Certified Wastewater Plant Operator; Levels

Overview

LOCATION: City of Pasco, WA (on-site)

JOB TYPE: Regular/Full-Time

UNION STATUS: International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE)

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

CLOSING DATE: Open until closed, first review on October 8, 2025

The City of Pasco is currently seeking qualified Wastewater Plant Operators who are certified level 2, 3 or 4 Operators. The Wastewater Operator will perform a variety of technically skilled tasks to effectively operate, maintain, and control various components of the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Treatment Plant is an extended aeration-return activated sludge plant that includes anaerobic digestion, screening, clarification, solids thickening, and UV disinfection.

Work under Washington State regulations and procedures for wastewater treatment, as well as City policies and procedures.

The City of Pasco has created a Certified Operator Program with different levels of qualifications and experience for each certification level. Below, you can find the pay range for each certification level:

Wastewater Plant Operator 4: $39.61-$44.61/hour, plus benefits

Wastewater Plant Operator 3: $38.07- $42.88/hour, plus benefits

Wastewater Plant Operator 2: $36.60 - $41.21/hour, plus benefits

Join us and become part of a team dedicated to excellence, innovation, and hands-on experience that you won't find anywhere else in the Tri Cities area. The City invites interested applicants to apply today without delay.

THE ROLE:

As a Wastewater Plant Operator you will play a critical role in operating, maintaining, and controlling various components of the City of Pasco’s Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The ideal candidate for this role will have increasingly responsible experience in a plant operation with process control, the ability to maintain accurate records and logs, and experience performing preventative maintenance and repairs of plant systems. A background check and drug screen is required upon acceptance of a conditional offer.

To review the full job description, please review the City’s job documentation rather than relying on external links.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Any equivalent combination of education and experience, which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the job):

• High school diploma or G.E.D.

• Valid Washington State driver license.
• Valid First Aid/CPR certificate.

Wastewater Plant Operator 2:

• Certified level 2 Operator upon hire or an OIT 3 certification
• Minimum 1 year of plant operation experience with process control experience as a certified plant operator.

Wastewater Plant Operator 3:

• Certified level 3 Operator upon hire or an OIT 4 certification.
• Minimum of 2 years of plant operation experience with process control experience as a certified plant operator.

Wastewater Plant Operator 4:

• Certified level 4 Operator upon hire.
• Minimum of 2 years of plant operation experience with process control experience as a certified plant operator.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE: The City offers a full benefits package for the employee and all eligible dependents covered at low premiums including:

• Medical at $173.70/month, dental at $11.59/month, and vision coverage at $6.54/month
• Basic life insurance paid for by the City and employee sponsored supplemental life insurance.
• 12 days of vacation during the 1st year of employment and 12 days of sick leave which are available for use upon accrual.
• 10 holidays, plus each employee receives 2 floating holidays each year.
• Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS), which offers a guaranteed monthly benefit once vesting criteria has been met.
• In addition to DRS, employees may also contribute to a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, that offers a pre-tax contribution of 3% from the City.
• Other benefits offered:
  Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Assistance, Flexible Spending Plan, Long-Term Disability, Aflac, and Flexible Schedule (per department approval).

SAFETY/WORK

CONDITIONS:

Duties are primarily performed in the wastewater treatment plant and may require working in confined spaces.

PHYSICAL: Some heavy lifting up to 50 pounds, standing, walking, bending, and climbing.

HAZARDS: Exposure to dust, hazardous materials, chemicals, fumes and noise. Water Plant Operators are subject to working overtime and 24-hour per day call back for emergency situations.

If you’re seeking a fulfilling career that allows you to contribute to a thriving community and grow both personally and professionally, the City of Pasco is the place for you. Join us in shaping the future and making a real difference. This position is open until filled. Please call or text HR at  or email HR, with questions regarding employment opportunities with the City of Pasco.

The City of Pasco is committed to supporting diversity and creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If your experience does not exactly match each and every qualification, apply anyways! You may be exactly what we are looking for!