Utility/Maintenance Worker (WTP Operator)

The Town of Cathlamet Public Works Department is seeking applicants for the position of Utility/Maintenance Worker III. A completed Town Employment Application must be submitted to qualify for this position: https://www.townofcathlamet.com/employment-vacancies

First round of application reviews will be on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
The Town of Cathlamet is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SUMMARY: Performs regular and recurring installation, repair & maintenance work in the Town’s streets, water supply and distribution, sewer collection, parks, and facilities. Acts as the lead operator for the Water & Wastewater Treatment Plants. Works under the supervision of the Public Works Superintendent. Schedule: work week varies; TBD by Town.

This is a full-time, union, position working 40 hours per week. Applicants must hold a Level 3 or higher WTPO (Water Treatment Plant Operator) and a Level 1 WDM (Water Distribution Manager) Certification.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in the operation and maintenance of the water and waste-water treatment plants and distribution systems, including obtaining turbidity, PH and chlorine readings, recording results, adding and mixing chemicals, and fluoride as required, and performing monthly testing;
• Perform meter reading duties, shut off and turn on water services to customers as assigned; locate, mark and/or repair breaks in water and sewer mains, review maps for valve locations; set up traffic control devices and excavate holes; and replace valves and mains as needed;
• Assist with the operations, maintenance and repairs of sewer lift stations, reservoirs, fire hydrants valves, pressure reducing valves, water meters, and alarm systems, including inspecting reservoirs for leaks, performing groundskeeping functions to maintain areas around reservoirs;
• Routine maintenance on motors, pumps, valves, and other equipment and vehicles;
• Maintaining storm drains, streets, parks, and buildings and grounds including sweeping, painting, carpentry work, furniture moving and plumbing, and installing signs, cleaning culverts and ditches, trimming trees, patching streets, laying asphalt and picking up litter;
• Occasional construction, operation of heavy equipment, including backhoe, dump truck, chlorinators, pumps etc. which are required to perform tasks assigned, and a variety of hand and power operated tools and equipment, such as shovels, picks, rakes, crowbars, mowers, trimmers, electric drills, wrenches, compressor, jackhammer and various types of saws necessary to accomplish primary work activities;
• Performs many types of unskilled work including but not limited to driving, digging, moving, sweeping, traffic flagging, painting, repairing, carrying, (up to 80#) ladder-climbing etc. which are required to perform assigned tasks;
• Computers and data entry; producing work orders, purchase orders, timesheets, and reports;
• Respond to all public inquiries in a courteous manner and provide information within the scope of knowledge;
• Perform all work safely, following all safety rules and procedures established for work area;
• Other duties as assigned.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Works in extreme weather conditions including, ice, snow rain and during hot summer months working with paving materials, in or near traffic or in confined spaces such as manholes, catch basins, and trenches; Moderate potential exposure to insect bites, poison ivy, chemical irritants produced by solvents, and vibrations, loud noises, offensive smells, dust, dirt and water; Normal safety precautions are required, including wearing protective clothing and equipment such as rain/snow gear/boots, googles, gloves, hearing protection, etc.; Physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking over rough, uneven surfaces and recurring bending, crouching, stooping and reaching, climbing steps or ladders, and occasional lifting of moderately heavy items; Minimal office duties including typing, calculating, copies, fax, emails, phones, and meetings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Requires physical ability sufficient to perform essential job duties
• Governmental experience desired; ability to gain or knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies relating to public works
• Must have a desire and ability to learn the Town’s water and sewer systems, including mapping, boundaries, and extensive details relating to installing and connecting utilities
• Follows and gives oral and written instructions, communicates clearly and has ability to work independently
• Basic mathematical skills add, subtract, multiply and divide
• Work scheduled and unscheduled overtime and be on-call as required
• Develop and sustain positive working relationships with all Town staff
• Maintain a high standard for completeness and ensure efficient use of materials, facilities, and time.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:High School Diploma or GED required; some college level courses or equivalent experience preferred; experience in heavy equipment operations, pumps, valves, motor maintenance, and water and sewer treatment and distribution systems are desired; basic plumbing, electrical, and construction skills required; and utility installation, treatment, and distribution experience desired.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:Hold or obtain a First Aid/CPR Card within 6 months; Hold or obtain a State of Washington Flagging and traffic Control Card within 6 months; Hold a valid driver’s license; Obtain certifications in water/sewer treatment and distribution, as required or directed.

CERTIFICATIONS & PAY CLASSES:Usually, new employees will start their employment at the minimum wage rate for the ; however, a new employee may be employed at a higher rate than the minimum when the employee’s experience, training or proven capability warrants. Upon achieving higher-level certifications in water and sewer treatment and distribution as outlined below, you may be eligible for reclassification, subject to the mayor's approval and inclusion of the increased salary in the adopted budget. Class changes are considered promotions and are based on your supervisor’s recommendation, work force requirements, performance evaluations, job descriptions and related town policies pursuant to CMC 2.55.210(1).

• UMW (Class 6A) – entry level; must work towards obtaining Level 1 WTPO (Water Treatment Plant Operator) AND Level 1 WWTPO (Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator) Certifications within the first two-years of employment
• UMW I (Class 7A) – hold Level 1 WTPO (Water Treatment Plant Operator) AND Level 1 WWTPO (Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator) Certifications and work towards obtaining Level 2 Certifications
• UMW II (Class 8A) – hold Level 2 or higher WTPO (Water Treatment Plant Operator) AND Level 2 or higher WWTPO (Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator) Certifications and work towards obtaining Level 3 Certifications
• UMW III (Class 9A) – hold Level 3 or higher WTPO (Water Treatment Plant Operator) AND Level 2 or higher WWTPO (Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator) Certifications, AND a Level 1 Water Distribution (WDM) Certification

SALARY & BENEFITS:

• Salary: Class 6A: $26.12 – $31.05; Class 7A: $28.14 – $33.45; Class 8A: $30.30 - $36.02; Class 9A: $32.63 – $38.79
• PTO: 8 hours of sick leave & vacation earned each month, plus an additional 8 hours of vacation for each year of service on anniversary, two 8-hour floater holiday per year and 11 paid holidays
• Retirement: Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) 2 or 3, plus optional Deferred Compensation Program (DCP)
• Health Benefits: Full family benefits paid by Town include: medical, dental, vision, EAP, and employee life and disability with optional “buy-up” plans at full cost of employee.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $32.63 - $38.79 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $26 - $31