PLANT OPERATOR - LEVEL I, II, III, IV or TRAINEE - OPEN UNTIL FILLED

OVERVIEW

Kitsap County Public Works Department makes our communities better and safer places to live, work, and play.

Position Information

Plant Operator Trainee
The position is designed to provide training and experience required to obtain higher levels of certifications as required by State guidelines. Trainees work under close and continuous direction of a licensed experienced operator. They are assigned the more routine, simple, and operational tasks and are expected to progressively accumulate working knowledge of the principles and practices utilized in the operation, maintenance and repair of a major wastewater treatment plant.

Plant Operator I, II, III, IV
Employees in the Plant Operator classification is responsible for operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants and pump stations. They monitor and make adjustments to the wastewater treatment process control, operates various equipment for the liquid and solid processes, and perform routine laboratory tests and analysis. Their responsibilities also include maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of a variety of wastewater treatment process equipment.

The Sewer Utility Division
The Sewer Utility Division operates four wastewater treatment plants and maintains 58 pump stations, 148 miles of gravity pipe, 37 miles of force mains and 3,775 manholes in Kitsap County. Recycled water services are planned for future demand. Other services include construction plan review and inspections, sewer utility billing, community education and outreach, GIS mapping, maintenance of sewer records and responding to public information requests. It is our goal to protect public health and the environment while providing cost effective service for our customers.

To learn more about what we do check out this video: https://vimeo.com/39645552

This position is open until filled. The first review is scheduled for the week of July 15, 2024.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR PERFORMANCE OF THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Required Education and Experience

Plant Operator Trainee ( $ 20.59 - $26.35)

• High School Diploma or GED and
• 6 months of wastewater related experience.

An employee will automatically progress to the Plant Operator Classification upon receipt of the Group 1 Wastewater Operator Certification from the State of Washington (required within 15 months of hire).

Plant Operator I, II, III, IV ($28.14 - 39.78)

• One year of treatment plant experience and
• Group I Wastewater Operation Certification; OR
• Group II Wastewater Operator Certification; OR
• Group III Wastewater Operator Certification; OR
• Group IV Wastewater Operator Certification

Please note : In order to progress beyond pay grade step 8 of the pay scale an employee must obtain a Group II Wastewater Certification.

Certification information available at: https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Permits-certifications/Wastewater-operator-certification/Certification-information

Driving Requirements
The successful incumbent must meet the driving requirements of this position and submit a copy a current driving record/abstract (from state of residency) to review for eligibility to drive for Kitsap County prior to employment. The successful incumbent must obtain a valid Washington State Driver's License prior to hire and maintain a satisfactory driving record as outlined in the Kitsap County Vehicle Use Policy. This position is categorized as a Category 1 Driver operates County-owned vehicle.

Criminal Conviction Standards :
The successful incumbent will or may have unsupervised access to children under 18 years of age, a vulnerable adult, or a vulnerable person, or access to a secured/confidential facility or computer system(s). As a result, Kitsap County will be conducting an extensive criminal background check by law enforcement agencies, which may include fingerprinting.

• Please review the following list of disqualifying crimes and negative actions to determine if you meet our standard for this position: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/FSA/bccu/documents/Secretary%27sCrimesListforALLPrograms.pdf

Required Licenses, Certificates, Examinations/Tests and Other Requirements

Please note: The incumbent is responsible for obtaining and maintaining all of the following required licenses, certifications and other requirements.

Prior to employment the successful candidate must:

• Pass a criminal background check through law enforcement agencies.
• Pass a medical/physical evaluation, including audiometric testing, conducted in accordance with WAC 296-817-400, medical evaluations.
• Submit a copy of their State employment driving record abstract to verify their eligibility to drive for Kitsap County.
• Pass all job-related examinations/tests necessary to demonstrate required knowledge, skills and abilities, as determined by the hiring authority at time of job posting.
• Provide references that demonstrate reliability, a good attendance record and a positive work ethic/attitude.

At time of appointment the successful candidate must :

(Evidence of ability to obtain these by appointment may be required at any time in the selection process.)

• Possess a valid Washington State driver's license and appropriate amount of automobile insurance.

Within six months of employment must obtain (and maintain during employment) the following licenses and certifications :

• Washington State Industrial First Aid/CPR certification

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (May vary by position)

• Knowledge of basic mathematics and algebra principles and techniques
• Knowledge of general-purpose tools, materials and chemicals
• Knowledge of safety and security precautions necessary and applicable in area of assignment
• Knowledge of ordinary lawn maintenance tools and equipment.
• Basic knowledge of the application of mechanical and electrical techniques and principles.
• Knowledge of proper industrial safety procedures on how to work safely in hazardous environments, handling of hazardous materials and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Skill in operating basic hand and power tools.
• Skill in effective communication, both oral and written, sufficient to exchange or convey information, and to receive work direction
• Skill in customer service techniques
• Basic computer skills required to enter and extract information from automated systems and related software applications
• Skill in the operation of automotive vehicles and equipment requiring less than a commercial drivers' license (some positions may require a commercial drivers license).
• Skill using two-way radios.
• Skill in the safe handling and proper disposal of general-purpose cleaning chemicals
• Skill in working with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships

Working Conditions
(The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Kitsap County provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
Positions in this class typically require:

• Work is performed primarily in a field environment, including in confined areas, wet wells and ditches, conducting maintenance on electrical components common to sewer lines, facilities, etc
• Potential exposure to the hazards associated with the electronics/electrical trades.
• When working in confined areas, wet wells and ditches, exposure to noxious fumes is a hazard and may require the incumbent to have the ability to properly wear a breathing apparatus.
• Ability to climb up four flights of stairs multiple times per shift.
• Exposure to physical hazards associated with working around pumping equipment, generators, all forms of sewage (solid, liquid, gaseous) and large diesel/gasoline vehicles.
• Enter confined spaces under alternate entry procedures which ensure safety.
• Bending, stooping, reaching (over shoulders, at waist and below waist), walking, standing and working high above ground, adequate vision sufficient to view gauges and operate equipment and prepare log books, and hearing sufficient to respond to audible alarms, speaking adequate to communicate effectively, manual dexterity to grasp/handle equipment and materials.
• Must possess sufficient physical strength, dexterity, coordination and mental alertness to operate power equipment, inspect conduit/wiring, etc. and establish traffic control
• The exertion of force of up to 50 pounds occasionally, and/or up to 35 pounds frequently and/or 10 pounds constantly to move objects.
• To pull 50 ft. hoses, weighing at least 25 lbs. each, which includes bending, stooping, reaching, and pulling motions.

Incumbents may be:

• Exposed to potentially hazardous conditions when exposed to violent or hostile individuals, weather conditions, temperature extremes, slippery surfaces, road and traffic hazards.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

May vary based on the position

Trainee

• Performing routine maintenance and repair of equipment, infrastructure, and/or related items; operating motorized vehicles and equipment,
• Perform routine maintenance duties including cleaning, servicing operating equipment, mowing lawns and performing housekeeping tasks as assigned.
• Operates equipment requiring minimal technical skill, such as hand and power tools, small vehicles, and forklifts.
• Maintains various records including work performed, time spent, materials used and related information; enters and extracts data using automated systems; maintain manuals records as required.
• Provides assistance to public including responding to customer inquiries, explaining program rules and regulations, and assisting with maintenance of public safety.
• Assist employees of higher classification in the repair and maintenance of sewer lines and pump stations.
• Perform tasks using basic hand or power tools or miscellaneous equipment and follow established safety policies and procedures associated with the operation of equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

I, II, III, IV

• Operate Wastewater Treatment Process Control: Collect samples, perform routine laboratory tests and analysis, interpret data for process control, make process adjustments based on laboratory analysis, examine micro-organisms for biological conditioning of the plant, filament identification to determine corrective action, chemical addition for process recovery, perform calculations for process adjustments, and understand and troubleshoot plant processes.
• Operate Wastewater Solids Process - Dewatering/Thickening/Septic Receiving:
  Operate: centrifuge for biosolids dewatering, rotary drum thickeners/gravity belt thickeners for sludge thickening, maintain and monitor septage receiving station
  Monitor: gauges, meters, alarms, control panels, emergency generators and transfer switches. Observe variations in operating conditions and test results to determine processing requirements.
• Perform Plant Maintenance: Operate and troubleshoot plant equipment, Surface preparation and painting, use hypochlorite for cleaning and algae control, wash down, pressure washing and cleaning tanks, and grounds maintenance.
• Perform Preventative Maintenance and operate: motors, pumps, clarifiers, dewatering and thickening equipment, relevant mechanical equipment, exercise valves and rotate equipment, and UV disinfection system.
• Monitoring of Plant Systems: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) computer application for monitoring plant operations, Telemetry program and Plant PLC's. Monitor: gauges, meters, alarms, control panels, and observe operating conditions
• Perform other duties as assigned.

OTHER POSITION RELATED INFORMATION

• Who May Apply: This position is open to the general public. Applications will be screened for qualifications and completion of all the required materials and forms. The most competitive applicants may be contacted for further steps in the selection process, which may include testing for office and computer skills.
• This position is classified as eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Covered under a collective bargaining agreement with Public Works Utilities Teamsters Local 589 . Internal applicants should be aware that a change in union status or bargaining unit may impact your benefits and accruals. Please contact Human Resources if you have questions.
• Kitsap County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Office.
• This posting may be used to fill future regular and temporary openings.

At Kitsap County, we strive to take care of our team! Our employees are the greatest asset of Kitsap County, and we take pride in offering a highly competitive compensation and benefits package to all eligible employees.

County Paid Benefits Include:
Medical - Kaiser Permanente (HMO) or Aetna (PPO)
Dental -Delta Dental or Willamette
Vision - VSP
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Life Insurance - Basic, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D), Voluntary Term Life Insurance (VTL)
Disability - Short-term disability & Long-term disability
Voya Voluntary Insurance
Transportation incentives
Employee Assistance Program
Travel Assistance Program
Wellness program https://spf.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Wellness.aspx
Benefits become effective on the first calendar day of the month following the month in which the employee is hired except if the employee's hire date is the first calendar day of the month, benefits begin on the day of hire. More information about employee benefits is available on the county's website at: https://spf.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Benefits.aspx or the Kitsap County Digital Benefits Guide .

*Voluntary benefit options also available at the employee's expense

Retirement:
Employees are covered under the PERS retirement plan provided through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and Social Security.

Deferred Compensation (IRS Plan 457b): tax-deferred savings program

Holidays
11 paid holidays and 2 additional floating holiday per year

Vacation Leave
New employees are credited with 48 hours of annual leave upon hire and will be begin accruing at the rate of 8 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 360 hours from one calendar year to the next. Annual leave accrual will increase upon tenure, as follows:

Upon completion of 3 years: 15 days per year (10.00 hours per month)
Upon completion of 5 years: 20 days per year (13.33 hours per month)
Upon completion of 10 years: 25 days per year (16.67 hours per month)
Sick Leave
All new hires will be credited with 48 hours of sick leave upon hire and will begin accruing at the rate of 10 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 1200 hours from one calendar year to the next.

***Part-time employees benefit contributions and leave accruals will beprorated***

Current County Employees
If you are transferring or promoting into this position you are responsible for reviewing these benefit changes; prior to accepting a position. In addition, it is your responsibility to notify the Auditor's Payroll Division of a change in union status.

Union Membership
This position is covered under Public Works Teamsters Local 589collective bargaining agreement. To view the bargaining agreement please visit our website: https://www.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Collective-Bargaining-Agreements.aspx

NOTE: This is a general overview of the benefits offered through employment with Kitsap County, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts or is incorrect with the provisions of the Personnel Manual, applicable laws, policies, rules or official plan documents they will prevail. The Personnel Manual is available at: https://www.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Personnel-Manual-2019.aspx

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Poulsbo, Washington United States View Map