Salary : $6,071.87 - $7,919.60 Monthly
Location : Oak Harbor, WA
Job Type: Full time
Job Number: 25016
Department: Public Works
Division: Wastewater Treatment Plant
Opening Date: 02/26/2025
Closing Date: 3/31/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: UNION

Join our City of Oak Harbor team to help build a legacy of commitment to excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion in our vibrant waterfront community.
Description
The Treatment Plant Operator III functions as the operator-in-charge (OIC) and is responsible assisting the Plant Supervisor with day-to-day operations, occasional crew supervision in the absence of the supervisor, facility safety, maintenance, process control, lab data analysis, regulatory compliance, reporting, special projects, customer service, training, and contingency functions. As the Treatment Plant Operator III this position is actively involved in operating, maintenance, ordering and inventory control, troubleshooting and test and data analysis. The Operator III will coordinate NPDES reporting and make adjustments to stay within compliance. The Operator III will offer to assist other divisions within his or her capacity. This position is responsible for performing skilled and work in preventative maintenance, repair, overhaul, modification, removal and installation of equipment and facilities at the plant. The position provides input on budgets, plans and reports; also performs designated wastewater management duties for the Plant Supervisor.
Essential Job Functions

Work activities involve multiple skills and may include any or all of the following depending on area of assignment, crew needs, emergency services, special projects, and seasonal factors:

• Assist in coordinating day-to-day activities; prepare weekly treatment plant work plans and schedules; be responsible for ordering supplies and conduct daily meetings and follow-up communications as necessary.
• Update supervisor of process and mechanical concerns as well as employee performance.
• Communicate with supervisor, staff, contractors and manufacturers regarding technical and mechanical information for problem diagnosis and resolution.
• Assist in coordinating work with wastewater collections crews for lift station maintenance and emergencies.
• Assist Plant Supervisor, PW Operations Manager or other colleagues, to assess complex operating problems or complaints, monitor response efforts and follow-up activities.
• Guide staff in policies and safety requirements including, but not limited to, confined space, lock out and tag out, and proper PPE and hygiene practices, and provide continuous information and training to ensure that work performed conforms to and is conducted according to sound safety standards, policies and practices. Assist in coordinating participation of all employees in ongoing safety meetings and workshops.
• As a working Wastewater Operator III, oversee and perform plant operations and maintenance duties such as process controls, regulating chemical flows, starting and stopping pumps, adjusting wastewater flows, maintaining electrical and mechanical systems, and monitoring automated alarms and controls.
• Lead and coordinate the division?s public education and community service functions; oversee and personally perform duties such as conducting plant tours for citizens and schools.
• Responsible for maintaining daily operational logs, meter and gauge readings and weather stations.
• Develop reports on equipment malfunctions and their repair, special project tracking from start to finish along with any related information to aid in better organization and control.
• Install, lubricate, maintain, repair, rebuild, inspect and clean mechanical systems (for example, bearings, seals, shafts, packing, rotor and stators, gears, frames etc.) for safe and efficient operation.
• Ensure components/systems operate properly and all safety rules are followed.
• Read and interpret complex information from manuals, diagrams and schematics.
• Determine need for spare parts and new equipment. Maintain parts, tools, equipment and related inventory to ensure operational continuity.
• Maintain accurate records and log reports. Update original drawings, O&M manuals, SOP?s and MSDS binders.
• Coordinate work with federal, state and local agencies, manufacturers and suppliers in compliance with laws, policies and procedures.
• Develop, define, prioritize and implement mechanical system maintenance activities according to manufacturers? specifications in accordance with the preventative maintenance program to insure operational readiness and compliance with environmental regulations.
• Assist on maintenance management program functions.
• Create an annual duty roster and ensure it is maintained and communicated to staff and the monitoring company.
• Ensure sufficient resources are available for staff to complete work assignments. Assess training needs and assist in providing training as required.
• Assist Plant Supervisor in budget preparation, reports and administration in long- and short-range planning for future plant repairs, upgrades, special projects, etc.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, other departments and the general public using good judgment, tact and courtesy.
• Foster a work environment that supports and facilitates the performance of efficient, effective, high-quality teamwork.
• Participate in buildings and grounds maintenance.
• Maintain and promote employee confidentiality.
• Perform designated duties of the Plant Supervisor when called upon.

Associated Functions:

• Attend various workshops, continuing education classes, seminars, and conferences.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Performance Requirements (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities):
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Outstanding ability to assess and respond to critical customer service, operations, and compliance issues.
• Knowledge of and ability to lead, train, direct, and develop the skills of wastewater treatment operators and to coordinate cross training and staffing with other public works divisions.
• Knowledge and ability to layout and schedule jobs and work plans, arrange for crews, equipment, parts, and supplies, oversee operations and safety, and maintain priorities.
• Knowledge of materials, methods, procedures, operation, maintenance and location of City utilities including the wastewater treatment plants (Class 2 or 3), lift stations and sewer collection system.
• Knowledge and skill in WWTP methods, materials, hydraulics, electricity, and processes.
• Knowledge of cross connection control methods.
• Advanced knowledge of wastewater treatment plant science and mathematics and ability to read and understand blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals.
• Good judgment and critical thinking skills to lead division activities, and to troubleshoot and apply knowledge of plants and collection system operations, maintenance, testing, and control; to resolve unusual and critical problems.
• Knowledge of applicable OSHA/WISHA/PSM safety regulations and standards and all city established safety practices, and ability to perform work, implement, train, and/or ensure training of staff in safe and effective operation of equipment and facilities.
• Flexibility and adaptability to change directions and priorities on short notice and communicate changes in a positive manner.
• Knowledge of computers, internet, WebDMR functions as well as specialized software related to treatment plant process and systems control, and the ability to keep accurate records, input and retrieve data on a personal computer using a maintenance program and designed spreadsheets.
• Ability to communicate effectively and concisely orally or write effectively using proper English spelling and grammar. Display oral communication skills in order to perform lead duties for information sharing, work instruction/direction, enforcing written and oral instruction, coaching, facilitating, consensus-building and educating, and represent the wastewater division and city with regulatory agencies, businesses, and the general public.
• Advanced knowledge of a successful process control of biological nutrient removal, membrane separation, disinfection, solids handling and related equipment to accomplish the same.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations for the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant.
• Full understating and implementation of the NPDES permit.
• Knowledge of predictive and preventive maintenance programs and computerized maintenance management systems.
• Knowledge of fundamentals of workplace health and safety regulations.
• Skills in building, maintaining and participating in effective teams.
• Skills in organizing and evaluation the work of others.
• Skills in developing temporary solutions for equipment malfunctions until replacement parts/equipment can be secured and installed.
• Skills in reading and understanding design drawings, schematics, one-line drawings and technical manuals.
• Ability to operate all equipment and tools normally associated with maintenance activities in an industrial plant including operating, installing and maintaining mechanical systems, electrical systems and devices, pipes, valves, pumps, water movement systems, structures and related equipment.
• Skills in safe chemical handling.
• Skills in odor control techniques and control.
• Ability to accurately align and perform skilled repair of pumps, blowers and control systems.
• Ability to analyze and research complex maintenance problems and formulate alternative cost estimates, priorities, recommendations for an effective course of action.
• Ability to work independently as well as cooperatively with co-workers, supervisors, regulatory officials and the general public.
• Ability to inspect facilities and systems for maintenance and repair needs, fire and electrical safety and any other health hazards.
• Advanced knowledge of VFD's, PLC's, HMI and SCADA control systems.
• Ability to develop essential supplier contacts and use the internet to find needed parts.
• Ability to function as the sole operator on weekend duty in a scheduled rotation and perform callout requirements.

Qualifications & Requirements

An equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential job functions may be considered.

• High school graduation/GED with two years education in industrial electrical/mechanical maintenance or equivalent.
• Minimum five (5) years progressively responsible experience in a wastewater treatment plants with ongoing operations, maintenance and customer service problem solving, training and preferred leadership accomplishments.
• Commercial Driver?s License (CDL) Class A or B preferred.
• Must have a Washington State Certification as a Group III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator or be able to obtain within six (6) months of hire date.
• Must obtain and maintain a CPR and Industrial First Aid Card certification, and complete training to work in confined spaces, as available.
• Must pass Criminal Background and Drivers Abstract checks prior to hire.
• Must have a valid Washington State Driver?s License and maintain a good driving record.
• Above average familiarity with personal computers. Good keyboard skills and ability to learn specialized software programs and develop spreadsheets.
• Experience in the operation of an MBR plant, UV disinfection, centrifugal thickening and sludge drying is desirable.

Working Environment & Physical Demands

The physical demands and characteristics of the work environment described here are representative of those occurring in the performance of the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

• Work is performed under noxious, dirty and noisy conditions at the wastewater treatment plants and, in the field, (in all types of weather conditions).
• The job involves risks of exposure to hazardous chemicals, electrical components, wastewater and bio-solid fumes and other wastewater-related substances associated with working in and around raw sewage.
• The job requires normal visual and hearing acuity and substantial dexterity; ability to access safety all areas of the WWTP to include stairs, ladders, grates, uneven terrain, high places, electrical panels and around reciprocating machinery.
• Must have the ability to work in extremely confined spaces with a 25-inch diameter entry
• Must have the ability to lift and/or move objects in excess of 50 pounds, sometime repetitively.
• Must be able to wear and work with half and full-face cartridge respirators and other applicable safety equipment.
• The job requires a scheduled shift that provides seven-day per week coverage, and some weekend and holiday work.
• Must also be available for on-call standby duty and be able to report to work within thirty (30) minutes.

Safety Statement:
We expect employees to ensure compliance with all applicable safety practices and policies, including those established by OSHA/DOSH regulations and the City's Accident Prevention Program (APP). 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, emphasizing safe completion of work throughout all aspects of developing and carrying out work plans.

The City of Oak Harbor is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability or any other status protected by law.
The City of Oak Harbor offers a generous benefit package to our employees that include:

Vacation and Sick Leave Accrual

Sick leave accrual is 8 hours per month.

Full-time employees receive vacation accrual on the following schedule.
Years of Service Vacation Accrual Rate

• 0 to 5 years - 8 hours/month
• 6 to 10 years - 10 hours/month
• 11 to 15 years - 13.33 hours/month
• 16 to 20 years - 15 hours/month
• 21 plus years - 16.66 hours/ month

The vacation accrual rate for a part-time employee shall be pro-rated as a percentage of the full-time rate.

Holiday Pay
The City provides eleven (11) paid holidays per year plus two (2) floating holiday of your choice (total of thirteen (13) days).

Medical Insurance
A choice from three options is provided through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC).

• Kaiser $200 Deductible Health Plan,
• Regence High Deductible Health Plan (with a City funded HSA)
• Regence HealthFirst 250 Health Plan.

The City pays 100% of the premium for a full time, regular employee (32 hours or more) and 90% of the premium for spouse and dependent children.
Part time employees who work 20 hours or more per week are eligible for full benefits but must pay for spouse and dependents coverage.

Vision Insurance
Vision Service Plan -The City provides a paid family vision plan which covers a yearly exam per person and a portion of vision hardware (frames, lenses and contacts) depending upon the use of accepted network providers.

Dental Insurance
Washington Dental Service/DELTA is preventive, incentive-based dental coverage provided through Association of Washington Cities, and pays as follows: 70-100% preventive, 70-100% basic, and 50% major dental to a maximum of $2000/person/year. Included is an orthodontic rider for children of 50% orthodontic expenses to a maximum of $1000 per child/lifetime. The City pays 100% of the premium for a fulltime, regular employee and 90% of the premium for spouse and dependent children.
Part time employees who work 20 hours or more per week are eligible for full benefits but must pay for spouse and dependents coverage.

Washington State Retirement Programs
Required pension plan for all City employees. (Public Employee Retirement System) plans 2 or 3 is for all general City employees.
LEOFF (Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters) plan 2 is for safety service employees.
PSERS plan 2 is for Public Safety Service Officers (Corrections Officers).
(% of gross income) vary for the plans. The City makes a contribution as well.

Basic Life Insurance & Long Term Disability
The City pays for a $25,000 basic group life insurance policy as well as a long term disability policy for employee only through Standard Insurance Company.

Wellness Program
The City of Oak Harbor is committed to promoting employee health and wellness, and offers a Wellness Program with fun and varied activities where regular employees can earn points to qualify for a wellness day off.

Employee Assistance Program
Free, professional and confidential counseling is available through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) via ComPsych. EAP is available to the employee and their immediate family, including their dependent children and anyone living in their household. Guidance counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to arrange an appointment with a qualified counselor in your area. Visit the for more information.

Other benefit options include the following:

• Voluntary Group Life Insurance- in addition to our life insurance policy this is a self-paid option.
• Deferred Compensation Plan - Mass Mutual or Wash State DCP- in addition to our city offered pension plan, this is a self-paid option.
• Colonial Life & Disability - This is a self-paid individual and/or family coverage for Cancer Care, Short Term Disability, Life, Accident, Critical Illness and more
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)- Pre-Tax deductions (IRS 125 Flexible Spending Account) for unreimbursed medical expenses and/or dependent day care
• Health Savings Account (HSA)- Funded by the City, $3,500 individual, $7,000 family per year. Must be on the Regence High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)

01

Please select your highest level of completed education.

• Some high school
• High school diploma/GED
• Some college, vocational, business, or technical training
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree

02

Please list any areas of study, degrees, professional licenses or certificates you hold as related to this job.
03

What level of Washington State certification do you hold as a WWTP Operator? (A Group I or II Certificate is required for this position, please upload your certificate to this application

• I don't have a Wastewater Operator Certificate
• I have a Wastewater OIT Certificate
• I have a Group I Wastewater Treatment Operator Certificate
• I have a Group II Wastewater Operator Certificate
• I have a Group III Wastewater Certificate
• I have a Wastewater Operator Certificate from another state.
• My Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification has expired, but I will be retesting soon.

04

How many years of experience do you have in a treatment plant?

• Less than 1 year
• One to two years
• 2-3 years
• More than 3 years
• I don't have experience in a treatment plant

05

Please list any additional experience, knowledge, skills or abilities you have that would be an asset to this opportunity at our Clean Water Facility. Please include any treatment plant experience (if any).
Required Question