Wastewater Treatment Engineer Jobs
Wastewater treatment engineer jobs are open across municipal utilities, environmental consulting, industrial manufacturing, and infrastructure firms, from entry-level to senior and principal roles, with specializations in process design, biosolids management, and regulatory compliance. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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Position Description
The City of Tacoma Environment and Public Works Department is seeking a skilled Wastewater Treatment Pant (WWTP) Electrician/Instrumentation Technician to join our collaborative team. WWTP Electrician/Instrumentation Technicians are responsible for performing skilled journey level electrical and instrumentation maintenance work that involves maintenance and installation of a wide variety of equipment, instrumentation, apparatus, controls, and motors.
WWTP Electrician/Instrumentation Technicians develops and implements a proactive maintenance work program that includes preventative and predictive maintenance, corrective maintenance, and equipment condition monitoring on a variety of instrumentation equipment, communications equipment, meters, control systems, electrical systems, circuits, and motor controls associated with wastewater treatment plants, pumping stations, stormwater control facilities and solid waste systems such as compactors. Employees work on a variety of electrical components at our facilities, such as relays, PLC’s, circuit breakers, and electrical distribution. Prior experience at a wastewater, surface water, or solid waste utility is not needed for the position.
Interested in learning more about the Wastewater Treatment Plant? Check this video out! https://youtu.be/jx5DUy3SMaU?si=xGJ82bfks0amK9PS
Please note that the Collective Bargaining Agreement associated with this position is currently under negotiation, and compensation may be adjusted at any time based on final agreements.
Qualifications
AND
Two (2) years supplemental advanced course work in electric theory and industrial controls.
- Valid Washington State Driver’s License at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter.
- Valid First Aid Card with C.P.R. at time of appointment and maintenance thereafter.
- 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.
- Individuals may have to pass a background check depending upon assignment.
Knowledge & Skills
KNOWLEDGE OF:
- Control Systems, electrical circuits, and instrumentation for system integration, maintenance, troubleshooting and root cause analysis
- National Electrical Code (NEC), regulations, and procedures
- Electrical, instrumentation and electronic technology including PLC’s (Rockwell) and various programming formats (Ladder, Function block, Structured Text)
- Various types of conduit applications and methods of installation
- Schematics, wiring diagrams and instrument control diagrams
- Electrical codes, regulations and procedures
- Proper methods of storing equipment, materials and supplies
- Health and safety regulations
- Technical aspects of field of specialty
- Proper record keeping techniques
- Basic wastewater treatment plant processes and impact of equipment malfunction
- Safety techniques, testing and procedures to handle dangerous or hazardous chemicals, gases and/or confined spaces, as related to wastewater treatment plants and pump stations
- Experience with 480-volt equipment, instrumentation and controls, HMI, SCADA systems and in conducting maintenance work on motor controls, electrical distribution and generating systems
- Understanding and ability to calculate wire sizes and conduit fill
- Understand basic troubleshooting and repair of industrial systems, with the ability to visualize how different systems operate together to find the root cause
- Read and interpret electrical drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, engineering plans, P&ID drawings and specifications
- Apply principles of electrical theory to daily tasks, which may include design of electrical systems
- Implement a preventative maintenance work program
- Operate, install, repair, and inspect a variety of electronic testing equipment
- Understand basic computer skills that the technician will need in using a laptop in their daily work, i.e. changing the IP address, using serial ports, and troubleshooting network connectivity
- Operate a variety of tools and equipment used in the electrical and instrumentation trade such as; hydraulic presses, cutters, benders, various types of testing equipment and recording devices
- Lift heavy objects in awkward and confined spaces, using proper lifting and rigging techniques
- Understand and interpret the national electrical code
- Operate motor vehicles and forklifts
- Understand and follow oral and written directions
- Observe appropriate safety procedures in the performance of assigned tasks
- Maintain records and prepare reports as directed
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
- Work independently with little direction
Selection Process & Supplemental Information
The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.
With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!
View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI
Applicants who are eligible for veterans scoring criteria (Veterans Preference) MUST attach a copy of their DD-214 member copy 4 (proof of military discharge form) at time of application to be eligible for review for Veteran's Preference points.
For technical difficulties using the NeoGov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.
Supplemental Questions
This is a competitive selection process. Applicants will be required to respond to written questions outlining their experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of this position. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their responses to Supplemental Questions #8 to #15 reviewed and scored by a committee of subject matter experts, as the Experience and Training Test. These questions will be scored based on the information provided. It is the responsibility of the applicants to adequately describe all pertinent experience and training. Please make sure you read the questions and provide complete informative answers, including your roles in the position and key activities. DO NOT respond with ‘see resume’ in lieu of answering these questions; this will result in a failing score. Providing false information will result in disqualification.
Accommodations: We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation during this process, please contact Human Resources at(253) 591-5400.
Please note that the Collective Bargaining Agreement associated with this position is currently under negotiation, and compensation may be adjusted at any time based on final agreements.
Wastewater Treatment Engineer Jobs by Experience Level
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Find JobsWastewater Treatment Engineer Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Jacobs12

- US Water Services Corporation10

- Kennedy/Jenks Consultants6

- Inframark5

- Veolia3

Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Manufacturing
- Chemicals & Materials
- Government & Public Sector
- Construction & Real Estate
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in wastewater treatment engineer jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in civil, environmental, or chemical engineering from an ABET-accredited program
- Professional Engineer (PE) license or active EIT status with a plan to sit for the PE exam
- Experience with wastewater treatment plant design, operations, or process optimization
- Proficiency in modeling and design tools such as BioWin, WaterGEMS, AutoCAD, or EPA SWMM
- Familiarity with NPDES permit requirements, Clean Water Act compliance, and state discharge regulations
- Experience preparing engineering reports, construction documents, and regulatory submissions
Tips for Your Wastewater Treatment Engineer Job Search
Lead with licensure on your resume
List your Professional Engineer license, state, and license number in the header of your resume, not buried in a credentials section. Many wastewater postings filter applicants by PE status before a recruiter reads a single bullet.
Quantify plant capacity and process scope
Replace vague bullets like 'managed plant operations' with the actual flow rate in MGD, the treatment processes involved, and the regulatory framework you worked under. Hiring managers compare candidates by the scale and complexity they have handled.
Target openings by treatment technology
Filter your search by the technology you know best, whether that is activated sludge, membrane bioreactor, anaerobic digestion, or nutrient removal. Applying to roles that match your process background raises your chances of clearing the technical screen.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists wastewater treatment engineer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare for a technical design exercise
Interviews for wastewater roles often include a take-home or whiteboard problem, such as sizing a clarifier or calculating a chlorine dose. Brush up on unit process calculations and be ready to walk through your reasoning out loud, not just your answer.
Negotiate using total compensation, not base alone
Wastewater engineer offers from public utilities often include defined-benefit pensions, substantial paid leave, and funded professional development that private-sector offers rarely match. Get the full benefits picture before comparing any two offers.
Wastewater Treatment Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most wastewater treatment engineers?
The companies hiring the most wastewater treatment engineers right now include Jacobs, US Water Services Corporation, and Kennedy/Jenks Consultants, with the largest share of openings in Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Municipal utility authorities and environmental engineering consulting firms consistently drive the largest share of demand.
How many wastewater treatment engineer jobs are remote?
About 37% of wastewater treatment engineer openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, which is lower than most engineering disciplines because much of the work requires on-site inspection, sampling, and plant interaction. The roles most likely to offer remote flexibility are those focused on design, report writing, permitting, and regulatory consulting rather than operations or construction oversight.
How do you become a wastewater treatment engineer?
Earn a bachelor's degree in civil, environmental, or chemical engineering from an ABET-accredited program, then pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam to become an Engineer in Training. Accumulate qualifying experience under a licensed Professional Engineer, pass the PE exam in your state, and build hands-on exposure to treatment processes through internships, entry-level plant roles, or consulting project work.
Can you get hired as a wastewater treatment engineer with little experience?
Yes, entry-level wastewater treatment engineer roles exist at consulting firms and municipal utilities for candidates with the right academic background and an active EIT credential. Internships or co-op placements at water resource recovery facilities during school carry significant weight. Familiarity with treatment process fundamentals and software tools like AutoCAD or BioWin helps entry-level candidates stand out when direct plant experience is limited.
What does the wastewater treatment engineer interview process look like?
Most wastewater treatment engineer interviews begin with a phone screen covering your background, licensure status, and the types of projects or plants you have worked with. A technical interview follows, often including process design questions, regulatory scenario prompts, or a take-home calculation exercise. Final rounds for consulting roles may involve a presentation, while utility positions often include a panel interview with operations and management staff.
Where can I find and apply to wastewater treatment engineer jobs?
You can find and apply to wastewater treatment engineer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your process background, licensure level, and preferred location, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
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