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Job description
Wastewater Treatment OperatorThis is a transfer opportunity, and first consideration is given to qualified transfer-eligible employees in the same classification. If no qualified transfer-eligible candidate is selected, external applicants will be considered. This recruitment will hire for three (3) position(s). In addition to the current opening, this recruitment may be used to establish a pool of qualified candidates to fill future Wastewater Treatment Operator (South Plant Day Ops) Career Service vacancies within the Wastewater Treatment Division over the next 6 months.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 ($ -$ /hour) and Senior Operator level ($ -$ /hour). There is always a demand for wastewater operators, and the industry is stable and growing. This is a dynamic career and is beneficial to the environment and community. There are plenty of opportunities for advancement within the division.About the Role: Following and maintaining established safety policies, guidelines, regulations, and workplace standards. 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. The candidate will aid other plant staff, other King County staff, contractors and consultants as needed or required. A successful candidate will maintain and strive toward intra-team and cross-team support and cooperation daily. About the Team: King County protects water quality and public health in the central Puget Sound region by providing high quality and effective treatment to wastewater collected from our local sewer agencies. King County's wastewater operators not only help prevent the spread of many contagious diseases, but help the environment and the communities they reside in. 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. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As a Wastewater Treatment Operator/Senior Operator, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at 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: As a Wastewater Treatment Operator:Perform, facilitate, and communicate out the day-to-day task required to keep the treatment plant in compliance with the permits issued by the various regulatory agencies.Operate, monitor, troubleshoot and maintain systems and processes in wastewater and stormwater facilities.Conduct sampling and test analysis of wastewater and recommend changes to process to meet federal regulations and to optimize wastewater plant performance.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. Be on call after hours for such situations. Recommend and/or determine changes to wastewater process to meet federal and Washington State permits and regulations and to optimize plant performance. Provide broad, in-depth on-the-job training to other wastewater operations staff. Assist the supervisor in performance feedback and evaluation of staff.Plan, schedule, coordinate and perform maintenance for assigned wastewater facilities, systems, and processes. Coordinate and perform on-site response to unusual occurrences and emergencies.Serve as technical resource to the other staff, the public and external agencies.Operate, monitor, and control wastewater equipment and systems with complex computer systems.Assume the full operational responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor in the absence of the Wastewater Treatment Supervisor.Qualifications You Bring:Experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting primary wastewater treatment equipment and processes.Experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting solids handling equipment and processes.Experience creating and utilizing standard operating procedures (SOPs).Knowledge and experience using process and operational trends.Knowledge of wastewater terminology and process control.Knowledge of industrial safety procedures and practice.Competencies You Bring:Manages Complexity: Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.Global Perspective: Taking a broad view when approaching issues, using a global lens.Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.Action Oriented: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.Nimble Learning: Actively learning through experimentation when tackling new problems, using both successes and failures as learning fodder.Being Resilient: Rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations.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 unrestricted Washington State Driver's License.CPR and first aid certification – can be achieved within the first six months of employmentRequired Licenses for a Wastewater Treatment Senior Operator:Successfully Pass Job Progression Trial Service Period.Valid unrestricted Washington State Driver's License.Washington State Group 3 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification from the Washington State Department of Ecology.CPR and first aid certification – can be achieved within the first six months of employment.Physical Requirements:Ability to regularly lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.Ability to work in confined spaces, climb in and out of tanks using ladders, and work around noxious odors, heat and high noise levels.Workplace Exposures:Regular exposure to chemicals, noise, confined space, respirator use, and viral contaminants.Working Conditions:Work Location: South Treatment Plant - 1200 Monster Rd SW, Renton, WA 98057.Work Schedule: This full-time position works a 40-hour work week. The work schedule will be determined based on business needs. 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 during adverse and inclement weather conditions.Union Representation: This position is represented by S.E.I.U. L925 (Wastewater Treatment Division).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. Anticipated Timeline for this recruitment (dates subject to change): Technical Assessment: in-person/onsite or virtual assessment at South Treatment Plant - early October 2026 Panel Interview: in-person/onsite or virtual interview - mid-October 2026 To apply, submit a Complete Application Resume Cover Letter Responses to the supplemental questions Note: Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what's best
Worksite address
renton, WA, 98057, US
Who can apply
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