• Job Description

  Req#: 5051214

  This is a competitive posting, and the position is open to all qualified candidates.

  Bargaining unit employees who have been members of the bargaining unit for less than five years within the employee's facility ( i.e. plant) may be eligible for this position . The f ive-year rule has been waived within the West Point facility at this time . (P er CLA Addendum Section 8.3.B.)

  
  

  External candidates are eligible to be hired at the Operator level only . Senior operator level is obtained through an internal job progression process. The salary range listed above includes the Operator level ($41.2077-$52.2331/hour) and Senior Operator level ($47.5058-$57.4309/hour).

  
  

  
  

  About the Role:
  This role offers a unique opportunity to grow your career while making a meaningful impact on your community and the environment. As part of King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division, you’ll gain hands-on experience across plant operations, maintenance, construction, and process management. You’ll work closely with staff, contractors, and consultants, contributing to essential services that protect public health and natural resources.
  
  Wastewater operations are a stable, growing industry with high demand and strong potential for advancement. This position fosters daily collaboration and teamwork, and supports a career path filled with learning, purpose, and long-term opportunity.
  
  About the Team:
  The West Point operations team is a highly collaborative team that prides itself on communications, dedicated staff, and solution-minded work. The O&M facilities are currently undergoing major capital improvements expected to continue over the next 10 years. The candidate will be a part of a flexible and dynamic team responsible for providing expertise and support to maintain continuous effective wastewater operations. King County's wastewater operations staff provides the expertise and dedication required to operate and maintain wastewater treatment and collection facilities to ensure protection of the environment and the health of all King County communities.
  
  Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice:
  King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As an Operator, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity .
  
  

  Apply now for a rewarding career at the Wastewater Treatment Division of King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP). Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Enjoy training, comprehensive benefits , and growth opportunities.

  What You Will Be Doing:

  • Operate, monitor, troubleshoot and maintain systems and processes in wastewater and stormwater facilities.
  • Conduct sampling and test analysis of wastewater. Determine, recommend/implement changes to systems and processes to meet permits and regulations and to optimize the performance of wastewater facilities.
  • Perform maintenance on wastewater treatment plant and associated facilities, including buildings, equipment, and grounds. Duties include cleaning, servicing operating equipment, mowing lawns, and performing housekeeping tasks.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

  
  What you Bring as a Senior Wastewater Treatment Operator – performs duties above plus:
  

  • Serve in a lead capacity to operate, monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain wastewater treatment facilities, odor control equipment, biological, chemical, mechanical, and hydraulic processes.
  • Provide advanced level troubleshooting, problem-solving, coordination and decision-making when performing duties, particularly in on-site, unusual and/or emergency situations.
  • Recommend and/or determine changes to wastewater process to meet federal and Washington State permits and regulations and to optimize plant performance.

  Qualifications You Bring :
  

  • Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, including preliminary, primary, secondary, digestion, gas handling systems, sludge handling, plant-wide air, water, chemical, electrical and hydraulic support systems
  • Knowledge of wastewater terminology and process control
  • Knowledge of industrial safety procedures and practices
  • Skill in operating complex computer control systems and identifying normal and abnormal operating conditions.
  • Skill in the interpretation and application of technical information from plant drawings, operations and maintenance manuals and lab tests.

  
  Competencies You Bring :
  

  • Manages Complexity: Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
    
  • Action Oriented: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
  • Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
  • C ommunicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
  • Self-Development: Actively seeking new ways to grow and be challenged using both formal and informal development channels.

  
  Required Licenses for a Wastewater Treatment Operator:

  • Washington State Group I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification from the Washington State Department of Ecology or out-of-state equivalency which must be converted to a Washington certification within one year of employment.
  • Valid Washington State Driver’s License.

  
  

  Required Licenses for a Wastewater Treatment Senior Operator:

  • Washington State Group III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification or above.
  • Valid Washington State Driver’s License
  • Must obtain a City of Seattle Boiler Operator Grade III license within 2 years of employment (West Point only. City of Seattle requirement for operators to operate our boilers and raw sewage pump engines).
  • Additional licenses, certifications and other requirements determined to be necessary to meet the business needs of the employing unit may be required.
  • CPR and first aid certification

  
  

  It Would Be Great If You Also Bring:
  

  • Must obtain a City of Seattle Boiler Operator Grade III license within 2 years of employment (West Point only. City of Seattle requirement for operators to operate our boilers and raw sewage pump engines).
  • CPR/AED/First Aid certification - can be achieved within first six months of employment

  Working Conditions:

  • Work Location : West Point Treatment Plant - West Point Treatment Plant - 1400 Discovery Park Blvd. Seattle, WA 98199
  • Work Schedule: This full-time position works a 40-hour work week. The weekly work schedule will be rotating shifts of two 12-hour dayshifts and two 12-hour nightshifts. This position is covered under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is overtime eligible. The position requires the ability to work all shift schedules and required to report to work during adverse and inclement weather conditions.
  • Union Representation : This position is represented by S.E.I.U. 925 (Wastewater Treatment Division)
  • Physical Requirement : Incumbents perform field work at a wastewater treatment plant and associated facilities and are required to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, use ladders, and there is exposure to hazardous chemicals and noxious odors. A pre-employment physical, review of driving record and reference checks will be conducted prior to any final job offer.

  
  Application and Selection Process:
  We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. We value diversity, diverse perspectives and life experience and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.
  
  Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness and alignment with the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills essential for this role to determine which candidates may be invited to participate in a technical assessment and one or more panel interviews.
  
  To apply, submit a:
  

  • Complete Application
  • Resume
  • Optional Cover Letter (will be reviewed if submitted)
  • Copy of current Wastewater Operator certification
  • Responses to the supplemental questions

  Note: Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.
  
  Who to Contact: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Angelia Remolana, HR Analyst at anremolana@kingcounty.gov.
  
  
  Discover More About the Wastewater Treatment Division: Visit our website and check us out at Facebook , X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube , and the WTD Blog.
  
  Discover More About DNRP: Visit our DNRP website, explore an interactive map of our recent accomplishments and check us out at Facebook , X (formerly Twitter) , LinkedIn , TikTok , Instagram , YouTube and Keeping King County Green News .
  
  Sign up for Job Alerts to be notified of additional career opportunities with King County. Select the Natural Resources category for DNRP opportunities and explore other categories of interest.
  
  Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers. Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
  
  Guided by our True North , we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
  
  King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
  No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
  
  To Apply
  If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

• About the company

  King County is located in the US state of Washington.

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