Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Maintenance Technician

Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Maintenance Technician

Salary

$39.67 - $43.73 Hourly

Location

Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Classified

Job Number

5111-26

Department

Environmental Services

Opening Date

10/08/2026

Closing Date

11/3/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

The City of Tacoma Environment and Public Works Department, Operations and Maintenance Division is seeking Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Maintenance Technicians to perform skilled maintenance duties and repair for wastewater treatment plant, lift stations and surface water facilities.

The Wastewater Treatment Plant is in need of high-performing, experienced Wastewater Treatment Plant Maintenance Technicians who have a proven work history in the use of a variety of tools and equipment, the ability to collaborate well with others in a team environment, and who can meet productivity standards with tight schedules and deadlines. Ideal candidates will possess the ability to perform manual work or routine equipment operation associated with the maintenance, inspection, and repair of the Citys Wastewater systems.

This recruitment will be used to establish an employment list that is intended to be used for the next year to fill openings in the role of WWTP Maintenance Technician. This position is Classified and Represented by Local 160 IAM & AW. If youre looking for a dynamic role where your skills and dedication can contribute to meaningful work, we encourage you to explore this opportunity and join a team that values excellence and community impact!

A successful candidate will have a skill set that includes:

• Knowledge of the tools and equipment used in wastewater treatment plants.
• Record keeping techniques.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work from blueprints, shop drawings and sketches.
• Proven background with maintenance and repair work.
• Excellent attendance.
• Outstanding ability to work well with others in a team environment.

Essential Duties Include:

• Operate a diverse range of equipment and utilize both hand and power tools associated with construction in the wastewater industry to carry out job assignments and meet job responsibilities.
• Perform various preventive maintenance and repair duties on equipment as assigned; inspect equipment to assure proper and efficient operation; utilize a variety of appropriate hand and power tools.
• Maintain and repair pumps, mechanical screens, conveyors, storm gates, blowers, boilers, piping, instruments, chlorinators, digestion tanks, vacuum filters, and related equipment.
• Perform routine pump station checks to ensure proper operation of lift stations; maintain and repair equipment at/for said pump stations.
• Read and understand O & M manuals, process or equipment plans or descriptions.
• Effectively coordinate, perform and complete multiple duties and assignments concurrently and in a timely manner.
• Remove, transport, replace and install equipment; repair or rebuild as necessary using various equipment such as mobile cranes and portable lifting devices.
• Perform basic electrical, mechanical, painting, carpentry and incidental masonry work as required; perform repair work for other departments as assigned; identify the source of oil spills and assist with oil removal as required.
• Maintain equipment, work areas and facilities in a safe, clean and orderly condition.
• Contact or communicate with other departments, vendors, outside organizations and agencies or others to provide and receive information and services related to job duties.
• Prepare basic electronic records, logs and reports related to daily activities; order and transport parts and supplies according to established procedures.
• Attend meetings and seminars as required.
• Operate a variety of tools, machinery and equipment such as grinders, presses, various meters, drills, power tools and wrenches; operate various forklifts and City vehicles.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

An equivalent combination to:

Graduation from high school

AND

Training in the maintenance trades

AND

Two (2) years of experience in the service, maintenance and repair of mechanical, hydraulic and electrical systems.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must obtain a valid Commercial Driver License (CDL) Class "B" by the end of the probation period, with maintenance thereafter.
• Must possess or be able to obtain first aid and CPR cards required by the city.

The City will provide the necessary classroom and drive time experience.

Please follow the link to view the requirements to obtain a Commercial Drivers License as listed in RCW 46.25.090.

Knowledge & Skills

• Methods, tools, equipment and materials used in wastewater treatment plant equipment maintenance, repair, removal and installation
• Basic principles and procedures of mechanical, plumbing, maintenance trades and basic electrical repair
• Machine tool operation
• Personal hygiene, safety techniques, testing methods and procedures associated with working with dangerous or hazardous gases and/or confined spaces in a wastewater treatment plant. Record-keeping techniques
• Performs skilled maintenance and repair work for wastewater treatment plants using a variety of hand and power tools and test equipment
• Read and interpret meters
• Work from blueprints, shop drawings and sketches. Understand and follow oral and written directions
• Perform heavy manual labor
• Learn to apply hygiene, safety and health procedures related to waste water treatment plant and assigned duties. Meet schedules and time lines
• Operate various forklifts, City vehicles and mobile equipment
• Inspect equipment, diagnose problems and correct as needed
• Communicate effectively

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.

Veterans and or qualifying spouses/domestic partners wishing to be considered for veterans preference must attach a copy of DD214 member copy 4 (proof of military discharge form) at the time of application to be considered for veterans preference.

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 #9 to #13 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: $39.67 - $43.73

Annual Salary: $82,513.60- $90,958.40

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 high school and have training in the maintenance trades?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have two years of experience in the service, maintenance and repair of mechanical, hydraulic and electrical systems?

• Yes
• No

04

The successful candidate for this position will need to be able to obtain a Class "B" Commercial Drivers License by the end of the probation period. CDL training and testing is on City time and all costs are paid by the City.

Please follow the link in the job announcement to view the requirements to obtain a Commercial Drivers License as listed in RCW 46.25.090.

Will any of the reasons listed in RCW 46.25.090 prevent you from obtaining a Commercial Drivers License after appointment if you are selected for the job?

• I currently have a Class A Commercial Drivers License
• I am able to obtain a Class "B" Commercial Drivers License
• I would be prevented from obtaining a Commercial Drivers License

05

An employee in this position will be required to climb ladders and work from heights from approximately 12 feet to 3 stories above the ground.

Please acknowledge that you are aware of the physical requirements and working conditions of the job by checking Yes below

• Yes
• No

06

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.

OSHA defines a confined space as being made up of 3 main parts:

1) being large enough for an employee to enter and perform work

2) has limited or restricted means for entry or exit

3) is not designed for continuous occupancy

Please acknowledge that you are aware of the physical requirements and working conditions of the job by checking Yes below

• Yes
• No

07

This position requires an employee to work at a Wastewater Treatment Plant (Sewer site).

Applicants selected to move forward in the selection process will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment medical examination and physical ability test.

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

• This work includes indoor and outdoor environment; is subject to driving from site to site; loud noises, and working in confined spaces with fumes and odors.

• A position in this class is generally exposed to prolonged period of standing, bending, climbing, loud industrial noises, fumes, and gases, working in confined spaces, above and underground, use and 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.

Please acknowledge that you are aware of the physical requirements and working conditions of the job by checking Yes below

• Yes
• No

08

This position is covered by a Labor Agreement with District Lodge 160. Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Section 15.5/Call Backs and Standby, it is required that employees on Standby must respond to the call-out within forty-five (45) minutes. A link to the union contract is provided in the Selection Process and Supplemental Information section of this job announcement, for your information. Check "yes" below to indicate that you have read and understood the requirement to respond to work within 45 minutes if you are an employee on Standby.

• Yes
• No

09

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING TEST:

Questions #10-14 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 any of your application materials, and will provide scores based solely upon your answers to the questions. Your answers must stand on their own merit. DO NOT RESPOND WITH "SEE RESUME" in lieu of answering this question, as raters will not have access to your resume or application 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 ONLY reflect your response to the questions asked.

Please indicate "Yes" that you have read and understand the instructions for questions #9-13.

• Yes
• No

10

Please describe your primary responsibilities in the service, maintenance, and repair of Wastewater, water, industrial, mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems. If you have no experience type N/A.

11

Please describe your experience working with piping, pumps, and valves. If you have no experience type N/A.

12

Please describe your experience working as a member of a team, as well as provide specific examples of when you or your team provided excellent customer service.

13

Please describe a time you played a role in improving safety in the workplace, detail what your role was and the impact of the improvement.

14

The City of Tacoma workforce and community is made up a people with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. What experiences have you had working with and relating to people whose backgrounds (race, ethnicity, culture, ability/special needs) are different from your own? Please describe the setting and your role.

15

Please tell us how you learned about this job opening.

• Job Interest Card notification
• Internet search
• Professional organization
• Community organization
• Military organization
• Union job posting
• City of Tacoma employee
• Online job board posting
• Word of mouth
• Other

16

Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Thank you, your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings.

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