Chief Operator - Wastewater Treatment

The City of Bellingham, WA is seeking a Chief Operator for Wastewater Treatment to lead a team in protecting public health and water quality. Responsibilities include supervising wastewater processes, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The position offers a salary range of $8,770 to $10,625 per month, along with comprehensive benefits including vacation, medical insurance, and a retirement plan. This position is not remote and is based in Bellingham, WA.
Nature of Work



Are you interested in leading a dynamic team, and are you passionate about actively helping to protect our air quality and the health of Bellingham Bay? If so, you might be interested in the position of Chief Operator – Wastewater in the Plants Division of the Public Works Department of the City of Bellingham.

As Chief Operator – Wastewater, you will play a critical role in the City’s efforts to protect public health and water quality in Bellingham Bay.
The Chief Operator - Wastewater Treatment is responsible for supervision and direction of primary, advanced secondary, solids handling, plants processes, industrial pretreatment program and control systems, and is responsible for recommending budgets, standards, and technical systems to ensure continuous and proper operation of the wastewater treatment plant. Error or negligence in supervision or performance could jeopardize wastewater facilities and put public health at risk; result in loss of life, property, financial resources, and equipment; and violate water quality, air, and other standards. Works under federal, regional, and Washington State regulations and procedures for wastewater treatment as well as City and departmental policies and procedures.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

The current full salary range for this position is $8,770/month - $10,625/month. Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the Teamsters Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy.

The City places new employees within the published salary range based on qualifications and professional experience as listed on the application material, in accordance with City policy. Candidates who exceed the minimum experience requirements shall be given credit for advanced step placement at the rate of one additional pay step for each two full years of directly related or equivalent professional experience beyond the minimum requirements. Candidates who meet minimum qualifications or have experience that is not directly related or in a lower-level position will be placed at step one in the salary range. For positions that require a bachelor’s degree, one additional step may be granted for applicants with a master’s degree in a related field when the master’s degree is not required to meet minimum qualifications.

For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures.

At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here’s a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. You can find more details on our employment benefits page and labor agreements page.

10 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year8 hours of sick leave accrued monthlyMedical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their familiesLife insurance and long-term disability coverageFlexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out programAccess to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement securityOptional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match

Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed primarily in an office setting in an industrial plant, providing directions to crew, making on-site inspections or troubleshooting, etc. May require working outdoors in all weather conditions. The treatment plants are high risk environments which require special safety precautions, i.e. working near heavy operating equipment, toxic or volatile chemicals, noxious gases, and with exposure to raw sewage. Employees may be required to wear protective clothing such as coveralls, rain gear, masks, boots, goggles, gloves, or shields and use respirator and self-contained breathing apparatus when appropriate.




Experience and Training

Two years vocational or college coursework in technical areas such as environmental science, civil engineering, and/or computer technology.Four years of experience required in wastewater-related plant operations industry involving automated systems and advanced unit processes associated with secondary treatment. Must include two years of supervisory experience with responsibility for leadership, scheduling, training and skills development.Experience with full responsibility for plant operations preferred.Familiarity with computer technology required.A combination of education and experience sufficient to provide the applicant with the knowledge, skills and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the job will be considered

Necessary Special Requirements

Must have or be able to obtain a Washington State Department of Ecology certification as a Group IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator within one year of employment.Note: Substitutions for education and training requirements are available as outlined in Washington Administrative Code 173.230.061, 10/23/87.Valid Washington State driver's license and a good driving record. A three-year driving abstract must be submitted at the time of hire.Employment contingent upon passing a criminal convictions and local background check (see Fair Hiring Practices below).Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire.