Salary: $39.16 HourlyLocation : Port TownsendJob Type: Full-TimeJob Number: 202455Department: Water OperationsOpening Date: 12/04/2024Description JOB SUMMARYThe Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III performs a variety of technical work in the operation and maintenance of the Port Hadlock Wastewater System and will also be responsible for troubleshooting, operating, repairing, maintenance and construction of the wastewater distribution system. Operate and maintain all PUD onsite septic systems located throughout the county. Assist the water department when needed to ensure the delivery of safe drinking water. Examples of Duties ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following:
- Lead the operation and maintenance of a 90,000 gpd membrane bioreactor wastewater treatment plant, lift stations, county drain fields & collection systems.
- Troubleshoot, operate, repair and replace all components of the district's wastewater systems.
- Conduct site inspection and record observations in a timely and accurate manner.
- Identify operation and maintenance deficiencies and make adjustments/repairs as needed.
- Notify District management of any issues related to the wastewater treatment process, pumps, and pipelines.
- Perform preventative maintenance according to schedules and procedures for facilities.
- Ensure the DOH Environmental Health and Safety operating permits are met and participate in permit renewal process.
- Fill out, submit and file all required sewer reports to appropriate agencies.
- Review new concepts and ideas.
- Diagnose, disassemble and repair wastewater related infrastructure and equipment.
- Works individually or as part of a team to identify and repair problems in a safe and efficient manner.
- Accurately prioritize job duties and handle a variety of tasks requiring accuracy and attention to detail.
- Communicate effectively with customers in the field, on the phone and in person
- Coordinate with contractors as necessary.
- Applies knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions when performing utility work.
- Conduct site inspection and record observations in a timely and accurate manner.
- Maintain a high standard of general cleanliness at facilities.
- Perform regularly scheduled samplings such as filterability, TSS and PH testing and submit reporting requirements to assigned personnel as directed.
- Ability to climb an elevated storage tank and enter confined spaces.
- Operate vehicles and small power equipment including generators, cutoff saws, lawn mowers, weed eaters, etc.
- Use computer equipment and related software including, but not limited to: PC, iPad, Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.
- Train new and current employees.
- Respond to emergency callouts in the evenings, weekends and holidays as required. Work a rotating on call duty with other members of the water/wastewater department.
- Maintain knowledge of regulatory updates as they pertain to wastewater quality.
- May oversee the work of OIT or lower level WWTPO employees.
- Perform other duties as assigned. Standard Workplace Expectations:
- Contribute to a successful work group by listening to and taking time to understand suggestions and concerns of co-workers.
- Offer constructive suggestions and ideas that help the team to meet or exceed objectives and goals by accepting and supporting team decisions.
- Maintain a positive and collaborative attitude in the workplace.
- Determine appropriate priorities to balance workload when deadlines compete Seek assistance when needed.
- Respond quickly and appropriately to inquiries, requests, or concerns.
- Review own work for accuracy and routinely detect or prevent errors or mistakes that would prove costly or could jeopardize the operations of the PUD.
- Work additional hours as necessary to achieve departmental goals as directed by the supervisor.
- Review and follow District employee policies and procedures.
- Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
Typical Qualifications EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
- Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Group III Certificate issued by Washington State Department of Ecology required.
- Jefferson county Operations and Monitoring Specialist certification within six (6) months of hire date.
- Water Distribution Manager 1 certification within one (1) year of hire date required.
- Minimum three (3) years' operating experience required.
- One year of increasingly responsible experience in a supervisory role preferred.
- Must possess a Washington State Driver's License.
- Must possess first aid and CPR certification.
- Must possess or have the ability to possess a Washington State Flagging Certification within six (6) months of hire date.
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
- Knowledge of principles and practices of wastewater system distribution installation, repair and maintenance.
- Knowledge of instrumentation and pumping systems.
- Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of hand and power tools and specialized equipment used in water maintenance and repair.
- Knowledge of state, federal and local laws related to wastewater, PUD policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of software such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Ability to use and protect handheld data capture device.
- Ability to use handheld tools including hammers, pilers, screwdrivers.
- Ability to operate district vehicles safely and Lawfully
- Ability to meet position record-keeping requirements.
- Ability to safely enter and exit customer private property in various weather conditions.
- Ability to learn the district's service area
- Ability to analyze, evaluate and recommend sound solutions to problems of routine nature.
- Ability to read schematic drawings.
- Ability to work independently and efficiently.
- Ability to maintain effective working relations and maintain positive relations with colleagues and the public. Represent the District in a professional manner.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to learn PUD software system and street and business locations within service territory.
- Ability to wear and properly use personal protective equipment and perform all work in a safe manner.
- Ability to follow District policies, procedures and regulations relating to property access, theft or tampering of service, dogs and livestock, etc.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective customer relations and to respond to others in a professional manner
- Ability to work outdoors and walk long distances on varying terrain, to physically perform other tasks of the position, maintain confidentiality of customer information, and handle animals in a manner that will protect self and the district.
Supplemental Information ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTSMust successfully complete a standard criminal background check. A standard Monday through Friday work schedule is expected to be maintained and the incumbent may be required to work more than 40 hours per week. Responds to after-hours phone calls or callouts, including day, night, and weekend.WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe work environment conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. This position works primarily in the field and is exposed to all types of weather conditions including temperature extremes and rainy environments. Outdoor setting involves all types of property and site conditions, including outside weather/driving conditions. Normal working conditions include exposure to raw sewage, noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, standard processes and chemicals used in testing and treating wastewater. Work requires use of PPE such as masks, goggles and gloves. Occasional lifting of objects up to 75 pounds (with assistance), mobility within buildings including stairs and outdoors on uneven surfaces is required, as is ability to sit, stand, kneel, stoop, bend and crouch. Requires visual ability to read both from a computer screen and paper copies. Manual dexterity required for data entry and use of hand tools. Hand tools require adequate grip strength.RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTThis position requires the employee to reside at their primary residence within fifty-five (55) minutes legal driving time of their assigned headquarters located west of the Hood Canal Bridge. The residency requirement must be met within 6 months of the hire date. NOTE: Jefferson County PUD is a Rural Utilities Services (RUS) borrower.Jefferson County PUD provides a robust benefit package to all full-time employees. The following summary describes typical benefits available. Actual benefits may vary by position type. Please reach out to our Human Resources team for specific benefit information. Medical, Dental, Vision and Rx Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance plans. Employees pay 5% of the monthly premium, regardless of the number of dependents covered. Insurance is effective the first of month following two months of employment.Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA VEBA): HRA VEBA plan is a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) for employees to use for qualified health care expenses of the employee and eligible dependents while employed and upon separation of employment. The PUD contributes $50 per month to employees HRA.Retirement: The District is a member of PERS and participation is mandatory for employees in eligible positions. Both the employee and the employer make contributions to the PERS system. Employee contributions are made on a tax-deferred basis. New employees may choose between PERS Plan 2 and PERS Plan 3.The PUD participates in the Washington State Deferred Compensation Program (457 plan). DCP allows employees to defer a portion of their paycheck for investment for retirement similar to a 401(k). The PUD matches employee deferrals at 50 cents per dollar, up to a total match of 4% from the PUD.Paid time off: The PUD utilizes a PTO program. New employees are offered 20 days of PTO each year. PTO accrues at 6.15 hours per biweekly pay period. Accruals increase with longevity of service after 3 years.Holidays: The PUD recognizes 11holidays and provides for two floating holidays each year. The second floating holiday is available for use after six months of employment. At 5 years of employment, employees are offered 3 floating holidays each year and 4 floating holidays each year after 10 years of employment.Observed Holidays:
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King Day
- Presidents' Day
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth National Independence Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Veterans' Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Day after Thanksgiving
- Christmas Day
Disability Insurance: The PUD offers a short-term disability policy, beginning on the 41st hour you are unable to work, that pays 70% of your salary for up to 180 days. A separate long-term disability insurance applies after 180 day waiting period.Life Insurance: $5,000 through NW Laborers Insurance.Wellness Reimbursement: The PUD offers up to $300 per year in expenses related to wellness activities and items such as exercise equipment, massage therapy, gym memberships, etc.Please note that all provisions in this summary are subject to change.