Wastewater Treatment Operator/Senior Operator - South Plant B Crew

Full Job Description

This position is open to all qualified candidates

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).

NOTE: Salary information on the requisition in NEOGOV will need to be manually entered to reflect full range for both Wastewater Treatment Operator and Senior Wastewater Treatment Operator level classifications.

Minimum Salary: Step 1 of Wastewater Treatment Operator

Maximum Salary: Step 10 of Senior Wastewater Treatment Operator

About the Role

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. We collect and clean wastewater while recovering valuable resources for a healthy and resilient Puget Sound. 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.

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

South Plant B crew functions as a collaborative and dedicated team, rooted in clear communication, forward-thinking practices, and a strong commitment to environmental responsibility.

Our work directly advances the mission of the Wastewater Treatment Division by ensuring the reliable collection and treatment of wastewater and by supporting the recovery of resources that benefit the Puget Sound region.

We hold ourselves to high standards of integrity and strive to strengthen confidence in King County services among community members and county leadership. Equity, accountability, and consistent service excellence guide our daily operations and decision-making.

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 Industrial Maintenance Mechanic/ Master you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity

Requirements

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Operate, monitor, and control wastewater equipment and systems using complex computer systems.
• Record technical data and daily activities on logs.

Perform all essential duties in compliance with safety guidelines, policies, and regulations.

Develop and review Process Safety Management (PSM), Preventative Maintenance (PM) and Hazardous Energy Control Procedures (HECP) and provide draft documentation.

Operate, monitor and control wastewater equipment and systems with complex computer systems.

• Assuming the full operational responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor in the absence of the Wastewater Treatment Supervisor

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:

• Requirement:
• 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: The treatment plants are in operation 24/7. Shift Crews work a rotating shift schedule consisting of 2-11.7-hour day shifts followed by 2-11.7-hour night shifts followed by 4 days off.

This position is covered under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is overtime eligible.

• Union Representation: This position is represented by SEIU 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)

• Technical vetting interview: Virtual interviews will be held in February 2026
• Panel interview: Virtual interviews will be held the held in February 2026

To apply, submit a:

• Complete Application
• Resume (Required)
• Cover Letter (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 danilee@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.