washington State WDM 1/ ITCA Water Treatment plant Operator I. 
• Must submit to and successfully clear an extensive criminal background inquiry (tribal, state, financial) and maintain clearance throughout employment.   
• Employment history must reflect better than average attendance and reliability.

Note: Pursuant to Tribal Policy, if this position is safety sensitive it is subject to pre-employment drug testing. In addition, this position is subject to reasonable suspicion and post-accident drug testing.

TRIBAL MEMBER AND INDIAN PREFERENCE WILL APPLY; PREFERENCE WILL ALSO BE GIVEN TO HONORABLY DISCHARGED VETERANS WHO ARE MINIMALLY QUALIFIED.

If required of this position, you must possess and maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license and be eligible for the Tribes’ Vehicle Insurance. 

In addition, this position may be subject to pre-employment background clearances.  

If applicable, these clearances must be maintained throughout employment.

Salary : $21 - $25