Water Treatment Plant Operator III

About the role

The City of Yakima seeks a highly skilled Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III to join our team. This position is responsible for driving, operating, and maintaining a wastewater treatment plant and associated pumping stations.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain the telemetry system, including troubleshooting and adjusting pressure transmitters, flow meters, and other instrumentation.
• Maintain and calibrate water quality instruments such as turbidimeters, pH meters, and residual analyzers.
• Monitor and adjust water flows to meet demand and reservoir levels, ensuring adequate water supply for fires, maintenance, and other emergencies.
• Adjust chemical feed rates to maintain proper treatment according to the Surface Water Treatment Rule and the Washington State Department of Health's Treatment Optimization Program.
• Perform routine maintenance on equipment such as chemical feeders, pumps, and air compressors.
• Drive and operate vehicles to perform maintenance tasks at various locations.
• Conduct laboratory analyses and make corrections to water quality as needed.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and the public.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least four years of experience related to the operation of a water treatment facility, with two years of relevant education beyond high school or GED.
• A valid Washington State Driver's License and a Washington State Water Treatment Plant Operator III Certification.
• A basic First Aid Certificate and CPR certification.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of water treatment standards, equipment operation, and safety protocols.
• Ability to work independently and make quick decisions under pressure.
• Physical stamina and strength to perform heavy manual labor.
• Good sensory perception and the ability to work in various weather conditions.

Skills

• Proficiency in using computerized monitoring systems and programmable logic controllers.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot equipment issues.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

The City of Yakima offers competitive benefits including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, free healthcare clinic access, a 2% contribution to a 457 deferred compensation plan, and a comprehensive leave policy.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $5,652.40 - $6,787.73 monthly, subject to negotiation based on qualifications and experience.

Schedule

Shift work is required, with opportunities for flexible scheduling based on operational needs.