Wastewater Utility Operator

Salary : $72,324.00 - $101,016.00 Annually
Location : Mount Vernon, WA, WA
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: 26-00047
Department: Public Works
Division: Wastewater Treatment Plant
Opening Date: 10/09/2026
Closing Date: 11/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Teamsters

Summary
Under general supervision, the Wastewater Utility Operator operates, performs maintenance and repairs of the WWTP, pump stations, and CSO interceptor in accordance with regulatory requirements. The operator is responsible for plant operations when assigned weekend or holiday shifts. May be required to perform and evaluate laboratory tests in accordance with standard methods and established laboratory procedures to assist in making process changes when needed.

Essential Functions

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Completes weekly, monthly, semi-annual, and annual maintenance work and equipment checks on pump stations, equipment, and facilities; performs routine cleaning of treatment units.
• Operates plant processes to include bar screens, perforated screens, clarifiers, high speed blowers, UV Disinfection, DAFT and screw press.
• Tests, inspects, cleans, repairs, and maintains a variety of parts and equipment related to wastewater treatment plant facilities and systems.
• Cleans and calibrates meters, probes, and level sensors; troubleshoots equipment control systems.
• Analyzes and processes critical alarm points and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) information points in the plant and pump stations.
• Collects samples from various plant processes for laboratory analysis; programs and calibrates automatic samplers; evaluates laboratory and plant testing results, calculations, reports, and other data to determine and implement needed process changes.
• Performs mathematical calculations related to the flow, areas, force, pressure, and chemical dosage.
• Completes a variety of special projects to include rebuilding pumps and installing new equipment; assist in assigned electrical work such as rewiring and running new circuits.
• Maintains detailed operational and maintenance records.
• May be required to work nights, weekends, and on-call shifts.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines
WWTP Utility Operator 1

• High school diploma or GED equivalent AND one (1) year of experience in wastewater treatment plant operations.
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Group I Certification.

WWTP Utility Operator 2

• High school diploma or GED equivalent AND three (3) years of experience in wastewater treatment plant operations. May substitute up to 67.5 relevant credits/CEUs for up to 1.5 years operating experience.
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Group II certification.

WWTP Utility Operator 3

• High school diploma or GED plus two (2) years of college (90 credits or CEUs) AND four (4) years of experience with at least two (2) years at a Class II or higher plant. May substitute up to 90 relevant credits/CEUs for up to 2 years operating experience.
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Group III Certification.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• Customer service principles, practices, and etiquette.
• Records maintenance and retention policies and procedures.
• Work safety practices, procedures, and equipment.
• Pipe fittings and valves.
• Rotating machinery including pumps, drives, gear boxes, bearings, seals.
• Tools, equipment, and machinery used in wastewater treatment and pumping stations.
• 3-phase motor controls.
• Department of Ecology standards.
• Sample collection and handling methods.
• Laboratory testing procedures.

Skill in:

• Recognizing and correcting operational, mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation abnormalities.
• Following safety procedures and guidelines.
• Operating SCADA systems, programmable logic controllers, variable frequency drives, specialized computer applications, and programmable machine interface devices.
• Diagnosing and correcting equipment malfunctions.
• Interacting tactfully and professionally with City staff, outside agencies, and the public.
• Operating a variety of tools, equipment, and machinery in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Completing accurate mathematic calculations including but not limited to flow, TSS, BOD and total solids.
• Organizing and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines.
• Completing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Reading and accurately interpreting blueprints and technical drawings.
• Analyzing complex issues and implementing appropriate responses.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a Group III Department of Ecology Operator certification upon qualification.
• Must possess a Group II Washington Wastewater Collection Personnel Association certification upon qualification.
• Must possess a WISHA approved First Aid and CPR certification or acquire within six months of hire
• Possession of a Class B Commercial Driver's License preferred.

BENEFITS:

• Medical, dental and vision insurances
• Life Insurance policy
• Employee Assistance Program
• Department of Retirement Systems Retirement Plan
• Teamsters Pension
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick leave
• Gym Membership Reimbursement
• Deferred Compensation (voluntary)

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume with their application. Applications must be received no later than Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 11:59 pm.

For additional information, or a complete job description, please visit

The City of Mount Vernon provides and enforces a drug free workplace and maintains a smoke free work environment.

01

Do you have a high school diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have any experience in collecting and recording data?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have any experience operating industrial equipment such as pumps, motors, solids dewatering equipment, compressors, and ultraviolet disinfection?

• Yes
• No

04

If you answered "Yes" to question # 3 above, please explain.
05

Do you have any experience in troubleshooting mechanical equipment, such as pumps including rebuilding and seal replacement?

• Yes
• No

06

If you answered "Yes" to question # 5 above, please explain in detail.
07

Do you have any experience in electrical troubleshooting including the ability to read 1-line drawings and identifying components in control panels?

• Yes
• No

08

If you answered "Yes" to question # 7 above, please explain in detail.
09

How many years' experience do you have with operating industrial equipment and mechanical troubleshooting?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• 5 or more years

Required Question