WWTP Operator Trainee bei City of Bremerton, WA

About the Department

The salary indicated above includes longevity (1% earned after five years and increases to a maximum of 4% after 20 years). Additionally, a cost-of-living adjustment of 2.70% has been approved for 2026.

Under direct supervision, operates the city of Bremerton’s Class IV secondary wastewater treatment plant, eastside UV/CSO plant (ESTP), and WWTP odor control system, and related equipment.  Performs skilled, journeyman-level work in monitoring, repairing and controlling the functioning of plant equipment and processes to ensure compliance with state and federal standards and NPDES requirements.

Position Duties

(Note – This list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position. )

Performed Under Direct Supervision:
•Monitors and operates all plant/pump station equipment and makes process changes based on collected data analysis and visual inspection; troubleshoots process and makes process decisions. Operates plant centrifuge, maintains flow rates, and consistency for biosolids production.
•Ensures plant effluent meets or exceeds Washington State Department of Ecology permit requirements.
•Operates and maintains WWTP’s Odor Control System.
•Performs lab duties on the weekends (retrieves samples and secures to prevent contamination), and as needed during regular plant hours.
•Coordinates with maintenance staff as needed.
•Responds to all emergency situations as directed.
•Inspects all machinery and equipment; performs repair, maintenance and preventative maintenance on all plant equipment as required.  Troubleshoots equipment malfunctions. •Maintains and records data in logbook and computer databases.
•Makes operational decisions and assists with maintenance decisions based on review of directives, lab data, and log entries from previous shifts.
•Coordinates hazardous chemical transfers and mixes chemicals as necessary for process operations.
•Maintains control of tools and equipment inventory and assures cleanliness of all wastewater facilities during assigned shift.
•Conducts educational tours for the public as required.
•Responds to odor complaints and makes necessary adjustments.
•Monitors, operates and assists users of the recreational vehicle sanitary disposal site.
•Performs landscape maintenance duties at the Westside WWTP and ensures proper maintenance of landscape equipment.
•Performs janitorial duties at the WWTP and ESTP.

Other Duties 
•Regular attendance is an essential requirement
•Performs related work as assigned and/or required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (Entry Requirements)

Knowledge of:
•City policies, procedures, and guidelines.
•Principles, practices, materials and procedures related to the operation and maintenance of a Class IV secondary wastewater treatment plant and UV/CSO facility.
•Secondary advanced activated sludge process which includes biotower and aeration basins with fine bubble diffusers.
•Odor scrubber systems.
•All applicable laboratory equipment and procedures as required by DOE permit. 
•Health and safety hazards/precautions connected with sewage treatment plant operations and maintenance.  
•Computer operations including Microsoft Word and Excel, data management, and specific programs related to wastewater plant operations and maintenance. 

Ability to:
•Operate a variety of plant pumping, treatment, and odor control equipment.  
•Safe use and care of hand tools, power tools, construction and maintenance equipment, lab equipment, and landscaping and lawn maintenance equipment. Communicate technical information clearly and concisely, both in writing and verbally.  
•Follows all safety practices and procedures.
•Prioritize daily routine around unforeseen incidents/occurrences to preserve the integrity of the plant process, equipment and effluent.
•Operate a variety of plant pumping, treatment, and odor control equipment and analyze and act on a variety of data and instrument reading, and respond quickly to plant operations problems.  
•Communicate effectively both in writing and verbally.  
•Accurately log instrument readings and operating information.
•Log hours and materials used/purchased into the WWTP work order system (MP2).  
•Analyze and act on a variety of data and instrument reading, and respond quickly to plant operations problems.  
•Understand, implement and adhere to the current Plant NPDES Permit.
•Requires the employee to talk, receive and understand written and oral communication and to also give written and oral instructions in the English language.  
•This position requires the ability to calculate mathematics problems and equations.
•Follow all safety practices and procedures.
•Enter and work in a confined space as per City and OSHA regulations.
•The ability to get along with others and be an effective team member.

Minimum Qualifications

Equivalent to high school graduation, six (6) months experience in the wastewater or water field and eighteen (18) months experience performing manual work in operating hand tools and small equipment.  A valid Washington State Driver's License is required.

Special Requirements
•Valid Washington State driver’s license.
•Possession and maintenance of a Washington State Wastewater Treatment Plant OIT certificate.
•Must be able to obtain a Washington State CPR/First Aid Certificate within 12 months of hire. 
•Fork lift and crane.  Certificate must be obtained by a date set by the City. (City will provide training.)
•Requires working standby with a callback on a 24-hour basis.

Physical Requirements
•Climbing. Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized. This factor is important if the amount and kind of climbing required exceeds that required for ordinary locomotion.
•Balancing. Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling and walking, standing or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces. This factor is important if the amount of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium.
•Stooping. Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles.
•Kneeling. Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
•Crouching. Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
•Crawling. Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet.
•Reaching. Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
•Standing. Particularly for sustained periods of time.
•Walking. Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
•Pushing. Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.
•Pulling. Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
•Lifting. Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.
•The act of using the fingers to manipulate, press, or control an object or material.
•Grasping. Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
•Feeling. Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.
•Talking. Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
•Hearing. Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discriminations in sound.
•Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
•Heavy work. Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
•The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, and/or operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication parts at distances close to the eyes.

Working Conditions:
•The worker is subject to both environmental conditions. Activities occur inside and outside.
•The worker is subject to extreme cold. Temperatures typically below 32 degrees for periods of more than one hour. Consideration should be given to the effect of other environmental conditions, such as wind and humidity.
•The worker is subject to extreme heat. Temperatures above 100 degrees for periods of more than one hour. Consideration should be given to the effect of other environmental conditions, such as wind and humidity.
•The worker is subject to noise. There is sufficient noise to cause the worker to shout in order to be heard above ambient noise level.
•The worker is subject to vibration. Exposure to oscillating movements of the extremities or whole body.
•The worker is subject to hazards. Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, exposure to high heat or exposure to chemicals.
•The worker is subject to atmospheric conditions. One or more of the following conditions that affect the respiratory system of the skin: fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, or poor ventilation.
•The worker is required to function in narrow aisles or passageways.

WWTP Operator Trainee Special Conditions:  Incumbents in the trainee classification perform all the duties in a learning capacity as a probationary employee.  Trainees work under close supervision while acquiring the required qualifications, licenses and certifications.  Incumbents are required to become sufficiently proficient in the performance of the duties so as to advance to WWTP Operator in a maximum of twenty-four (24) months from entry into the trainee position.  If at the end of twenty-four (24) months incumbents are not qualified to advance to WWTP Operator I, they shall be removed from the position in accordance with the Labor Agreement.

Other Qualifications

The City of Bremerton is committed to integrating diverse perspectives into our workplace culture and encourages our employees to bring their whole, authentic selves to work. We strive to create a diverse team that allows us to effectively connect to the community we serve.
 
Applicants can apply on-line at http://www.BremertonWA.gov/169/Current-Jobs, or application packets may be obtained from the Human Resources Department, or by calling (360) 473-5348.
 
Required Application Materials: City application and personal résumé are required. Incomplete application packets will not be considered. Required application materials must be returned to the Human Resources Office by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. The City of Bremerton is NOT responsible for errors of any kind with faxed or e-mailed application packets. Original signature is required on paper application forms. It is the responsibility of the applicant to carefully list all pertinent experience and training.
 
Important Application Note: Please do not attach copies of certifications to your application unless they are listed as a requirement for the position. You are welcome to mention relevant certifications on your resume. 
 
Appraisal of Experience and Education/Training: At this initial review, application packets may be evaluated entirely on the basis of information you provided in the completed City application form. Applicants should include all relevant information on the City application. Applicant’s education, training, and experience will be assessed. The passing score is 70%. The top qualifying candidates will be invited to participate further in the examination process. Meeting or exceeding qualifications does not guarantee the applicant will be invited to participate in the oral examination process.
 
Oral Examination: A panel will evaluate the applicant’s training, experience, and ability to perform the job. Placement on the eligibility list is determined by weighted examination scores as follows:
 
Appraisal of application packet regarding Experience and Education/Training - Passing Score 70% - Weight 40% Oral Examination - Passing Score 70% - Weight 60%
 
Applicants must achieve a score of 70% or better on each portion of the exam in order to be placed on the hiring list.
 
Employee Preference: Regular City employees applying for and passing an Open Examination will have seven point five (7.5) percent of their PASSING score added to establish their final score.
 
Veteran's Preference: Veterans, who have passed an examination, shall be entitled to preference pursuant to Chapter 41.04 RCW.
 
NOTE TO APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES: Applicants with disabilities who will need special accommodation for examination must advise Human Resources no later than one (1) week prior to the scheduled examination so that appropriate arrangements can be made. (360) 473-5347.
 
LEGAL and REGULATORY EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

Fair Labor Standards Act: The classification is non-exempt under the laws of fair Labor Standards Act minimum wage and overtime provisions.

Representation:  The classification is included in the bargaining unit pursuant to the Recognition Article of the current labor agreement between the City of Bremerton and the Teamsters Local 589.

Civil Service: The classification is not included in the City's Civil Service System.

Appointment and Removal Authority: The position is filled by appointment by the Department Head.  Removal is by action of the Department Head in conformance with current City Policies & Procedures and the current labor agreement.
  
This classification specification does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and employee.  It is subject to change by the City, with approval by the Civil Service Commission, as the needs of the City and requirements change.