Lead Water Plant Operator

The City of Pasco is seeking a Lead Water Plant Operator to oversee operations and lead a team of certified and uncertified operators in providing reliable and high-quality water to the community. In this role, you will work under the guidance of the Chief Water Plant Operator to ensure the effective and efficient operation of our water treatment facilities. If you’re an experienced operator with a Level 4 certification, this role offers competitive pay, excellent benefits, and opportunities for growth. 

• Pay: $42.04 - $47.34 per hour/plus benefits
• Sign-On Incentive: Up to $5,000 for new hires.
• Relocation Assistance: May be available for out-of-area candidates.
• Additional Pay:
  • Certification pay of 6% added to base wage.
  • On-call compensation of $50/day, plus $3.00/hr on weekdays and $5.00/hr on weekends and holidays.
  • Longevity pay starting after five years of service.
  • Upgrade pay of 10% for working out of class at the Chief Operator level.
• Schedule: Monday-Friday day shifts or possible 4x10 schedule.

The Lead Water Plant Operator oversees the operations and maintenance of the City’s Water Treatment Plants, acting as the primary point of contact for Apprentice Water Plant Operators and Water Plant Operators 1-4. City facilities include a conventional filtration plant, a membrane filtration plant, raw water intake pump stations, booster pump stations, distribution system control valves, storage tanks, reservoirs, and standpipes.   This role includes providing training and guidance to operators and performing advanced operational duties. The Lead Water Plant Operator is expected to perform all duties of a Level 4 Operator and work under Washington State regulations and procedures for water treatment and water supply, as well as City policies and procedures. The Lead Operator is expected to be on call as necessary.

• Assist the Chief Water Plant Operator in directing daily operations of the water treatment plants, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Monitor plant performance, making adjustments as necessary to maintain optimal operation.
• Read and interpret complex engineering plans, schematics, wiring diagrams, work orders, flow charts and technical manuals.
• Recognize and diagnose unusual, inefficient or dangerous operating conditions and take appropriate corrective action. 
• Conduct routine inspections of all operating equipment and machinery to ensure effective plant operation; including intake, lift and booster stations; cleaning filters, pumps and chemical dosing systems to ensure proper functionality and identifying potential issues.
• Perform advanced troubleshooting of plant processes to ensure proper function and identify potential process control issues.
• Assist with the implementation of operational strategies and initiatives as directed by the Chief Water Plant Operator.
• Perform all operational duties of a Level 4 Water Plant Operator, including operating, maintaining, and monitoring equipment, processes, and systems for water treatment.
• Operate Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) controlled equipment and processes monitoring instrumentation relation to conventional and membrane filtration technologies.
• In partnership with management, develop and implement training programs for Water Plant Operators.
• Conduct on-the-job training and mentoring to improve skill levels and knowledge.
• Ensure all operators are up to date with required certifications and training.
• Promote continuous learning and professional development among staff.
• Enforce safety protocols and procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
• Conduct regular safety inspections of system facilities and drills.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and standards.
• Prepare for and participate in safety and regulatory audits.
• Oversee routine maintenance and repair of plant and system equipment and control devices.
• Coordinate with maintenance staff for more complex repairs and upgrades.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities.
• Assist with the development of maintenance schedules and ensure timely completion.
• Prepare and maintain logs, reports, and digital records related to plant operations.
• Assist in budget preparation and monitor expenditures and document expenses to stay within allocated budgets.
• Assist in the development and review of Standard Operating Procedures and overall system Operation and Maintenance documentation.
• Participate in planning and implementing plant improvement projects.
• Provide input on procurement of equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Be available for emergency call-outs on a 24-hour basis and provide leadership during emergency situations.
• In partnership with management, develop and implement emergency response plans for the plant.
• Coordinate with other departments and agencies during emergencies to ensure a coordinated response.
• Serve as a liaison between plant staff, management, and the Chief Water Plant Operator.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among team members to ensure efficient operations.
• Participate in meetings and contribute to decision-making processes.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, other City employees, general public and other stakeholders performing business or working with the City. 
• Assist in the coordination of O&M projects and CIP implementation with management, and the Chief Water Plant Operator
• Respond appropriately to customer inquiries, complaints, problems and/or emergencies relative to water treatment.
• Be capable of assuming the duties of the Chief Water Plant Operator in their absence.

• Respond appropriately to customer inquiries, complaints, problems and/or emergencies relative to water treatment. 
• Provide information on plant operation to federal, state, and local agencies. 
• Assist contractors, regulators, and other City departments in support of plant operations, including public awareness and education events. 
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or GED; additional technical training or coursework in water treatment preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of plant operation experience with process control experience as a certified water plant operator.
• A minimum of one (1) year of supervisory experience preferred.

• Valid Washington State Water Treatment Plant Operator Level 4 certification upon hire and maintain the license throughout employment.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license.
• Valid First Aid/CPR certificate.

• Ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting, bending, and climbing.
• Ability to work in varying environmental conditions, including exposure to chemicals and extreme weather conditions.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations during and outside regular working hours.
• This position requires working on-site at the water treatment plants, off-site water system facilities such as reservoirs and water booster stations and may require working in confined spaces.
• Some physical heavy lifting up to 50 pounds, standing, walking, bending, and climbing.
• Exposure to dust, hazardous materials, chemicals, fumes, and noise.
• Must participate in the on-call rotation and be available for on-call duty, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Salary : $87,443 - $98,467