Clallam County seeks certified west-end wastewater operator; recruitment yields about 30 applicants

Clallam County staff told commissioners Jan. 14 they are actively recruiting a certified wastewater operator for a west-end municipal treatment plant and have received about 30 applicants in the current recruitment round, including at least one applicant with Washington state certification.

Background: a prior recruitment drew roughly 99 applicants but few or none with the required in-state operator certification; staff said this round is intentionally focused on certified applicants so the county can meet licensing requirements and reduce the reliance on extended overtime.

Steve (staff member) told the board the current posting has produced approximately 30 applicants and that one applicant holds the required Washington certification. He said the county is checking whether out-of-state experience can be reciprocated for state certification. Steve said the county planned an initial review of applications and would start scheduling interviews promptly to avoid long delays for applicants.

County staff and supervisors noted the plant's lead operator, Jim Malakoff, has taken on additional duties while training a new operator and is effectively covering multiple shifts: "Our lead operator, Jim Malakoff, out there is definitely stepped up... he is working basically seven days a week, with our two systems while training a new operator," a county representative said during the meeting.

Staff also said they are exploring per-diem or traveling-operator options (a temporary pool of certified operators who can fill short-term gaps) to ensure continuity while the county completes recruitment and onboarding.

The board was told the vacancy posting remains open and the county will balance timely applicant feedback with due diligence in hiring a candidate who meets certification requirements.