Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Electrician/Instrumentation Technician

Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Electrician/Instrumentation Technician

Salary

$46.18 - $56.13 Hourly

Location

Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Classified

Job Number

5096-26

Department

Environmental Services

Opening Date

07/08/2026

Closing Date

8/4/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

The City of Tacoma Environmental Services Department is seeking skilled Electrician/Instrumentation Technicians to join our collaborative team. Electrician/Instrumentation Technicians are responsible for performing skilled journey level electrical and instrumentation maintenance work that involves maintenance and installation of a wide variety of equipment, instrumentation, apparatus, controls, and motors.

An employee in this classification develops and implements a proactive maintenance work program that includes preventative and predictive maintenance, corrective maintenance, and equipment condition monitoring on a variety of instrumentation equipment, communications equipment, meters, control systems, electrical systems, circuits, and motor controls associated with wastewater treatment plants, pumping stations, stormwater control facilities and solid waste systems such as compactors. Employees work on a variety of electrical components at our facilities, such as relays, PLC's, circuit breakers, and electrical distribution. Prior experience at a wastewater, surface water, or solid waste utility is not needed for the position.

Interested in learning more about the Wastewater Treatment Plant? Check this video out! https://youtu.be/jx5DUy3SMaU?si=xGJ82bfks0amK9PS

Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent

AND

Two (2) years of journey-level experience as an electrician OR an instrumentation technician in an industrial or manufacturing plant/work environment,

AND

Two (2) years supplemental advanced course work in electric theory and industrial controls.

Additional experience can be substituted for education at the rate of three (3) years of apprentice-level experience or two (2) years of journey-level experience per one (1) year of advanced course work.

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid Washington State Driver's License at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter.
• Valid First Aid Card with C.P.R. at time of appointment and maintenance thereafter.
• There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer's responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.
• Individuals may have to pass a background check depending upon assignment.

Knowledge & Skills

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Control Systems, electrical circuits, and instrumentation for system integration, maintenance, troubleshooting and root cause analysis
• National Electrical Code (NEC), regulations, and procedures
• Electrical, instrumentation and electronic technology including PLC's (Rockwell) and various programming formats (Ladder, Function block, Structured Text)
• Various types of conduit applications and methods of installation
• Schematics, wiring diagrams and instrument control diagrams
• Electrical codes, regulations and procedures
• Proper methods of storing equipment, materials and supplies
• Health and safety regulations
• Technical aspects of field of specialty
• Proper record keeping techniques
• Basic wastewater treatment plant processes and impact of equipment malfunction
• Safety techniques, testing and procedures to handle dangerous or hazardous chemicals, gases and/or confined spaces, as related to wastewater treatment plants and pump stations
• Experience with 480-volt equipment, instrumentation and controls, HMI, SCADA systems and in conducting maintenance work on motor controls, electrical distribution and generating systems
• Understanding and ability to calculate wire sizes and conduit fill

SKILLS:

• Understand basic troubleshooting and repair of industrial systems, with the ability to visualize how different systems operate together to find the root cause
• Read and interpret electrical drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, engineering plans, P&ID drawings and specifications
• Apply principles of electrical theory to daily tasks, which may include design of electrical systems
• Implement a preventative maintenance work program
• Operate, install, repair, and inspect a variety of electronic testing equipment
• Understand basic computer skills that the technician will need in using a laptop in their daily work, i.e. changing the IP address, using serial ports, and troubleshooting network connectivity
• Operate a variety of tools and equipment used in the electrical and instrumentation trade such as; hydraulic presses, cutters, benders, various types of testing equipment and recording devices
• Lift heavy objects in awkward and confined spaces, using proper lifting and rigging techniques
• Understand and interpret the national electrical code
• Operate motor vehicles and forklifts
• Understand and follow oral and written directions
• Observe appropriate safety procedures in the performance of assigned tasks
• Maintain records and prepare reports as directed
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Work independently with little direction

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

City of Tacoma's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At the City of Tacoma, were on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. Were committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you're passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

The Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacomas geographic area. Downtowns Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and Americas Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

Application Process

Interested individuals should complete the online application and attach a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process.

Applicants who are eligible for veterans scoring criteria (Veterans Preference) MUST attach a copy of their DD-214 member copy 4 (proof of military discharge form) at time of application to be eligible for review for Veterans Preference points.

Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the NeoGov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

Supplemental Questions

This is a competitive selection process. Applicants will be required to respond to written questions outlining their experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of this position. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their responses to Supplemental Questions #7 to #14 reviewed and scored by a committee of subject matter experts, as the Experience and Training Test. These questions will be scored based on the information provided. It is the responsibility of the applicants to adequately describe all pertinent experience and training. Please make sure you read the questions and provide complete informative answers, including your roles in the position and key activities. DO NOT respond with 'see resume' in lieu of answering these questions; this will result in a failing score. Providing false information will result in disqualification.

Accommodations: We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation during this process, please contact Human Resources at(253) 591-5400.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Hourly Rate: $46.18 - $56.13

Annual Salary: $96,054.40 - $116,750.40

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

01

The Supplemental Questionnaire is part of the examination process; accordingly, it should be completed carefully. It must be submitted with your application. Responses to supplemental questions must be original content created by the applicant using their own words. The use of online tools or resources to create responses, such as Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc), Google, Bing, etc., or plagiarism in any form, is considered cheating and falsification of the application. Do not indicate "see resume" or copy unrelated content from your resume when answering these questions. Answer all information requested in each question. Failure to do so may result in rejection of your application. I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification may cancel any terms, conditions, or privileges of employment.

• Yes
• No

02

Did you graduate from high school or the equivalent (GED)?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have Two (2) years of journey-level experience as an electrician OR an instrumentation technician in an industrial or manufacturing plant/work environment?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have Two (2) years advanced course work in electric theory and industrial controls? *Additional experience can be substituted for education at the rate of three (3) years of apprentice-level experience or two (2) years of journey-level experience per one (1) year of advanced course work. If no advanced course work in electric theory and industrial controls, six (6) years of apprentice-level experience or four (4) years of journey-level experience is required.

• Yes
• No

05

If you answered "Yes" to question #3, please describe your experience including the duties performed, name of the employer(s), and date(s) of employment. If you have no experience. please type N/A.

06

Please describe any additional formal course work/training youve received.

07

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING TEST: Questions #8-15 are the experience and training test which will be used to establish the eligibility list. These questions will be scored by subject matter experts who will only see your answers to the questions and will not have access to any of your application materials. You must describe your experience and/or training, what work was performed, and provide thorough answers to the supplemental questions. Your answer must stand on its own merit. DO NOT refer to your resume in lieu of answering questions. Your score on the experience and training test will solely reflect your responses to the questions.

Please indicate "Yes" that you have read and understand the instructions for questions 8 -15.

• Yes
• No

08

Please describe your experience with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and industrial process automation. If you have no experience, type N/A.

09

Please describe your experience with installing, configuring, maintaining and repairing industrial instrumentation equipment. If you have no experience, type N/A.

10

Please describe your experience installing, programming, and troubleshooting variable frequency drives (VFDs), soft starts or motor starters, including types and sizes. If you have no experience, type N/A.

11

Please describe your experience installing, programming, and troubleshooting SCADA systems and servers. If you have no experience, type N/A.

12

Please describe your experience using, connecting, testing, and troubleshooting different industrial communication protocols to include HART, Modbus, Profibus, and industrial Ethernet. If you have no experience, type N/A.

13

Please describe your experience and software used for reading, drawing and correcting electrical schematics, ladder drawings, loop drawings and P&IDs. If you have no experience, type N/A.

14

Please describe your experience with low voltage (480 volt) electrical maintenance, installation, troubleshooting and repair experience. If you have no experience, please write N/A

15

Please describe your experience with medium voltage (13.8 kV) electrical maintenance, installation and maintenance experience. If you have no experience, please write N/A

16

Please tell us how you learned about this job opportunity.

• City of Tacoma website
• Association of Washington Cities website
• From a City of Tacoma employee
• Word of mouth
• From a professional organization
• From a community organization
• From a Union
• Internet web search
• City of Tacoma job interest notification
• Other

17

If you selected "professional organization," "community organization," or "other" in the previous question, please tell us which organization or "other" you learned of this job opportunity. Thank you; this will assist is in outreach for future job opportunities.

Required Question

Employer City of Tacoma

Address Human Resources Department

747 Market Street

Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764

Phone 253-591-5400

Website http://www.tacoma.gov