| Location | Tacoma, WA |
| Salary | $41.26–$47.77 Per Hour |
Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Operator
Salary
$41.26 - $47.77 Hourly
Location
Tacoma, WA
Job Type
Classified
Job Number
5101-26A
Department
Environmental Services
Opening Date
09/08/2026
Closing Date
9/22/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Position Description
The City of Tacoma, Environment & Public Works Department is accepting applications for qualified candidates interested in becoming a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator on their platinum award winning team. Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators perform skilled work in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment, sludge processing, compliance and process testing, sampling, and other related tasks in a wastewater treatment facility. Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators maintain operating conditions by interpreting meters, gauges, biological and chemical analysis and observation of the treatment process.
Why its a great opportunity:
The City of Tacoma is growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Enjoy a competitive total compensation package, the opportunity for a flexible schedule, opportunities for career advancement, and innovation workspaces.
The department recognizes the value of operator certifications and the benefit to the city of having a workforce that possess them. The City offers incentive pay for Operators with Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) Wastewater Operator Group 3 and Group 4 certifications. Operators with a Group 3 certification receive a 6% pay increase over the base wage while Operators with a Group 4 certification receive a 7% pay increase over the base wage.
This is an excellent promotional opportunity. You have the ability to grow with an exciting organization that is focused on supporting healthy neighborhoods and a thriving Puget Sound.
Advanced classifications in the Wastewater Treatment field include the following:
Position Titles Pay RangeWastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Operator $41.26 - $47.77 Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Operator, Senior $50.30 - $52.81 Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Operations Supervisor $55.82 - $64.62
Examples of Job Duties:
To see the full job classification please click here.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
To learn more about the Environment & Public Works Department, check out these links:
Central Treatment Plant Tour Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jx5DUy3SMaU
Operations and Maintenance Division: http://
cityweb/Gnet/Departments/ES/OpsMaint/Pages/default.aspx
Plant Operations: http://cityweb/Gnet/Departments/ES/OpsMaint/Pages/PlantOperations.aspx
North End Wastewater Treatment Plant: http://cityweb/Gnet/Departments/ES/OpsMaint/Documents/Plant%203%20NETP%20Overview.pdf
Qualifications
An equivalent combination to:
Graduation from high school including training or course work in wastewater plant operation
AND
One year of experience in the operation of a wastewater treatment plant.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Knowledge & Skills
KNOWLEDGE:
SKILLS:
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 #12 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: $41.26 - $47.77
Annual Salary: $85,820.80 - $99,361.60
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.
02
Are you a high school graduate or equivalent?
03
Do you have least one year of experience in the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment plant?
04
Will you have a valid Washington State Driver License by the first day of the job if you are offered this position?
05
Do you have a current, valid Washington State Group I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification, or will you be able to have one at the time of appointment to this position if selected for the job?
(Please attach a copy of your state certification to your application if you have this certification)
06
If you do not have a current, valid Washington State Group I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification, when will you be able to attain this certification?
07
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING TEST:
The Supplemental Questionnaire (Questions 8-12) are part of the experience and training test that will be used to establish the eligibility list is part of the examination process; accordingly, it should be completed carefully. It must be submitted with your 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.
Responses to supplemental questions must be the original product of the applicant. The use of the internet online tools including the use of Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc.), or plagiarism is considered cheating and falsification of the application. I understand that any form of cheating or falsification will disqualify my application for further consideration. 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. Your score on the experience and training test will reflect your responses.
Please indicate "Yes" to show that you have read and understand these instructions.
08
Please describe the steps you have taken to grow in your wastewater operations career and how you applied that growth on the job.
09
In detail, please describe your domestic wastewater treatment plant operation experience. If you have no relevant experience type "N/A".
10
Please describe a specific time you were faced with a challenge operating a wastewater treatment plant. How did you assess the situation, troubleshoot and resolve the issue?
11
In what ways do you or have you promoted equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace? Please provide specific examples.
12
Tell me about a situation in your wastewater operations work where you had to adjust your level of intensity to handle changing conditions. What prompted the shift, and how did your response affect the outcome?
13
Please tell us how you learned about this job opening. Select one.
14
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