Position Title: Wastewater Operator I/II
Department: Wastewater Department
FLSA Status: This position is represented by Teamsters Union Local No.
Salary Range:
WWTP Operator I: $4,923-$5,880 (2024)
WWTP Operator II: $5,776- $6,896 (2024)
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
General Purpose
Under immediate supervision (Wastewater Operator I) or general supervision (Wastewater Operator II), performs skilled maintenance, repair, and construction work on the non-potable reuse system and within the wastewater reuse facility and conveyance system. Within reuse distribution and water utilities services division; operates maintenance and construction tools and equipment; performs all aspects of daily operations and maintenance relative to non-potable reuse water, wastewater, and treatment.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Wastewater Operator I: This is the entry level class in the Wastewater Operator series. This class is distinguished from the Wastewater Operator II by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to workers in this series. Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgment on matters related to establish procedures and guidelines as are positions allocated to the II level. Since this classification is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited or non-directly related work experience. Employees work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks.
Wastewater Operator II: This is the full journey level class in the Wastewater Operator series. This class is distinguished from the Wastewater Operator I by the assignment of the full range of duties assigned. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit. Positions I this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from level I.
Representative Duties
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
- Handle complaints and answer questions from the public.
- Make minor adjustments on service equipment; maintain tools and equipment in working order.
- Maintain logs of daily activities.
- Operate and maintain Septic Tank Effluent Pumps (STEP system), wastewater conveyance, Wastewater distribution systems, and treatment facilities; inspect residential and commercial service issues.
- Monitor and adjust reuse water production and treatment equipment.
- Lay and fit pipelines; make sewer service taps; install Reuse hydrants, valves, and other devices.
- Perform field duties related to the wastewater collection and reuse distribution system; take reuse water and wastewater samples and inspect new construction.
- Excavate trenches and install shoring.
- Identify service and main leaks; operate pipe locators; install and inspect STEP, Grease Traps/Interceptors and related devices.
- Read and update Wastewater maps and as-built plans.
- Clean and monitor pump stations and related equipment.
- Perform emergency repairs to wastewater collection and reuse distribution lines as necessary; establish proper traffic control devices.
- Repair, maintain and install Reuse/water meters and related service lines; read meters; turn services off and on as necessary.
- Lay out and install traffic signs and pavement markings.
- Perform underground service alert locating, marking and notification.
- Perform related utility operations and maintenance duties as required.
Qualifications
The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.
- Principles and practices of Wastewater maintenance and repair. Basic principles of wastewater treatment.
- Common tools, materials, and motorized vehicles and equipment used in the maintenance and repair of a Wastewater system.
- Pumps, valves, meters, and backflow devices.
- Basic mathematical principles.
- Safe work practices and policies.
- Work with a variety of tools related to Wastewater, reuse water, and potable water system maintenance.
- Learn to safely operate a variety of maintenance equipment.
- Perform heavy manual labor.
- Perform semi-skilled maintenance duties.
- Perform routine reuse water and potable water treatment procedures.
- Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
- Read and understand schematic diagrams.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education/Training/Experience
Wastewater Operator I:
Education/Training:
- Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) is required.
Experience:
- One year of wastewater system maintenance experience is required. Prior experience with Fats, Oils, and Grease (F.O.G.) are desired.
License or Certifications:
- Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license.
- Possession of a Grade I Wastewater Operator certificate issued by the State of Washington DOE. To be eligible for Grade I testing, one year of domestic wastewater treatment plant operating experience is required. There is no substitution for the operating experience. (When upgrading from OIT level after 1 year of experience, you must apply to receive the upgrade). Certification requirements may change from time-to-time based on regulatory requirements.
Wastewater Operator II:
Education/Training:
- Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) is required.
Experience:
- Requires three (3) years of domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant Operating experience, up to half (one year and six months) can be substituted with relevant experience or education, including two prior years in possession of a Grade I Wastewater Operator certificate issued by the State of Washington DOE.. Prior experience with Fats, Oils, and Grease (F.O.G.)
License or Certifications:
- Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license.
- Possession of a Grade II Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certificate issued by the State of Washington DOE.
- Possession of a Cross-Connection Specialist (CCS) certificate issued by the State of Washington Department of Health or the ability to obtain one within 12 months.
Physical/Mental Demands and Work Environment
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function for this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Environment:
- Work is performed primarily in an outdoor field environment; travel from site to site; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, noxious odors, gases, mechanical and electrical hazards, and all types of weather and temperature conditions; work in or around water and wastewater; exposure to hazardous traffic conditions; work and/or walk on various types of surfaces including slippery and uneven surfaces and rough terrain; work at heights; incumbents may be required to respond to emergency and public calls after hours including evenings and weekends.
Physical:
- Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a field environment; to walk, stand, and sit for prolonged periods of time; to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, reach, twist, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to climb unusual heights on ladders; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull moderate to heavy amounts of weight; operate assigned equipment and vehicles; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.
Vision:
- See in the normal visual range with or without correction.
Hearing:
- Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
Benefits
PERS Retirement; Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance; Vacation, Holidays and Sick Leave. Benefits based on a 40-hour workweek.
Application Procedure
Please submit your letter of interest, City of Yelm application, resume, and proof of certifications to Shelby Denny at shelbyd@yelmwa.gov or Shelby Denny, City of Yelm, 106 2nd St SE, Yelm, WA 98597