Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Assistant

Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Assistant

Salary

$32.43 - $35.75 Hourly

Location

Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Classified

Job Number

5099-26

Department

Environmental Services

Opening Date

10/27/2026

Closing Date

11/10/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

The City of Tacoma is recruiting for the position of Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Assistant in our Environment and Public Works Department. We are seeking highly motivated people devoted to public service to join our team in providing exceptional service to the residents of Tacoma.

Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Assistant support maintenance machinists, electrical technicians, and plant operators with the operation, repair, and cleaning of equipment, tools, buildings, and grounds of wastewater treatment plants, pump stations, and the bio-solids manufacturing area.

This is an excellent opportunity for career-minded individuals to start out with an entry-level job, and then gain valuable work exposure with machinists, electrical technicians, and wastewater treatment plant operators.

Environment and Public Works Operations and Maintenance, Plants and Pump Stations maintains 2 award winning wastewater treatment plants and 49 pump stations.

Essential Job Duties:

Assist employees in higher classifications in the repair and maintenance of wastewater treatment/conveyance equipment and facilities. This includes:

• Assist in removing, repairing, rebuilding pumps and motors
• Assisting inspecting and replacing flights in sed tanks, performing work on evaporators and water pumps.
• Inspect fire and first aid equipment
• Connecting, replacing motor controls in electrical panels and troubleshooting various systems
• Perform preventive maintenance duties such as changing oil and filters, checking and replacing batteries, checking packing on pumps and adjusting as necessary, lubing and oiling equipment, cleaning air conditioners and checking various equipment according to established procedures
• Clean digesters and grit tanks; pump out sludge; remove rags and sand
• Maintain facilities and equipment in a safe, clean and orderly manner; wash down facility equipment and machinery as required
• Contact vendors to order parts and supplies as directed; transport parts and supplies as required
• Prepare and maintain electronic records
• Operate a variety of hand and power tools such as drills, hammers, pipe threader, grinders, wrenches and saws; operate a variety of equipment such as a diesel or gas pump, pressure washer, motor vehicle, and various forklifts
• Perform related duties as assigned

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Work includes indoor and outdoor environment; subject to driving from site to site and noise, and working in confined spaces with fumes and odors.

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions.

• A position in this class is generally exposed to prolonged periods of standing, bending, climbing, loud industrial noises, fumes, and gases, working in confined spaces, above and underground, operating a variety of hand/power tools, equipment, and machinery requiring finger and hand dexterity, working in the field or in a plant working environment in all types of weather conditions and using proper safety equipment and devices.
• Walking, sitting, climbing or descending ladders and ability to enter tight and confined spaces. Position requires positioning self under and/or around equipment, ascending/descending, and moving objects weighing 90 pounds or more.
• An employee in this position may be exposed to potentially hazardous materials.

Qualifications

An equivalent combination to:

Graduation from high school or equivalent,

AND

Six (6) months of experience in maintenance, construction, equipment operation or general manual labor.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Valid Washington State drivers license at time of appointment, with maintenance thereafter

Knowledge & Skills

Knowledge of:

• Safe working methods
• Basic methods, tools and techniques utilized in the maintenance and operation of a wastewater system
• Basic maintenance and construction materials and supplies

Ability to:

• Operate small hand and power tools such as pipe threader, grinders, drills hammers, wrenches and saws
• Understand and follow oral and written directions
• Perform heavy semi-skilled labor with minimum supervision
• Learn to apply hygiene, safety and health procedures related to wastewater treatment plants
• Meet schedules and established timelines
• Lift carry and/or move equipment, parts and materials weighing up to 90 pounds
• Observe legal and defensive driving practice

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 apply online by completing the application and attaching 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 #8 to #11 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: $32.43 - $35.75

Annual Salary: $67,454.40 - $74,360.00

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

Are you a high school graduate or the equivalent, such as a General Education Degree (GED) or Home Schooling Certification?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have six months (or more) experience in maintenance, construction, equipment operation or general manual labor?

• Yes
• No

04

The successful candidate for this position will need to have a valid Washington State Drivers License by their first day of work if offered the job. Do you currently or will you have a valid Washington State Drivers License at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter if you are selected for this job?

• Yes
• No

05

This position requires an employee to work at a Wastewater Treatment Plant (Sewer site). Check each box below to confirm you have read the physical requirements and working conditions for this position and understand these requirements. Applicants selected to move forward in the selection process will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment medical examination, drug and alcohol screen and physical ability test.

• Subject to working outdoors in adverse weather conditions, noise and sewage treatment plant fumes.
• Position requires lifting heavy objects up to 90 lbs, climbing, and entering confined spaces.
• An employee in this position is exposed to the presence of potentially hazardous materials, including but not limited to raw sewage.
• An employee in this position may sometimes be required to enter and remain in a confined space for a period of time to do work.
• An employee in this position will be required to climb ladders and work from heights up to approximately 25 feet above the ground.

06

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING TEST:

Questions 7-10 are the experience and training test that will be used to establish the eligibility list. These questions will be scored by subject matter experts who will not have access to your application materials, and will provide scores based solely upon your answer to the question. You must describe when and where you received your experience and/or training and what work was performed. Your answers must stand on their own merit. Please DO NOT RESPOND WITH SEE RESUME in lieu of answering these questions, as raters will not have access to your resume or application materials and this will result in a score of 0 points and you will fail the test. Your score on the experience and training test will solely reflect your responses to the question asked.

Please indicate "Yes" to show that you have read and understand the instructions for the experience and training questions.

• Yes
• No

07

How much experience do you have in the construction, industrial municipal or public works fields?

• Less than 1 year
• 1 -2 years
• 2-3 years
• 3-5 years
• More than 5 years
• No experience

08

Please describe your experience as noted above. Include the name of the employer(s), and dates of employment and the duties performed. If you have no experience please respond with N/A

09

Please describe your experience working as a member of a team, detail your role and responsibilities on the team.

10

Describe your experience working with customers and/or rate payers (internal or external) and what your idea of great customer service is.

11

How did you learn about this job opportunity?

• City of Tacoma website
• Association of Washington Cities Website
• Internet search
• Word of mouth
• From a City of Tacoma employee
• Professional Organization
• Community Organization
• From a Union
• Other

12

If you answered "professional organization", "community organization", or "other" in the previous question, please tell us where you heard about this job opportunity. Thank you, your response will help us promote 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