Plant Operator

The City is currently recruiting to fill one vacancy, which may be filled at either the Operator-in-Training or Plant Operator level.

See the Operator-In-Training posting for more information on that position.

The City of Kennewick will provide excellent public service and ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community and one another through the empowerment of each employee. We value integrity, inclusiveness, stewardship, and communication. We are accountable to our community for innovative and collaborative efforts that anticipate needs, leverage resources, and deliver solutions.

We expect our employees to ensure compliance with all applicable safety practices and policies, including those established by OSHA/DOSH regulations and by the City’s Accident Prevention Plan. 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;

and emphasizing safe completion of work throughout all aspects of developing and carrying out work plans.

Under general supervision, Plant Operators and Operator-In-Trainings performs a variety of work, including installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of various wastewater system components. Performs wastewater sampling, monitoring, reporting, or other work as required to assure proper performance and conformance with program guidelines, criteria, and City specifications. Performs related work as required. Work hours are varied and include on-call (for Plant Operators only), holidays and overtime work, including evenings and weekends.

Plant Operator and Operator-In-Training performs a wide variety of skilled, semi-skilled, and general work in wastewater treatment plant or collections divisions of the Public Works Department, and may be temporarily assigned to other departments within the City as required. Must possess the skills, knowledge, and physical capabilities to perform the duties of the position and must comply with City and department policies, procedures, and methods at all times.

Must demonstrate an ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision. Must plan the details necessary to carry out assignments, use considerable initiative in identifying and resolving problems, and perform related work as required.

A Plant Operator is classified as Level II, III, or IV based on job-required qualifications and the level of State of Washington Department of Ecology Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License that is obtained.

• Operator-In-Training Group II
  • 1 31.27
  • 2 32.22
  • 3 33.18
  • 4 34.17
  • 5 35.21
  • 6 36.25
• Plant Operator Level II
  • 1 34.74
  • 2 35.80
  • 3 36.87
  • 4 37.97
  • 5 39.12
  • 6 40.28
• Plant Operator Level III
  • 1 38.38
  • 2 39.15
  • 3 39.91
  • 4 40.74
  • 5 41.54
  • 6 42.37
• Plant Operator Level IV
  • 1 40.76
  • 2 41.57
  • 3 42.41
  • 4 43.25
  • 5 44.11
  • 6 44.99

Operates and monitors the headwork screens, sprayers, motors and screw press; operates manual equipment to skim clarifiers; collects influent and effluent samples from designated areas and performs laboratory analyses to evaluate such factors as pH level, dissolved oxygen content, biochemical oxygen demand, amount of suspended solids and temperatures; identifies problems and deficiencies and performs general maintenance, housekeeping and repair of pumps, equipment and related sewage facilities;

operates all pumps associated with wastewater treatment; washes out clarifiers; performs fecal coliform tests; monitors sludge moisture; reads…