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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWastewater Treatment/Compost Crew Chief Apprentice Nov. 2025 City of Port Townsend Job Description Wastewater Treatment/Compost Crew Chief Apprentice Classification title: Crew Chief Apprentice Working title: Wastewater Treatment/Compost Crew Chief Apprentice Department: Public Works – Wastewater Treatment & Compost/Biosolids Union: Teamsters General Government FLSA status: Non-Exempt Wage Classification: 23 Hours: Full Time Effective date: Oct. 2023; Jan. 2024; Feb. 2025; Nov. 2025 Reports to: Operations Manager - Wastewater Treatment/ Compost; Crew Chief Civil Service: No JOB SUMMARY Under general supervision by the division manager, performs the administrative tasks and physical labor related to the oversight, operations, and supervision of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and/or Compost Facility. Oversees a small team or crew to assign tasks, ensures the team or crew follows procedures, and ensures tasks are completed efficiently and correctly. Supervises the day-to-day operations of a small team or crew; keeps a close watch on activities and situations; and communicates observations to the division manager. This position leads the team without formal authority over employee performance reviews or disciplinary actions. The City of Port Townsend strives to provide quality and reliable infrastructure operations in service to the community and environment as the City looks toward a sustainable future. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Employee shall meet all requirements of groups A, B, and C, 8 of group D, and 8 of group E of the Core Competencies, and the tasks described in these select competencies are considered part of the essential functions for Wastewater Treatment/Compost Crew Chief Apprentice.  Works with team members to operate and maintain the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant and/or Compost Facility in full compliance with our current permits  Participates in safe operation of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and/or Compost Facility to protect public health and the environment and maintain compliance with the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act  Collects, compiles, and interprets monthly data provided to US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington State Department of Ecology, and regional air pollution authority to demonstrate compliance with plant permit and discharge requirements  Implements policies and procedures for proper operations of wastewater primary, secondary, and solids handling facilities  Collects, compiles, and interprets operational data and makes operational adjustments when needed  Performs routine facility maintenance of wastewater utility facilities, buildings, telemetry, SCADA, mechanical, and electrical equipment Wastewater Treatment/Compost Crew Chief Apprentice  Performs work in credited laboratory including testing various water quality parameters to facilitate reporting and operations of the wastewater treatment works  Maintains grounds and facilities in a clean, safe, and efficient manner  Performs repairs to mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems and equipment  Maintain City sewer lift stations  Works with wastewater collections crew in support of operating the City’s collection system  Works together as a team to ensure compliance with US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington State Department of Ecology, Jefferson County Health Dept, and regional air pollution authority to demonstrate compliance with plant permit and discharge requirements  Other duties as assigned CORE COMPETENCIES: To show competency for these skills, the employee must have worked in an equivalent position for another agency or worked for the city for a minimum of one year demonstrating the skills for this position. The groups below provide a list of competencies for career path development. Group A Competencies  Provides essential services as a front-line worker  Works well in a team  Shows the ability to effectively interact with the public  Demonstrates safe work practices  Supports cross-team functionality and collaboration  Effective and efficient communication with team members, managers, and other departments, both verbally and in writing, using tact, patience and courtesy to convey instructions, provide feedback, receive feedback, and resolve issues  Communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with diverse groups of people  Maintains cooperative and effective working relationships with co-workers, peers, management and customers  Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances, such as shifting priorities, unexpected challenges, or variations in the workload, while maintaining composure and effectiveness Group B Competencies (Entry Level)  Basic hand tool and power tool operations  Ability to perform entry level repairs to plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems  Basic knowledge of wastewater treatment plant operational principles  Basic knowledge of wastewater treatment regulations and compliance requirements  Bloodborne pathogen training  Basic custodial operations and trash removal  After a minimum of 6 months of experience, be available to be added to the stand-by rotation calendar  Ability to perform ground and facility maintenance Group C Competencies (Mechanical Skills)  Ability to operate hand tools to perform routine maintenance at the Wastewater Treatment Plant  Ability to operate dump truck for hauling biosolids  Skilled in operating heavy rolling equipment (i.e., loader, backhoe) if working primarily at the Compost Facility Wastewater Treatment/Compost Crew Chief Apprentice  Knowledge of and ability to operate laboratory equipment at the Wastewater Treatment Plant lab or perform operation control tests  General knowledge and skills for routine and safely handling all chemicals involved in laboratory work  Ability to demonstrate knowledge of wastewater treatment process in an activated sludge or SBR plant  Knowledge of the operations of the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant and the ability to operate the plant independently for routine operations  Ability to collect and record data accurately for record keeping purposes and operations of the facilities  Ability to analyze and interpret lab data  Ability to make adjustments to treatment processes to achieve desired outcomes  Ability to provide general information to the public about the WWT plant  General knowledge of EPA and Department of Ecology regulations  Knowledge of electrical, mechanical, construction and plumbing repairs  Ability to identify wastewater treatment process problems  Ability to enter work order data using workorder software  Ability to respond in emergencies to the WWTP or lift stations and the ability to perform basic troubleshooting to keep the system working Group D Competencies (Specific Skills)  Interpret and analyze SCADA information in operation of the plant  Ability to serve as a backup to the Crew Chief when not available  Ability to troubleshoot and perform mechanical repairs on pumps and related equipment  Ability to manage work order software system and develop work orders necessary for tracking operations and reporting  Ability to analyze mechanical equipment performance, such as variable frequency drive pump performance  Ability to adjust wastewater treatment process to improve performance of the plant  Ability to work with specialized equipment manufacturers and engineers to repair and upgrade plant systems  Ability to perform maintenance duties on lift stations throughout the City  Ability to troubleshoot, install, and operate telemetry  Ability to troubleshoot pump and motor problems  Operate lab and lab equipment safely and efficiently to comply with daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly requirements  Ability to compile monthly, quarterly, and yearly reports and submit them to ECY through their SAW system  Reads, understands, and develops operating manuals for specific WWT equipment and processes.  Ability to keep ahead of inventory and order restock in time to receive new items so we never run out of needed supplies  Ability to maintain lab accreditation and complete all proficiency tests  Ability to use City GIS maps for informational purposes, efficient operations, and asset management  Shares skills and trains team members  Working knowledge of electricity from low voltage to 480-volt systems  Journey level certified electrician able to work with 480v power Wastewater Treatment/Compost Crew Chief Apprentice Group E Competencies (Leadership Skills)  Attains skills in cost analysis, budget development, and analysis  Plans, organizes, and directs the day-to-day operation of the wastewater treatment plant  Schedules work activities and personnel, arranges for chemicals, supplies and equipment as needed  Determines service levels and establishes operating criteria for operators  Ability to review operation and recommend improvements  Assists the Operations Manager, including recommending staffing, training, supervision, evaluations, vacation scheduling, of Wastewater Treatment Plan/Compost Facility personnel  Provides training for skills development, safety and working with hazardous materials  Oversees lab data and operation to ensure proper function of the treatment plant processes  Coordinates wastewater and solids handling operations with maintenance and laboratory activities to minimize operational conflicts and optimize process control  Oversees, monthly data provided to US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington State Department of Ecology, and regional air pollution authority to demonstrate compliance with plant permit and discharge requirements  Produces reports to inform annual budget needs for the section; including researching information for capital expenditures and performing cost analyses for items such as energy costs, solids handling processes, odor control, and plant upkeep and maintenance  Develops and implements policies and procedures for proper operations of wastewater primary, secondary, and solids handling facilities  Compiles operational data and makes performance decisions to optimize treatment plant and solids handling equipment performance for the protection of public health, the environment, and to maintain compliance with the Clean Water and Clean Air Act  Identifies problems and performs basic troubleshooting and repairs on machinery and associated systems.  Establishes and maintains effective working relations with employees, engineers, vendors, colleagues, and supervisors  Identifies training needs, develop materials, and instruct operators  Formulates written policies and procedures  Courteously and tactfully receives and responds to calls from the public  Experience with full responsibility for plant operations  Coordinates monthly Safety Training opportunities for entire division crew  Coordinates time off to ensure coverage  Operates various computer programs regularly including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Work management software  Maintains daily records associated with testing and able to access them anytime requested.  Serves as a liaison to the management team  Leads 1:1 meeting with other team members  Provides mentoring and training to team members  Works with operations manager to develop annual budget and track each fund within the department budget over the year  Provides manager with recommendations and/or input regarding hiring and employee reviews  Ability to communicate technical elements of the work with the public  Demonstrates assertive management skills in fairly addressing issues with peers, the public, Wastewater Treatment/Compost Crew Chief Apprentice management, and other City employees  Ability to lead, motivate, and inspire crew members to achieve performance goals and maintain high standards of quality and efficiency  Understands and responds to the needs and concerns of team members, demonstrating consideration for their perspectives, experiences and well-being  Skilled in resolving conflicts or disagreements that may arise among team members and customers, using diplomacy, and productive problem-solving techniques  Efficiently manages time and resources to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and optimize productivity, while ensuring the safety and quality of work performed by the crew  Assists in the development of and/or maintains a preventative maintenance program  Assists in the development of and/or maintains a capital replacement program  Maintains reports and other documents pertaining to purchases, contracted services, and other operational needs  Offers and conducts tours to the public and diverse groups that may request onsite educational tours QUALIFICATIONS Required  High school diploma or GED  Valid Washington State driver’s license and ability to maintain a driving record acceptable to the City’s insurance carrier  WA State Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Group II or higher certification  10+ years of experience working at a classification II or higher Wastewater Treatment Plant with 3 or more years in a lead role  Certified Compost Facility Operator certification issued by Washington Organics Recycling Council  First Aid/CPR certification or must obtain within 1 year of being in this position  Flagger Training Certification within the first 6 months in this position  Washington State CDL B or ability to obtain within 12 months in the position Preferred  Two years of vocational or college coursework in technical areas such as environmental science, civil engineering, and/or computer technology  10+ years of experience leading wastewater-related plant operations involving secondary treatment  3+ years of supervisory experience  WA State Group III or higher Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification  WA State Class A CDL WORKING CONDITIONS This position requires being onsite and working in the field primarily in the plant and outdoors during all types of weather; repeated walking, bending, stooping, and lifting; the ability to occasionally lift up to 60 lbs.; vision and hearing at level required to perform essential functions (may be corrected); and a full range of motor skills; occasionally having to enter confined spaces using all necessary PPE to perform maintenance or repairs. Wastewater Treatment/Compost Crew Chief Apprentice The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The City of Port Townsend is an equal employment opportunity employer. The City employs, retains, promotes, disciplines, and otherwise treats all employees and job applicants strictly based on job- related qualifications and competence. These policies and all employment practices shall be applied without regard to any individual's sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation (including gender identity), pregnancy, age, marital status, military status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties to be performed. The employee occupying the position will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisors. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and the employee and is subject to change as the needs of the City and the requirements of the job change.