Wastewater Treatment Operator , II or III; WWTF

Position Overview

The City of Sumner is recruiting experienced Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators in class I, II or III (DOQ) to fill 1 position at Sumner's Wastewater Treatment Facility.

Operator I: $39.46 - $46.64
Operator II (Journeyman): $41.86 - $49.47
Operator III (Senior): $49.59 - $53.89

See Qualifications section for more information.

The ideal Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator takes pride in keeping critical infrastructure running smoothly and protecting public health every single day. You’re energized by understanding complex treatment processes and enjoy being hands‑on with the equipment that keeps everything moving. You read data confidently, recognize when something is off, and take initiative to investigate and solve problems before they become bigger issues.

Mon‑Fri 07:00‑15:30 including holidays. Depending on classification this may involve a rotational schedule with weekend and holiday work, and may require reassignment on short notice to cover shift absences.

NOTE:
This is NOT an entry level position. Applicants must possess experience in wastewater and hold a current, valid Washington State certification as a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator for Group I or higher plants at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter. Applicants who do not have wastewater experience or the certificate will not be considered.

• Operator I: Apprentice level (Group I). Duties include assisting with, and eventually independently performing routine tasks common to a secondary wastewater treatment plant and off‑site pumping stations. Responsibilities cover operating equipment, performing preventive maintenance, conducting laboratory tests and sampling, documenting compliance data, and coordinating repairs.
• Operator II: Journeyman level (Group II). Assists with operational and maintenance tasks, performs plant and lift‑station maintenance, gathers and records data, monitors plant operations, and may serve as “in‑charge” operator in absence of a higher level operator. Responsibilities similar to Operator I but with increased autonomy and supervisory duties over less experienced operators.
• Operator III: Senior level (Group III or IV). Independently performs operational tasks common to the activated‑sludge facility and off‑site pumping stations. Responsible for diagnosing and correcting plant operational and mechanical problems, directing other operators, managing safety training, maintaining regulatory reports, and reviewing biological processes for process improvements.

• Clean tanks; pump out sludge; remove debris.
• Maintain facilities and equipment in a safe, clean and orderly manner; wash down equipment and machinery.
• Perform assigned lab tests and sampling.
• Conduct inspections of sewage lift stations, report malfunctions, and coordinate repairs.
• Conduct preventive maintenance on plants and equipment and track work in maintenance management software.
• Operate specialized equipment such as forklifts, portable pumps, and pumping stations.
• Operate SCADA systems, enter data, and prepare daily operations reports.
• Assist/lead other operators, manage safety training, and keep procedural documents up to date.

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license.
• Current Washington State Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification for Group I or higher (at time of appointment). Certification must include maintenance thereafter.
• Experience in wastewater plant operation: at least 1 year for Operator I, 2 years for Operator II, and 4 years for Operator III.

• Two years of college coursework in wastewater technology, environmental science, microbiology, chemistry or mathematics.
• First‑aid/CPR certification within six months of employment.
• Flagging Card within six months of employment.
• Commercial Driver’s License with Class “B” endorsement (if required).
• Public Applicators (Herbicide) License (if required).
• Mobile crane operator certification (if required).
• City of Seattle Grade IV boiler operator license (if required).