As a certified Group 2 wastewater treatment operator or Group 2 water distribution/treatment plant operator, operates and maintains a Class 2 wastewater treatment plant or water distribution/treatment plant at an institution or serves as a backup for a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator 3.

Plans, assigns, and supervises work of lower level staff of unskilled and skilled workers and /or residents engaged in operation of sewage treatment or water treatment/distribution plant and in maintenance and repair of auxiliary equipment, compressors, pumps, water lines, controls, and meters;  

Instructs operating personnel in proper operating and maintenance methods and procedures;  

Directs the analytical testing of sewage treatment plant chemical operations for plant efficiency, including daily and weekly tests for dissolved oxygen, settable solids, pH valves, and biochemical oxygen demand;  

Inspects plant and advises supervisor regarding maintenance, operational, and safety problems; recommends corrective action;  

Keeps or directs keeping of charts and records; prepares reports on sewage treatment plant operations;  

Collects water samples for bacteriological and chemical analysis; maintains and repairs pressure reducing valves; 

Checks chlorine residual and makes adjustments on feed rate, changes chlorine cylinders, cleans and checks the operation of residual analyzer; 

Maintains various records and logs concerning water quality testing, water consumption and related matters; prepares reports on water treatment plant or water distribution system; 

Supervises inmates in the maintenance of outdoor facilities and lawns in and around area of responsibility only; 

Investigates complaints concerning water service; 

Performs other work as required. 

Knowledge of:  waste water disposal laws; methods, materials and tools used in operation and maintenance of secondary sewage treatment plant; treatment plant safety; heating, power and other related mechanical equipment; standard types of automatic controls OR drinking water standards; mechanics of pumps and chlorination equipment; practices, methods, tools and materials used in the maintenance of water plant pumps, equipment and facilities; proper water sampling methods; occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions; chemistry as applied to water treatment; applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures; record-keeping techniques. 

Ability to:  perform chemical tests and analyze plant operation; instruct and supervise others; keep records; make written reports OR assess water treatment plant problems and recommend sound solutions; operate a variety of equipment; perform basic pipe-fitting work and install meters, hydrants and valves. 

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position. 

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Certification by Department of Ecology as a Group 2 wastewater treatment plant operator 

OR 

A valid Washington State Certificate of Competency issued by the Department of Health as a Water Treatment Plant Operator 2 or Water Distribution Manager 2

Note: Classification of the wastewater treatment plant will be determined by the Department of Ecology. 

New class adopted effective May 21, 1973.
Revise class.  Revises definition, minimum qualifications; adopted February 17, 1978.
Revise class.  Revises minimum qualifications; adopted May 10, 1985.
Revise class.  Revises minimum qualifications; adopted February 10, 1989.
Revise class.  Revises title (formerly Waste Treatment Plant Operator 2), definition, minimum qualifications; adopted June 10, 1999.
Revise class.  Revises class code (formerly 75420), general revision; adopted May 10, 2007, effective July 1, 2007.
Revise class.  Revised definition, typical work, knowledge and abilities, and desirable qualifications; adopted May 8, 2008, effective July 1, 2008.

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.