Entry Level Plant Operator Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Description This position is open until filled. Priority consideration will be provided to current City of Edmonds employees who are qualified bargaining unit members and apply by Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 4:30 PM. If no internal candidate is selected, the first review date for all other applications received will be Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 4:30 PM.

This is an integrated job posting and applications are open for candidates who meet the qualifications for either a WWTP Operator 1, 2 or 3. There are two positions available. The range posted is inclusive of all 3 positions.

See below for breakdown: WWTP Operator 1 (pw-j): $6,895.00 - $8,380.00 monthly. WWTP Operator 2 (pw-k): $7,239.00 - $8,800.00 monthly. WWTP Operator 3 (pw-n): $8,380.00 - $10,186.00monthly

About the Positions The WWTP Operator 1 is the entry-level class within the WWTP Operator classification series. The Operator 1 is distinguished from the Operator-in-Training by certification and demonstrated understanding of equipment operation. The Operator 1 is distinguished from the Operator 2 classification which includes added responsibilities and standby assignment.

New hires generally start between $6,895.00 and $7,600.50 per month. Placement within the position's full wage scale is based on qualifications and professional experience. The full wage scale for this position is between $6,895.00 and $8,380.00 per month

Job Description: WWTP Operator 1 The WWTP Operator 2 is distinguished from the Operator 1 by certification, demonstrated understanding of Waste Water Treatment Plant equipment and operation and the ability to analyze and make process change recommendations. New hires generally start between $7,239.00 and $7,981.50 per month. Placement within the position's full wage scale is based on qualifications and professional experience

The full wage scale for this position is between $7,239.00 and $8,800.00 per month. Job Description: WWTP Operator 2 The WWTP Operator 3 is distinguished from the Operator 2 by certification, demonstrated understanding of equipment operation, ability to perform standby assignments, ability to lead and train subordinate staff as necessary, and be in responsible charge of an assigned shift. New hires generally start between $8,380.00 and $9,239.00 per month

Placement within the position's full wage scale is based on qualifications and professional experience. The full wage scale for this position is between $8,380.00 and $10,186.00 per month. Job Description: WWTP Operator 3 About the Department The Edmonds Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) is a regional facility

The plant maintains an accredited laboratory where the chemical, physical, and bacteriological processes that treat the wastewater are analyzed. The majority of staff require specialized training, knowledge, experience, and certifications. Based on need, the plant is staffed 14 to 24 hours/day, 365 days/year.

About the City The City of Edmonds is a beautiful community on the Puget Sound waterfront with a population of 43,770 (MRSC_2026) and is the gateway to the Olympic peninsula via the state ferry system. Edmonds provides a full range of services, including contracted fire services, police services a municipal court, a community pool, a regional performing arts facility, public works and utilities, a regional wastewater treatment facility, along with community events and services through our Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department. Six department directors report directly to the Mayor and oversee approximately 264 full-time-equivalent employees.

Examples of Duties ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Learns and performs a variety of semi-skilled work in the operation, maintenance, sampling and other activities to ensure continuous operation of the wastewater treatment plant facilities and equipment to include scrubbing, steam cleaning, painting, basic carpentry, mechanical repair, changing oil and HVAC filters. Learns and performs operation of pumps, motors, valves, samplers, and gauges through mechanical and computerized systems. Makes periodic rounds to monitor, adjust and maintain wastewater treatment plant equipment to achieve desired process control objectives and equipment performance.

Inspects and cleans equipment; removes obstructions and debris in traps, pumps and sewage wet wells. Enters process tanks and other confined spaces in order to perform inspections, cleaning, and maintenance. Assures proper equipment operations and reports any failures or operational issues to lead operator or supervisor; monitors variable drives, various pumps, motors and drive units for proper operation.

May assist with required maintenance, repair or replacement. Assists in collecting lab samples according to established operating procedures to ensure permit compliance and process control. Assist in setting up, programing, monitoring and maintaining remote samplers.

Assists and may perform laboratory tests for permit compliance according to established procedures. Completes related lab records and charts as required. Reports any abnormalities as they arise and takes corrective action as indicated.

Learns to operate, monitor and adjust associated odor control and air quality monitoring equipment according to established procedures to ensure permit compliance. Assists in monitoring and controlling all chemical feed systems; inspects, troubleshoots and operates chemical feed pumps and ensures proper configuration. Follows and ensures all safety regulations and practices are adhered to.

Maintains SDS system as assigned. Ensures logbook, reports, bench sheets and work orders are properly documented in a consistent manner. Monitors SCADA system to ensure process is within established parameters; ensures that the control strategies are properly configured; for example: flow distributions, dissolved oxygen levels, instrument are calibrated, temperatures and pressures are within acceptable ranges.

Learns to use trending tools to troubleshoot process efficiencies. Assists with tours of plant for the general public as assigned. Works varying shifts including day, swing, and graveyard, weekends and holidays as scheduled.

Works extended shifts, call backs and in other emergency situations. The above essential functions are from the WWTP Operator 1 job description. WWTP Operator 2 and 3 are expected to perform Operator 1 job functions in addition to the job functions described in the respective job descriptions.

Please view the full job descriptions on our website (linked above). Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience: High School Diploma/GED Certificate supplemented by college level coursework relevant to wastewater treatment and one (1) year of experience maintaining and operating wastewater systems (WWTP Operator 1) two (2) years of experience maintaining and operating wastewater systems (WWTP Operator 2) four (4) years of experience maintaining and operating wastewater systems (WWTP Operator 3) An equivalent combination of education, training and experience which allows the incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may also be considered. Required Licenses or Certifications: A valid Driver's License at time of hire and a driving record that is acceptable to the City's insurance requirements.

Out of state candidates must obtain their WA State Driver's License within 30 days after moving to WA https://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/moving.html First Aid/CPR card within 6 months of date of hire. Forklift license with 6 months of date of hire. A criminal background check is required following a verbal offer of employment

Criminal history is not an automatic employment disqualifier. Results are reviewed on a case-by case basis. This is a City identified non-DOT safety sensitive position and is subject to pre-employment, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident drug testing.

Washington State Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Group I Certification or out of state equivalent and the ability to attain a WA Group I WWTPO Cert within 6 months of date of hire (WWTP Operator 1). Unrestricted Washington State Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Group II Certification or out of state equivalent and the ability to attain an Unrestricted WA Group II WWTPO Cert within 6 months of date of hire (WWTP Operator 2). Unrestricted Washington State Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Group III Certification or out of state equivalent and the ability to attain an Unrestricted WA Group III WWTPO Cert within 6 months of date of hire (WWTP Operator 3).

Supplemental Information WORKING CONDITIONS: Environment: Indoor/outdoor work environment. Driving a vehicle to conduct work. Working in a confined or classified space.

Physical Abilities: Hearing, speaking or otherwise communicating to exchange information in person or on the phone. Operating a variety of grounds equipment and power and hand tools. Operating a computer keyboard or other office equipment.

Reading a variety of materials and instruments and possess close vision, far vision, side vision, depth perception, night vision and color vision. Ascending/descending ladders. Lifting/ carrying or otherwise moving or transporting heavy objects frequently up to 50lbs.

Sitting/standing or otherwise remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time Walking or otherwise moving over rough or uneven surfaces while performing inspections and investigations. Performing repetitive motions, including: balancing, stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, crawling, reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally, and standing, pushing, pulling and using stairs. Working in confined spaces.

Ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment based on required City Policy. Hazards: Exposure to chemicals used in Wastewater treatment such as: Sodium Hypochlorite, Caustic Soda, Bisulfate, Polymers, Clay, Lime and Carbon. Exposure to raw and treated sewage, odors associated with sewage treatment, high heat and moving equipment.

Exposure to cleaning chemicals, herbicides and dust. Working at heights using ladders and structures. Working around and with sometimes noisy machinery having moving parts.

Exposure to slippery surfaces, damp spaces. Exposure to electrical power including high voltage.