Wastewater Treatment Operator/Senior Operator - Brightwater

Wastewater Treatment Operator

This is a competitive posting, and the position is open to all qualified candidates. This recruitment will hire for (1) position. In 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 Brightwater Treatment plant location within the Wastewater Treatment Division over the next 6 months.

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. About the Role: The candidate will be a part of a flexible and dynamic team responsible for operating and maintaining the Brightwater treatment plant and recycled water system. They will be 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

The candidate will develop a high level of knowledge in the membrane processes, solids streams, dewatering, digestion, and odor control specific to Brightwater.

About the Team: The wastewater treatment division carries out essential work that protects the environment and all members of the public. We are comprised of a group of professionals that strive to deliver outstanding services through a collaborative effort both at our treatment plants and offsite collection facilities. The Operations Team are a critical component within the wastewater treatment division, helping to fulfill the county's mission to protect the region's water, air, land, and natural habitats. 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.

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.

What You Will Be Doing: 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.

Qualifications You Bring: 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

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. Communicates 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 Driver's 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 Driver's License CPR and First Aid certification

Working Conditions: Work Location: Brightwater Treatment Plant - 22505 WA-9, Woodinville, WA 98072 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. Applications 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 won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.

Anticipated Timeline for this recruitment (subject to change): Technical Vetting: Onsite Panel Interviews (45 minutes)

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 nation's best places to live, work and play.

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 for themselves and their eligible dependents
• Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
• Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
• 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave
• Paid parental