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City of Ephrata, WA

Wastewater Treatment Plant Staff Member

Career Insights for Water Treatment Specialist / Waste Water Operator

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What they do

A Water Treatment Specialist or Waste Water Operator operates and monitors equipment in facilities that treat wastewater. Monitors treatment processes so that water is cleaned to meet public health and environmental standards and is safe for drinking or releasing into the environment.

$66,826 / year median in Washington

+3% projected growth

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Job Description

To be considered, you must submit a resume, City of Ephrata Job Application, and cover letter. The application may be found at Ephrata.org and documents should be emailed to Clerk@ephrata.org or dropped off in person at City Hall. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
DEPARTMENT
PUBLIC
WORKS FLSA
NON-EXEMPT SALARY:
$6,388.05
  • $7,309.49 monthly ($76,656.60
  • 87,713.88 annually) The City of Ephrata is hiring an energetic professional to work in our Public Works Department, facilitating the smooth operation of our wastewater treatment plant. Depending on the applicant's experience, the selected candidate will come on board as a Wastewater Foreman, Wastewater Superintendent, or Wastewater Manager. Pay for the position will range from $6,388.05
  • $7,309.49 monthly ($76,656.60
  • 87,713.
88 annually). The City offers a wide variety of benefits, including: A Zero-Cost Medical Plan A Monthly Employer Contribution to HRA Veba 30 Vacation & Sick Days Annually Eight Paid Holidays Five Floating Holidays DRS Participation Longevity Pay FLSA Overtime Eligibility This position requires a Washington state Wastewater Treatment Operator I, II, or III certification as well as a Washington State Department of Licensing Commercial Driver's License. For more information, visit Ephrata.org and click the "Job Openings" tile. To be considered, complete our online application at https://bit.ly/EPHRATAHR and send a cover letter and resume to clerk@ephrata.org on or before July 26, 2026. All documents must be received for applicants to be considered. The experience/qualification levels noted below indicate what the requirements are for each level of potential hire for applicants. FOREMAN The Wastewater Treatment Operator (Foreman) is responsible for assisting in the operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment facility and lift stations for the City of Ephrata. Under the supervision of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager, the operator performs laboratory testing, pump and equipment maintenance, boiler operation, irrigation duties, visual inspections of the treatment facility, plant operations, and building and grounds maintenance. The position also requires responsibility for plant operations during assigned shifts, conducting more complex laboratory analyses, and carrying out preventive maintenance and other duties as assigned. Work is performed with considerable technical independence based on written or verbal instructions and established maintenance schedules. Performance is evaluated by the Plant Manager, Public Works Director, or Public Works Field Supervisor through review of equipment operation and maintenance records, plant performance, and on-site inspections. The Wastewater Treatment Operator performs a variety of maintenance, operational, laboratory, and facility upkeep duties to ensure the efficient operation of the wastewater treatment plant and lift stations. Responsibilities include preparing and carrying out preventive and corrective maintenance programs; maintaining lift stations, pumps, motors, gearboxes, electrical panels, and control systems; and keeping accurate maintenance records. The operator conducts routine and advanced laboratory analyses of wastewater samples, including testing for volatile suspended solids, oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, pH, and chlorine residuals, and prepares chemicals used in testing while maintaining detailed operational and laboratory logs. Additional duties include performing janitorial, painting, and facility maintenance tasks; maintaining grounds and irrigation systems; and completing other assignments as directed. These duties are representative of the position and are not intended to be all-inclusive. The job normally requires a Washington State Wastewater Treatment Operator I certification . If an applicant does not already have the certification, the employer may hire them and temporarily waive the requirement for the period allowed under Washington state regulations. However, the employee must obtain the certification within that allowed timeframe. No extensions beyond the state's maximum permitted period will be granted. A Washington State Dept of Licensing CDL certification is required.
SUPERINTENDENT
The Wastewater Treatment Operator (Superintendent) is responsible for assisting in the operation and maintenance of the City of Ephrata's wastewater treatment facility and lift stations. Working under the direction of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager, the operator performs a variety of technical and maintenance duties, including laboratory testing, pump and boiler maintenance, plant operations, irrigation system maintenance, facility inspections, and building and grounds upkeep. The position is responsible for operating the treatment plant during assigned shifts, conducting advanced laboratory analyses, and carrying out preventive maintenance activities according to established schedules. Work is performed with considerable technical independence while following written, verbal, and scheduled assignments. Performance is evaluated by the Public Works Director or Public Works Field Supervisor through reviews of plant operations, maintenance records, equipment performance, and on-site inspections to ensure efficient and compliant facility operations.
ASSIGNMENTS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO
The Wastewater Treatment Operator performs a wide range of maintenance, operational, laboratory, and facility support duties to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the wastewater treatment plant and lift stations. Responsibilities include developing and carrying out preventive and corrective maintenance schedules; maintaining lift stations, pumps, motors, gearboxes, clarifiers, electrical panels, and control systems; and documenting maintenance activities. The position conducts routine and advanced laboratory analyses of wastewater samples, including testing for volatile suspended solids, oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, pH, and chlorine residuals, while preparing testing chemicals and maintaining detailed operational and laboratory records. Additional duties include performing janitorial, painting, and facility maintenance tasks; maintaining plant grounds and irrigation systems; and supporting overall plant operations. These responsibilities are representative of the position and are not intended to be all-inclusive, as other related duties may be assigned as needed.
SPECIAL SKILLS AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS
This position requires a valid Washington State Wastewater Treatment Operator II certification. Candidates who do not currently possess the certification may be granted a temporary waiver for the period permitted under Washington State regulations, provided they obtain the certification within the prescribed timeframe. No extensions beyond the state-authorized period will be allowed. In addition, possession of a valid Washington State Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required as a condition of employment. MANAGER The Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager is responsible for the overall operation, maintenance, and regulatory compliance of the City of Ephrata's wastewater treatment plant, lift stations, and collection system. This position plans, schedules, directs, and evaluates plant operations and maintenance activities to ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal requirements. Responsibilities include developing work procedures and schedules, managing supplies and equipment purchases, maintaining operational records and reports, overseeing facility maintenance and sanitation, ensuring adherence to personnel policies, and supervising wastewater treatment and maintenance staff. The position also serves as a liaison with state and federal regulatory agencies, provides instruction and guidance to employees and occasionally the public, and exercises considerable technical independence under the general supervision of the Public Works Field Supervisor. Performance is evaluated based on operational effectiveness and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and environmental standards.
ASSIGNMENTS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO
The Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager oversees the operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant, lift stations, collection system, lagoon system, irrigation system, and related facilities to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations. Responsibilities include developing and implementing operational procedures, analyzing laboratory data and adjusting treatment processes to optimize plant performance, preparing and reviewing operational and maintenance reports, managing annual budgets and cost estimates for repairs and capital improvements, and assisting with long-term facility planning. The position conducts and oversees laboratory testing of influent, effluent, and treatment processes, including analyses of pH, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, chlorine residual, fecal coliform, suspended solids, and other parameters necessary for regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. Additional duties include overseeing vegetation control, grounds maintenance, and irrigation operations while ensuring that facility safety and sanitation standards are consistently maintained. The position also performs other related duties as assigned.
SPECIAL SKILLS AND/OR CERTIFICATION
The position requires possession of a valid Washington State Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III certification. Applicants who do not currently hold this certification may be granted a temporary waiver for the period allowed under Washington State regulations, provided the certification is obtained within the prescribed timeframe. No extensions beyond the state-authorized period will be permitted. In addition, a valid Washington State Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required for this position. Qualifications CDL and Washington State Wastewater Treatment Operator certification Miscellaneous Information College and similar experience preferred
Pay:
$6,388.05
  • $7,694.
20 per month
Benefits:
401(k) Dental insurance Dependent health insurance coverage Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Military leave Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance
Work Location:
In person