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Posted: February 17, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Wastewater Operator/Senior Operator - West Point Offsite

King County

DNRP-Natural Resources & Parks

Fresh

Location

Salary

$41.21 - $57.43

per hour

Closes

March 4, 2026

SES Pay Grade

Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900

Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job involves operating and maintaining advanced wastewater treatment systems to ensure clean water and prevent overflows in King County's facilities, working as part of a team to monitor equipment and respond to emergencies.

It's a great fit for someone who is self-motivated, enjoys problem-solving, and wants to grow into leadership roles in environmental protection.

The role supports the health of local watersheds and serves over 2 million residents.

Key Requirements

  • Experience operating, monitoring, and maintaining wastewater treatment equipment and processes
  • Ability to troubleshoot systems and respond to emergencies or unusual occurrences
  • Strong team collaboration skills with a self-motivated approach
  • Understanding of wastewater treatment processes and structures
  • Capability to provide technical expertise and training to other staff
  • For senior level: Lead capacity in work groups and potential to fill in for supervisors
  • Commitment to regulatory standards and environmental stewardship

Full Job Description

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.

External candidates are eligible to be hired at the Wastewater Treatment Operator level only. Senior Wastewater Treatment Operator level is obtained through an internal job progression process.

The salary range listed above includes the Wastewater Treatment Operator level ($41.20-$52.23/hour) and Senior Wastewater Treatment Operator level ($47.50-$57.43/hour).


A challenging opportunity to work along a dynamic and diverse team in the operations of state-of-the-art wastewater facilities. The ideal candidate will be a team player but also self motivated. In addition, understanding of wastewater processes and structures would be beneficial. This person will be an important member of a team that is moving the West Offsite unit into a mode of constant evaluation and improvement. A person in this role will have the opportunity to develop problem solving skills, emergency response capabilities and wastewater expertise. This role offers an opportunity to prepare for positions like Senior Operator and Senior Operator in Charge.

About the Role

The person in this role will serve as a key member of a team of operators committed to reducing overflows and treating wastewater to meet the high King County standards demanded by the regulatory agencies. This person will be joining the West Offsite Team at a critical time of expanding and improving the King County CSO and collections systems, implementing state of the art treatment processes. The mission of the West Offsite directly affects the quality of life for King County residents and protects our watershed. Such an important role demands strong leadership and great teams.

Wastewater Treatment OperatorThe responsibility of this classification includes operating, monitoring, and maintaining wastewater treatment and odor control equipment, systems, and processes in wastewater (primary and secondary) treatment facility and/or the collection and conveyance systems.

Responsibilities may also include coordinating, training, and providing technical expertise to other wastewater treatment operations staff and coordinating on-site responses to unusual occurrences and emergencies.

Wastewater Treatment Senior OperatorThe responsibilities of this classification include serving in a lead capacity in a work group responsible for operating, monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintaining equipment, systems, and processes in wastewater facilities.

Responsibilities include coordinating, training, and providing technical expertise to other wastewater treatment operations staff and coordinating on-site responses to unusual occurrences and emergencies and may fill in for the Wastewater Treatment Supervisor

With about 1000 employees engaged in planning, designing, building, and operating treatment facilities, King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division is at the forefront of environmental stewardship.

We enforce regulations to reduce harmful waste discharge and actively educate the public and businesses on water quality protection.

We prioritize accountability to our ratepayers and operate a well-managed agency that serves over 2.3 million King County residents.

Our regional wastewater treatment system not only sustains a healthy environment but also fuels economic development, fostering prosperity in our region.

If you're passionate about making a difference and thrive in a collaborative environment, join us in our mission to protect public health and the environment by collecting and cleaning wastewater while recovering valuable resources for a healthy and resilient Puget Sound.

About the Team

The West Offsite unit supports the overall Wastewater Treatment Division mission to protect public health and the environment by collecting and treating wastewater while recovering valuable resources for a thriving Puget Sound region.

West Offsite, moreover, is committed to delivering King County services with integrity building trust with the county and community leadership.

We are also committed to delivering exceptional service with equity and accountability.

The West Offsite Operators are part of empowered teams, founded on strong communication, innovation and environmental stewardship.

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 Government Relations Assistant, 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.

Requirements

What You Will Be Doing:
  • Operate, monitor, and control wastewater equipment and systems using complex computer systems
  • Start up and shut down equipment and processes for maintenance and contractors
  • Perform maintenance on wastewater facilities, including buildings, equipment, and grounds. Duties include cleaning, servicing operating equipment, mowing lawns, and performing housekeeping tasks
  • Communicate with the public, construction personnel, consultants, and engineers to resolve complaints, provide construction assistance, give tours, and carry out related duties
  • Cover standby duty on a rotating schedule and respond to emergencies as called
  • Exchange information on wastewater operations, maintenance and processes with County staff and others as required involved in process control, maintenance, facilities services, off-site facilities services, and other areas
  • Respond to unusual occurrences, assist in emergency responses, and may serve as on-scene incident commander
  • Develop and review Process Safety Management (PSM), Preventative Maintenance (PM) and Hazardous Energy Control Procedures (HECP) and provide draft documentation
  • Train others on site-specific areas through on-the-job-training

Qualifications

Qualifications You Bring:
  • Wastewater Treatment Operator: Washington State Department of Ecology Group I Wastewater Operator Certification
  • Wastewater Treatment Senior Operator: Washington State Group III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification or above from the Washington State Department of Ecology
  • Advanced knowledge of and experience with wastewater treatment processes, including preliminary, primary, secondary, digestion, gas handling systems, sludge handling and plant-wide air, water, electrical and hydraulic support systems.
  • Skill in the application of safety policies, procedures and practices for confined-space entry, fall protection, hazard communication, hazardous energy control, emergency response and evacuation, accident prevention, hearing conservation, back injury prevention, respiratory protection, fire safety, department facilities and operations, forklift training, overhead cranes, and plant-specific and department-wide safety information
Required licenses:

  • Valid WA State driver's license within 90 days of hire.
  • CPR and First Aid certification can be achieved within first 6 months of employment.

Competencies you bring;

Decision Quality: Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
Drives Results: Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
Builds Effective Teams: Building strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.
Self-Development: Actively seeking new ways to grow and be challenged using both formal and informal development channels.

Additional Information

Working Conditions:

Requirements:
  • Wastewater Treatment Operator:
    • Wastewater Treatment Operator Washington State Group I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification from Washington State Department of Ecology within 30 days or out-of-state equivalent which must be converted to a Washington certification within 1 year.
    • Valid Washington State Driver’s License
    • CPR and First Aid certification Required Licenses
  • Wastewater Treatment Senior Operator:

    • CPR and First Aid certifications
    • Washington State Group III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification or above 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
    • CPR and First Aid certifications

  • Work Schedule: Current work schedule is either a 4/10 (Monday-Thursday or Tuesday-Friday) or 5x8 schedule. Coverage during holidays is also expected and schedule may change based upon business needs.
  • Work Location: Onsite at Jameson Building - 2501 West Jameson Building Seattle, WA 98100
  • Union Representation: This position is represented by SEIU Local 925
  • 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.
  • Workplace Exposures: Outdoors environment during wet weather, confined space

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 one or more panel interviews.

Anticipated Timeline for this recruitment: (subject to change)

  • Panel interview: Virtual interviews will be held the held in mid-March 2026

To apply, submit a:

  • Complete Application
  • Resume (Required)
  • 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 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 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.

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Posted on NEOGOV: 2/17/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/18/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-kingcounty-5239391