WWTP Maintenance Supervisor (Electrical & Instrumentation)

WWTP Maintenance Supervisor (Electrical & Instrumentation)

Salary

$56.51 - $68.69 Hourly

Location

Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Classified

Job Number

5102-26

Department

Environmental Services

Opening Date

09/02/2026

Closing Date

9/22/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

In the Environment & Public Work Department, we believe everything we do supports healthy neighborhoods and a thriving Puget Sound, leaving a better Tacoma for all. The Maintenance Supervisor has an important role in fulfilling this purpose by supporting wastewater operations, fellow employees, and ultimately our customers. This position requires strong leadership skills to oversee the daily activities of wastewater treatment plant workers and other assigned staff. Duties also include oversight of the preventative maintenance program for crafts, administrative tasks, monitoring budgets, establishing policies and procedures and a variety of personnel actions that may include hiring and disciplinary decisions, supervision, training and evaluation of staff.

Environment & Public Works Operations and Maintenance, Plants and Pump Stations maintains 2 award winning waste treatment plants and 49 pump stations in addition to stormwater stations and holding basins.

Examples of Job Duties:

• Promote and maintain a safe working environment by: emphasizing safety as a priority; enforcing and monitoring sound risk management practices; ensuring all safety rules, regulations, protocols and procedures are followed.
• Elevate safety through targeted training.
• Set up cross-functional safety teams.
• Direct and lead the daily work activities of multi-craft journey-level personnel responsible for the execution of preventive maintenance and corrective repairs of the wastewater treatment plants and infrastructure (Central Treatment Plant, North End Treatment Plant and 49 remote pump stations).
• Implement, analyze, modify and assist in the development of maintenance work programs, policies and procedures for the wastewater treatment plants and pumping stations consistent with the goals and objectives as defined the Environmental and Sustainability Management Systems and Asset Management best practice. Maintenance programs include, but are not limited to, preventive, predictive, corrective, pump stations, custodial, and facilities.
• Authorize and coordinate the purchase of tools, materials, goods, and/or services with the Maintenance Planner, Warehouse Supervisor and Purchasing to facilitate the timely repair, maintenance, and construction of the wastewater plant and pumps stations.
• Actively participate in the hiring and selection to assure highly competent maintenance employees.
• Assure all job expectations are well understood, and all employees have the resources they need (e.g. materials, equipment, skills, training, etc.) to perform their work properly and successfully.
• Perform quarterly CORE conversations with assigned personnel and provide ongoing and timely feedback, coaching and mentoring to support excellent job performance and success on the job.
• Provide documentation of persistent performance issues when necessary, including records of conversation and disciplinary recommendations.
• Ensure training of all maintenance staff in standard and complex maintenance activities.
• Build and manage productive Union relationships by working collaboratively with union representatives.
• Grow a culture of compassion and respect that embraces teamwork and continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with the Maintenance Division, Operations, Engineering, Transmission, Business Operations, and other work groups to coordinate section maintenance activities and resolve planning, scheduling and other issues.
• Answer questions and provide information related to complex and technical projects including troubleshooting, problem identification, problem resolutions, approving expenditures, handling complaints and providing technical expertise around programmatic elements. Recommend repair methods and equipment modifications.
• Prepare and maintain data, records and reports to evaluate equipment and system performance in support of the Asset Management Program and help make data driven decision-making.
• Have a working knowledge of the division budget to ensure expenditures are within projections.
• Implement emergency contingency plans to respond to natural disasters, power outages, equipment failures, and system overflows.

Qualifications

Minimum Education*

• Associate's degree in water and wastewater treatment, environmental technology or a related field; OR
• 2 years of advanced coursework in wastewater technology, industrial controls or other related technical training; OR
• certification as a journey-level Industrial Maintenance Mechanic, Electrician or Instrumentation Technician with training in industrial maintenance management, process control automation

Minimum Experience*

• 5 years of progressively responsible experience working in wastewater treatment or related facility
• Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements

• Valid Washington State Drivers License at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter
• Some position may require certification as a journey-level Industrial Mechanic, Electrician, Instrumentation Technician or related

Knowledge & Skills

• Engineering techniques and principles as they relate to wastewater treatment and process control, system engineering, construction and system modification and process control automation
• Implementation of an industrial preventative maintenance program
• All phases of maintenance and repairs on electrical motors, pumping and rotating equipment/machining, industrial pipe fitting and fabrication piping, and hydraulics
• Supervisory control and data acquisition system operation and maintenance
• Safe use and handling of chemicals used in the wastewater treatment plant
• Excellent management and supervisory skills, including planning, organizing, scheduling, establishing work priorities, and working on multiple projects in a diverse work environment
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Interpersonal skills including tact, patience and courtesy
• Establish and maintain cooperative and supportive working relationships with others
• Disseminate technical information in non-technical terms to non-technical personnel
• Read, interpret, apply and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
• Work independently with little direction and meet schedules and timelines
• Work safely and cooperatively with coworkers and the public

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 #7 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: $56.51 - $68.69

Annual Salary: $117,540.80 - $142,875.20

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

Please select the option below that best describes your educational background. *Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis

• Associate's degree in water and wastewater treatment, environmental technology or a related field.
• 2 years of advanced coursework in wastewater technology, industrial controls or other related technical training.
• Certification as a journey-level Industrial Maintenance Mechanic, Electrician or Instrumentation Technician with training in industrial maintenance management, process control automation.
• No experience

03

Do you have 5 years of progressively responsible experience working in wastewater treatment or related facility?

• Yes
• No

04

This position may be required to work standby or be on-call a week at a time. Please indicate whether or not you are available to work these shifts.

• Yes
• No

05

The physical requirements and working conditions for this position are: work is generally performed in an office environment or other work areas throughout the treatment plant and pumping stations. These other areas may include hazardous conditions such as exposure to dangerous chemicals, confined spaces, and explosive gases, high voltages, exposure to raw sewage, large rotating machinery and equipment including high noise levels, and working in all kinds of weather conditions. Please rate your ability to work in these required conditions.

• Capable
• Highly capable
• Not capable

06

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING TEST: Questions 7-11 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. 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. DO NOT refer to your 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. Your score on the experience and training test will solely reflect your responses to the questions asked. For questions 7-11, make sure you describe your position, including your roles in the position, key activities, level of responsibility and the number of years experience in that capacity. Please indicate "Yes" that you have read and understand the instructions for questions 7-11.

• Yes
• No

07

Please describe your experience supervising the maintenance of facilities, hydraulic and electrical systems, and machinery equipment related to repair and maintenance.

08

Please describe your experience working as the lead of a team. Include a brief example of the work and fully describe how you prepared your team, directed it, what your focus and concerns for the team were, the role you played in the execution of the work, and the outcome of the effort.

09

Please describe your approach to your first 6 months as the new Wastewater Treatment Plant Maintenance Supervisor. How will you build trust while ensuring job expectations are met for a diverse crew of 25 multi-craft team members?

10

One of the Citys Principals that Guide Us is Integrity. In detail describe a situation where you worked to gain the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity and authenticity.

11

One of the Citys Principals that Guide Us is Equity. In detail, describe a situation where you helped to create and sustain an organizational environment that acknowledges and celebrates diversity and employs inclusive practices throughout its daily operations.

12

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
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Word of Mouth
• Other

13

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.

14

If you are a military veteran, did you remember to upload a copy of your DDForm 214, Member 4 copy, for review for Veterans Preference eligibility?

• Yes
• No

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