Plant Operator

Plant Operator

Salary

$6,021.60 - $7,798.27 Monthly

Location

Waste Water Treatment Plant City of Kennewick, WA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

676.2026.10_WWTPO_EXTERNAL

Department

Public Works

Division

Wastewater

Opening Date

10/21/2026

Closing Date

11/4/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

IUOE

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

The City is currently recruiting to fill one vacancy, which may be filled at either the Operator-in-Training or Plant Operator level.

See the Operator-In-Training posting for more information on that position.

CORE VALUE STATEMENT

The City of Kennewick will provide excellent public service and ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community and one another through the empowerment of each employee. We value integrity, inclusiveness, stewardship, and communication. We are accountable to our community for innovative and collaborative efforts that anticipate needs, leverage resources, and deliver solutions.

SAFETY STATEMENT

We expect our employees to ensure compliance with all applicable safety practices and policies, including those established by OSHA/DOSH regulations and by the City's Accident Prevention Plan. This includes but is not limited to actively identifying and correcting potential hazards that may affect employee and public safety, including those identified by co-workers; leading by example to promote a positive culture of workplace safety through everyday action; and emphasizing safe completion of work throughout all aspects of developing and carrying out work plans.

CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY

General Statement of Duties:

Under general supervision, Plant Operators and Operator-In-Trainings performs a variety of work, including installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of various wastewater system components. Performs wastewater sampling, monitoring, reporting, or other work as required to assure proper performance and conformance with program guidelines, criteria, and City specifications. Performs related work as required. Work hours are varied and include on-call (for Plant Operators only), holidays and overtime work, including evenings and weekends.

Distinguishing Features of the Class:

Plant Operator and Operator-In-Training performs a wide variety of skilled, semi-skilled, and general work in wastewater treatment plant or collections divisions of the Public Works Department, and may be temporarily assigned to other departments within the City as required. Must possess the skills, knowledge, and physical capabilities to perform the duties of the position and must comply with City and department policies, procedures, and methods at all times. Must demonstrate an ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision. Must plan the details necessary to carry out assignments, use considerable initiative in identifying and resolving problems, and perform related work as required.

A Plant Operator is classified as Level II, III, or IV based on job-required qualifications and the level of State of Washington Department of Ecology Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License that is obtained.

Operator & OIT Salary Schedules Step123456Operator-In-Training Group II

31.27

32.22

33.18

34.17

35.21

36.25

Plant Operator Level II

34.74

35.80

36.87

37.97

39.12

40.28

Plant Operator Level III

38.38

39.15

39.91

40.74

41.54

42.37

Plant Operator Level IV

40.76

41.57

42.41

43.25

44.11

44.99

Examples of Work Performed (Illustrative Only)

Wastewater Treatment Plant - Operator & Operator-In-Training:

Operates and monitors the headwork screens, sprayers, motors and screw press; operates manual equipment to skim clarifiers; collects influent and effluent samples from designated areas and performs laboratory analyses to evaluate such factors as pH level, dissolved oxygen content, biochemical oxygen demand, amount of suspended solids and temperatures; identifies problems and deficiencies and performs general maintenance, housekeeping and repair of pumps, equipment and related sewage facilities; operates all pumps associated with wastewater treatment; washes out clarifiers; performs fecal coliform tests; monitors sludge moisture; reads flow meters and records observations; checks flow loggers and makes adjustments as necessary; maintains ability to perform chlorine residual tests; cleans trash from lagoons and screens; operates and maintains the biosolids facility, including belt presses, pasteurizer oven, polymer system, pumps, mixer, boilers, pelletizer, extructor, conveyors and other equipment as needed; operate equipment, such as loader, tractor with tiller, manlift and forklift, provides tours of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and biosolids and explains its function and operation; assists the Wastewater Collections Division, Automated Controls & Telemetry Specialist as directed; checks and records weather data; has a thorough understanding of the laboratory process and analytical testing,; maintains municipal lift stations; makes weekly rounds; assures all wastewater auxiliary pumping systems are operating properly; educates the public on the proper operation of a wide variety of wastewater quality control devices; assists in commercial and industrial pretreatment inspections pursuant to City program and Department of Ecology guidelines; repairs and maintains pumps, pump stations, lift stations, and other sewer system components; and performs related work and weekend, holidays, on-call (Plant Operators only) and overtime work as required.

Performs, interprets, evaluates, and records standard laboratory tests on wastewater samples to evaluate such factors as Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Total Suspended Solids, Dissolved Oxygen Content, Fecal Coliform, and pH; prepares periodic and specialized reports following the results of laboratory testing and makes recommendations regarding treatment plant process control; performs, checks and operates a variety of wastewater treatment and laboratory testing equipment such as dissolved oxygen meters, microscopes, spectrophotometers, pH meters, filtration devices, ovens, furnaces, distilling apparatus, and incubators ; collects wastewater samples in the treatment plant and assists Plant Operators in sample collection as needed; performs, interprets, evaluates and records standard laboratory tests on bio-solids and composite samples.

Employment Standards

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Regardless of level, a Plant Operator must meet the following minimum qualifications: must possess a high school diploma or G.E.D. and at least twelve (12) months of experience in general maintenance of a Wastewater Treatment Plant or sewer system of equivalent capacity, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Must demonstrate knowledge of the methods, tools, materials, and practices involved in the installation, repair, service, and construction of sewer lines and related equipment; ability to read and interpret maps, plans, blueprints, and similar engineering drawings; ability to operate all equipment required of the position; ability to operate heavy equipment as a relief operator as needed; and knowledge of safety and traffic control procedures. Must demonstrate ability to work independently, identifying problems, and exercising considerable initiative in making needed repairs; ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with the general public and fellow employees; and ability to oversee personnel in lower classifications.

Must possess and maintain a valid, unrestricted Washington State Driver's License. Must possess or obtain the following within six (6) months: first aid and any other appropriate certifications as required by law, ordinance, or department regulations.

Additional Minimum Requirements per Division:

• Wastewater Treatment Plant, Plant Operator - State of Washington Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Level II (Operator II classification) within eighteen (18) months from date of hire.
• Optional - Level III (Operator III classification);
• Optional - Level IV (Operator IV classification).

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-In-Training

Regardless of level, a Plant Operator-In-Training must meet the following minimum qualifications: must possess a high school diploma or G.E.D. Must demonstrate knowledge of the methods, tools, materials, and practices involved in the installation, repair, service, and construction of sewer lines and related equipment; ability to read and interpret maps, plans, blueprints, and similar engineering drawings; ability to operate all equipment required of the position; ability to operate heavy equipment as a relief operator as needed; and knowledge of safety and traffic control procedures. Must demonstrate ability to work independently, identifying problems, and exercising considerable initiative in making needed repairs; ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with the general public and fellow employees; and ability to oversee personnel in lower classifications.

Must possess and maintain a valid, unrestricted Washington State Driver's License. Must possess or obtain the following within six (6) months: first aid and any other appropriate certifications as required by law, ordinance, or department regulations.

Additional Minimum Requirements per Division:

• Wastewater Treatment Plant, Plant Operator - State of Washington Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator-In-Training Level II within twenty-four (24) months from date of hire.
• After satisfying the required operating experience as outlined in WAC 173-230-250, the certification is upgraded to a Group II classification, at which time the position advances to Plant Operator Level II.

The benefits listed below are those currently enjoyed by the full-time IUOE (International Union of Operating Engineers) City of Kennewick employees. It is important to remember that over the course of time these benefits may change - they are not permanent. Benefits may change through City Council or administrative action, union contracts or changes mandated by state and federal law.

Paid Holidays

13 per year (10 scheduled; 3 "floating")

New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday, Washingtons Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and three floating holidays selected by the employee. Active employee will accrue all three floating holidays on February 1. Employees hired after February 1 will receive a prorated floating holiday accrual for the remainder of the calendar year based on their hire date.

Paid Time Off (PTO)

The purpose of PTO is to compensate employees for absences due to injury, illness, vacation and personal business. In addition, the program is designed to provide employees with personal flexibility regarding the use of leave hours. PTO hours accrue based upon the actual number of regular hours worked.

Accrual per Month:

0-5yrs 6-9yrs 10-14yrs 15-19yrs 20-24yrs 25-29yrs 30+yrs

12 hours 15 hours 17 hours 19 hours 21 hours 23 hours 25 hours

Retirement Plan

All City employees are members of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). The City and the employee both contribute toward the plan. PERS provides regular retirement and disability retirement benefits. City employees also participate in the Social Security Program. Rates effective as of 07/01/2025. (www.drs.wa.gov)

PERS Employee Contribution Rate Employer Contribution Rate

Plan II 5.38% 5.38%

Plan III Employee Choice (see booklet) 5.38%

Deferred Comp

The City contributes an equivalent of 5% of your regular monthly salary to Mission Square Retirement (previously ICMA) deferred compensation program after completing 6 months of employment. No employee match required, but employees may contribute towards plan if desired. (www.icmarc.org)

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

The City currently pays the entire dental and vision insurance premiums for the employee and dependents. Employee current premium share of 10% per month (depending on number of family members covered) for medical insurance.

Life Insurance

The City currently pays the entire premium for group term life insurance coverage ($14,000) for employees. Employees may purchase Voluntary Term Life Insurance for employee, spouse and/or dependents through New York Life (previously Cigna).

Long Term Disability

The City pays the entire long-term disability premium for employees through New York Life (previously Cigna).

Wellness Program

The Wellness Program has been established to encourage employee health and fitness, both at work and at home. A City Wellness Committee promotes and provides opportunities for healthy lifestyles. Employee fitness center is open to all employees and their spouses.

Employee Assistance

An Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) is provided by the City to assist you and family members, providing counseling and treatment in such areas as stress, drug and alcohol abuse and family counseling.

Other Benefits Offered

• Flexible Spending Plan (Pre-Tax Deduction for Medical/Dental and Day Care)
• Aflac Supplemental Insurance
• Bereavement Leave
• Overtime
• Direct Deposit (paydays are 5th and 20th of the month)

For more detailed information on benefits for a specific Collective Bargaining Group, all Agreements can be found at the following link: https://www.go2kennewick.com/305/Current-Labor-Contracts

01

Please select your highest level of education completed.

• Masters degree or higher
• Bachelors degree
• Associates degree
• High school diploma or GED
• None of the above

02

How many years of experience do you have performing general maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant or sewer system of equivalent capacity?

• Three or more years
• Two years to less than three years
• One year to less than two years
• Six months to less than one year
• Less than six months
• No relevant experience

03

Please select the option that best describes your current Washington State Department of Ecology Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification.

• Level IV certification
• Level III certification
• Level II certification
• Do not currently possess Level II certification but can obtain it within 18 months of hire
• Unable to obtain Level II certification within 18 months of hire

04

How many years of experience do you have installing, repairing, servicing, and maintaining sewer lines, wastewater treatment systems, and related equipment?

• Three or more years
• Two years to less than three years
• One year to less than two years
• Six months to less than one year
• Less than six months
• No relevant experience

05

How many years of experience do you have reading and interpreting maps, plans, and blueprints; operating required equipment, including heavy equipment as needed; and applying safety and traffic control procedures?

• Three or more years
• Two years to less than three years
• One year to less than two years
• Six months to less than one year
• Less than six months
• No relevant experience

06

How many years of expierence do you have working independently, identifying and resolving maintenance problems, maintaining effective working relationships, and overseeing personnel in lower classifications?

• Three or more years
• Two years to less than three years
• One year to less than two years
• Six months to less than one year
• Less than six months
• No relevant experience

Required Question

Employer City of Kennewick

Address 210 W. 6th Ave.

P.O. Box 6108

Kennewick, Washington, 99336

Phone (509) 585-4377

(509) 585-4415

Website http://www.go2kennewick.com