Wastewater Treatment OperatorSenior Operator South Plant D Crew

Summary

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

This recruitment will hire for (1) addition to the current opening this recruitment may be used to establish a pool of qualified candidates to fill future Wastewater Treatment Operators for the South Treatment plant location within the Wastewater Treatment Division over the next 6 months.

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 D-Crew (South Plant) you will play a critical part in WTDs 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 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.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

The 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 Operator The 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.

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 Countys 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 you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at 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 and growth opportunities.

Job Duties

What You Will Be Doing:

Wastewater Treatment Operator

• Operate monitor and maintain biological chemical mechanical and hydraulic processes at wastewater treatment plants collection system pump and regulator stations and associated facilities
• Operate monitor and control wastewater equipment and systems with complex computer systems
• Optimize wastewater plant performance by sampling testing analyzing wastewater and recommending changes to process which meet federal and Washington State permits and regulations
• Perform maintenance on offsite facilities and associated structures including buildings equipment and grounds. Duties include cleaning servicing operating equipment and performing housekeeping tasks
• Operate monitor troubleshoot and maintain systems and processes in pump stations and Stormwater facilities
• Train others in site-specific areas or through on-the-job training
• Provide troubleshooting problem-solving coordination and decision-making when performing duties and be able to respond to unusual and/or emergency situations. Be on call after hours for such situations

Wastewater Treatment Senior Operator- Performs the duties and responsibilities of a Wastewater Treatment Operator and the following:

• 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 general 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.

Experience Qualifications Knowledge Skills

Qualifications You Bring :

Wastewater Treatment Operator

• Washington State Group 1 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
• Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes including preliminary primary secondary digestion gas handling systems sludge handling and plant-wide air water electrical and hydraulic support systems
• Knowledge of collection systems including pump stations regulator stations and miscellaneous structures and of disinfecting methods
• Knowledge of wastewater terminology and process control
• Knowledge of and skill in applying sampling testing and laboratory procedures
• Skill in the interpretation and application of technical information from plant drawings operations and maintenance manuals and lab tests
• Skill in manually starting and stopping equipment systems and processes Skill in establishing and maintaining work relationships with diverse occupational groups

Wastewater Treatment Senior Operator (all the above plus):

• Advanced knowledge and skill in plant-wide gas disinfection and chemical feed systems heating ventilation and air conditioning odor control electrical water air and hydraulic systems
• Advanced knowledge and skill in major components causes for alarms remote monitoring and control system for the equipment and systems in the preliminary primary and secondary solids handling odor control and collection /conveyance systems
• Skill in providing in-depth training to staff on facility equipment and systems
• Knowledge and skills in operating complex computer control systems and in managing written and/or computerized information systems including logs reports laboratory and process data work requests and timekeeping responsibilities.
• Knowledge of leadership techniques and principles.
• Skill in creating a positive professional team environment including the business planning process the establishment of standards and feedback communication conflict resolution effective team meetings problem-solving decision-making and facilitation
• Advanced skill in the application of safety policies procedures and practices
• Skill in interpreting and applying technical information from plant drawings technical data sheets operations and maintenance manuals and laboratory test results
• Skill in operating specialized portable and stationary equipment such as boom trucks forklifts generator trucks steam cleaners mobile pumping units and overhead cranes
• Ability to work rotating shifts including nights weekends and holidays and demonstrate predictable reliable and timely attendance
• Ability to work during adverse and inclement weather conditions
• Ability to 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
• Ability to effectively engage in and sustain relationships with people from diverse cultures and socio-economic backgrounds
• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Demonstrated proficiency with business applications such as Microsoft Office suite

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
• Valid Washington State Drivers License.

Licensing Certification and Other Requirements ( Senior Operator)

• Washington State Group III 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 Drivers License
• CPR and First Aid certification

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions:

• Work Location : South Treatment Plant - 1200 Monster Rd SW Renton WA 98057
• Work Schedule: This is a full-time position you must be available to work nights weekends and holidays. This position works a rotating shift schedule. The treatment plants are operated 24/7. Applicants must be available to work any and all assigned shift schedules.
• 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 candidates. We value diverse perspectives 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.

A pplications without the following required materials will not be considered for this position.

To apply submit a:

• Complete Application
• Resume
• Responses to Supplemental Questions

Note: Additional documents wont be considered during minimum qualification screening.

Anticipated Timeline for this recruitment (subject to change):

Onsite Panel Interviews at South Treatment Plant (45 minutes) - tentative November 2 2026

Discover More about DNRP: Visit our 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.

Are you ready to make a difference Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nations best places to live work and play.

Application Process

If you are interested in pursuing this position and supporting King Countys vision for unified equitable and high-performing government please follow the application instructions carefully. Provide us with your work history as applicable ensuring that you provide details that highlight your ability to fulfill the requirements for this position.

If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format or you would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process please contact Dan Sherman at

King Countys Vision Mission and ACTIVATE Values unite us.

King County serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency delivering on commitments with transparency and accountability. We are action-oriented creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles engage directly with communities and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact. As a unified team we uphold high ethical and stewardship standards embrace change stay curious and continuously improve. Across all interactions we listen first act quickly and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust. Learn more about our Vision Mission and ACTIVATE Values here and visit our Why work at King County page here .

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on sex race color national origin ethnicity religious affiliation disability sexual orientation gender identity or expression age except by minimum age and retirement provisions pregnancy status as a family caregiver parental status marital status military status or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or who was discharged solely as a result of the persons sexual orientation or gender identity or expression citizenship or immigration status genetic information or other protected class. However to the extent that distinction or differential treatment on the basis of citizenship or immigration status is authorized by either federal or state law regulation or government contract it is not an unfair practice.

Required Experience:

Senior IC