Wastewater Treatment Operator/Senior Operator - C Crew

Posting number: 2026-27631

Department: DNRP-Natural Resources & Parks

Division: Wastewater Treatment

Job classification: Wastewater Treatment Operator (A2 : SEIU L925-Wastewater)

Posting type: Open

Categories: Natural Resources, Wastewater

Summary

This 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 may be used to establish a pool of qualified candidates to fill future Wastewater Treatment Operator/Senior Operator (West Point) 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 ($41.2077-$52.2331/hour) and Senior Operator level ($47.5058-$57.4309/hour).

Are you interested in advancing your career, being part of a team that is passionate about protecting the environment? If so, the role of Operator/Sr. Operator at South Plant WWTP is the position for you. As an Operator/Sr. Operator on C Crew you will play a critical part in WTD’s efforts in protecting the water quality and public health in the central Puget Sound region. As an Operator/Sr. Operator, you will work closely with operation supervisors in the planning, scheduling, and operating of critical infrastructure that will produce high quality treatment to wastewater collected from local sewer agencies. In this role you will gain valuable leadership skills leading a crew and will gain knowledge and exposure to the design and construction processes used for capital projects within the division. The skills and knowledge you gain from this position will help prepare you for future opportunities within WTD.

About the Role:

As an Operator/Sr. Operator, you will help carry out and facilitate the day-to-day operational tasks at a level 4 regional wastewater treatment plant. Daily tasks of the shift crew include monitoring, troubleshooting, and controlling wastewater equipment to help prevent the spread of contagious diseases and protect the environment.

About the Team:

The South Plant 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 a Wastewater Treatment Operator/Senior 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.
Examples of dutiesWhat You Will Be Doing:

• Perform the duties and responsibilities identified on the Wastewater treatment plant Operator/Sr Operator 
• 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
• Train others on site-specific areas through on-the-job-training
• Act as trainers in the new OIT program
• Start up and shut down equipment and processes for maintenance and contractors

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. 

QualificationsQualifications 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 collection systems; including pump stations, regulator stations, CSO facilities and miscellaneous structures
• Knowledge of mechanical and electrical theory, cross connections, and pumps
• Knowledge of wastewater terminology and process control 
• Knowledge of industrial safety procedures and practices
• Knowledge of and skill in applying sampling, testing and laboratory procedures 

Competencies You Bring:   

Manages Complexity: Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems
Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences
Optimizes Work Processes: Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement
Situational Adaptability: Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations
Action Oriented: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm

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
• 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

Supplemental informationWorking 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 weekly work schedule will be rotating shifts of two 11.7-hour dayshifts and two 11.7-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.  

Anticipated Timeline for this recruitment:

Technical Vetting- Virtual format mid-August 
Interview: Virtual format week of 8/24


To apply, submit a:

• Complete Application
• Resume
• 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 Dan Sherman, HR Analyst at dasherman@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 Alertsto 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.