Water Treatment Plant Operator I/II/III

Salary: $38.04 - $44.38 Hourly
Location : Port Townsend
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Water Operations
Division: Laborers Union
Opening Date: 11/10/2026
Closing Date: 11/24/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
Operates and maintains the PUD's potable water treatment system, various water treatment equipment and processes, pump stations, and pressure zones. Implements water quality sampling, testing, and control programs. Manages water quality data for periodic reports. Requires certification from the Washington State Department of Health appropriate to the job level.

Water Treatment Plant Operator I: Washington WTPO Level 1 certification. This is the entry level classification. Performs routine tasks under well established procedures and/or perform higher level tasks under close supervision in a training capacity.

Water Treatment Plant Operator II: Washington WTPO Level 2

certification. Performs highly skilled technical work with considerable independence and operates within a broad set of work parameters.

Water Treatment Plant Operator III: Washington WTPO Level 3 certification. Performs the most highly skilled technical work with considerable independence and operates within a broad set of work parameters. May direct the work of other water employees.

Examples of Duties
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following:

• Operates and maintains water treatment facility, equipment, and pump stations. Makes appropriate adjustments to controls, pumps, valves and valve controls as necessary to maintain operations.
• Collects and conducts water quality sampling, testing and analysis. Collect operation and monitoring data. Compiles, analyzes, and maintains adequate documentation and records and produces required reports.
• Maintains and calibrates pumps, analyzers, sensors and other equipment associated with water treatment and monitoring.
• Programs and operates Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) computer systems and Programmed Logic Controllers (PLC).
• Handles chemicals such as ammonia, chlorine, sodium-chlorite, aluminum sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium, permanganate, and caustic soda.

• Responds to and determine causes of water quality or delivery complaints.
• Responds to emergency call-outs on evenings, weekends and holidays as required. Works a rotating "on call" duty with other members of the department.
• Maintains certification and knowledge of regulatory updates as they pertain to water treatment.
• Maintains PUD water facilities and grounds. Mow, weed whack, remove snow, clean, paint, and perform other associated tasks as needed.
• May operate, repair and maintain wastewater treatment systems.
• Interprets and apply PUD policies accurately.
• Coordinates with contractors as necessary.
• Communicates effectively with customers in the field, on the phone and in person.
• Accurately prioritizes job duties and handles a variety of tasks requiring accuracy and attention to detail. Works additional hours as necessary to achieve departmental goals as directed by the supervisor.
• Maintains a positive attitude in the workplace. Maintains appropriate behavior, appearance and effort. Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related assignments as needed.
• Reviews own work for accuracy and routinely detect or prevent errors. Regularly takes initiative in recommending changes in work methods, policies, and procedures to improve levels of service delivery and overall operating efficiencies.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Standard Workplace Expectations:

• Contribute to a successful work group by listening to and taking time to understand suggestions and concerns of co-workers.
• Offer constructive suggestions and ideas that help the team to meet or exceed objectives and goals by accepting and supporting team decisions.
• Maintain a positive and collaborative attitude in the workplace.
• Determine appropriate priorities to balance workload when deadlines compete Seek assistance when needed.
• Respond quickly and appropriately to inquiries, requests, or concerns.

• Review own work for accuracy and routinely detect or prevent errors or mistakes that would prove costly or could jeopardize the operations of the PUD.
• Work additional hours as necessary to achieve departmental goals as directed by the supervisor.
• Review and follow District employee policies and procedures.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Typical Qualifications
POSITION REQUIREMENTS The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Requires high school degree or GED.
• Requires general mechanical and electrical aptitude.
• Washington State Water Treatment Plant Operator I certification or higher.
• Must possess a Washington State Driver's License.
• May be required to obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certification and flagger certification.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of drinking water regulations, distribution and treatment.
• Knowledge of operation and maintenance of instruments, electrical, mechanical and chemical systems used in water treatment and distribution.
• Knowledge of principles of electronics, instrumentation and pumping systems.
• Experience with the operation and maintenance of hand and power tools and specialized equipment used in water maintenance and repair.
• Knowledge of state, federal and local laws related to public water.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Ability to maintain and calibrate water quality monitoring instruments.

• Ability to analyze, evaluate and recommend sound solutions to problems of routine nature.
• Ability to read schematic drawings; work independently and efficiently.
• Ability to maintain effective working relations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to adhere to PUD policies and procedures.
• Ability to learn PUD software system and street and business locations within service territory, wear and properly use personal protective equipment and perform all work in a safe manner.

Supplemental Information
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Must successfully complete a standard criminal background check. A standard Monday through Friday work schedule is expected to be maintained and the incumbent may be required to work more than 40 hours per week. Responds to after-hours phone calls or callouts, including day, night, and weekend.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Position requires regular and punctual attendance. Work is typically performed outdoors in all weather conditions. Normal working conditions include exposure to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, irritating chemicals and cold or inclement weather. Work requires use of masks, goggles and gloves. Occasional lifting of objects up to 75 pounds (with assistance), mobility within buildings including stairs and outdoors on uneven surfaces is required, as is ability to sit, stand, kneel, stoop, bend and crouch. Requires visual ability to read both from a computer screen and paper copies. Manual dexterity required for data entry and use of hand tools. Hand tools require adequate grip strength. Must have ability to receive and deliver information clearly over the phone. Driving of vehicles is required.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

This position requires the individual to report on-site after regular business hours. The individual must reside within fifty-five (55) minutes of PUD headquarters in Jefferson or Clallam County. This residency requirement must be met within 6 months of hire date.NOTE: Jefferson County PUD is a Rural Utilities Services (RUS) borrower.
Jefferson County PUD provides a robust benefit package to all full-time employees. The following summary describes typical benefits available. Actual benefits may vary by position type. Please reach out to our Human Resources team for specific benefit information.

Medical, Dental, Vision and Rx Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance plans. Employees pay 5% of the monthly premium, regardless of the number of dependents covered. Insurance is effective the first of month following two months of employment.

Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA VEBA): HRA VEBA plan is a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) for employees to use for qualified health care expenses of the employee and eligible dependents while employed and upon separation of employment. The PUD contributes $100 per month to employees HRA.

Retirement: The District is a member of PERS and participation is mandatory for employees in eligible positions. Both the employee and the employer make contributions to the PERS system. Employee contributions are made on a tax-deferred basis. New employees may choose between PERS Plan 2 and PERS Plan 3.
The PUD participates in the Washington State Deferred Compensation Program (457 plan). DCP allows employees to defer a portion of their paycheck for investment for retirement similar to a 401(k). The PUD matches employee deferrals at 50 cents per dollar, up to a total match of 4.5% from the PUD.

Paid time off: The PUD utilizes a PTO program. New employees are offered 20 days of PTO each year. PTO accrues at 6.15 hours per biweekly pay period. Accruals increase with longevity of service after 3 years.
Holidays: The PUD recognizes 11holidays and provides for two floating holidays each year. The second floating holiday is available for use after six months of employment. At 5 years of employment, employees are offered 3 floating holidays each year and 4 floating holidays each year after 10 years of employment.
Observed Holidays:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Day
• Presidents' Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth National Independence Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans' Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Day after Thanksgiving
• Christmas Day

Disability Insurance: The PUD offers a short-term disability policy, beginning on the 41st hour you are unable to work, that pays 70% of your salary for up to 180 days. A separate long-term disability insurance applies after 180 day waiting period.

Life Insurance: $50,000 through NW Laborers Insurance.
Please note that all provisions in this summary are subject to change.