Wastewater Test Engineer (Journey)

Wastewater Test Engineer (Wastewater Engineer - Journey)

The Wastewater Treatment Division's Resource Recovery Unit is seeking a Wastewater Test Engineer (Wastewater Engineer - Journey) to join the Technology Assessment Program (TAP). Our division is a leader in piloting and assessing new treatment technologies, and working with academic researchers and colleagues across the industry. TAP resides in the Policy & Research group which ensures that WTD has a well thought-out approach to research, testing and policy initiatives to support emerging regulations and new developments in research and technology. Join our team of proactive, innovative, trusted subject matter experts in wastewater engineering!

About The Role: This position is a Wastewater Engineer at the Journey level. The primary role of this position is testing innovative treatment technologies, running pilot projects, and participating in applied research projects. You will thrive in this position if you are creative, a self-starter willing to try new things, and are excited to tackle hands-on work to solve engineering and design issues associated with a pilot test facility. Overall, this position is responsible for evaluating the applicability of new technologies to King County wastewater treatment plant operations and maintenance, which includes monitoring trends in the wastewater industry. This position supports innovation and helps ensure that WTD has a well-thought-out approach to support emerging regulations and new developments in research and technology.

About The Team: The Technology Assessment Program (TAP) ensures that WTD takes full advantage of wastewater industry innovations, partnering with utilities across the field and research institutions to monitor and promote new technologies. TAP provides technical services to stimulate innovation, build a sustainable and resilient future, advance resource recovery, and maximize the cost effectiveness of WTD services. TAP plays a crucial role in helping WTD strategically evaluate and make decisions for WTD's technology and innovation opportunities, including improved treatment processes and efficiencies, process controls and treatment reliability, reducing the environmental footprint of wastewater treatment and its byproducts, and improvements in safety.

This position will be supervised by the Policy & Research Supervisor. The Policy & Research work group is part of the Resource Recovery Unit in WTD's Operations and Maintenance Section. The Resource Recovery Unit strives to bring valuable resources, technology, and sound business practices together to deliver products and programs that inspire our customers to be part of an environmentally sustainable future—today. It is responsible for ensuring safe, environmentally friendly products are made from an urban renewable waste stream including, Loop® biosolids soil amendment, recycled water, and renewable energy, as well as managing programs including sustainability, energy, technology assessment, and nutrient management. 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. In this role, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at

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.

Job Duties

• Testing of innovative treatment technologies, writing test plans, procuring pilot equipment, designing pilot installations, installation and commissioning, operating, troubleshooting, and decommissioning pilot systems and equipment, evaluating data, writing test reports.
• Participation in applied research projects in collaboration with academic institutions and industry organizations (ex. Water Research Foundation).
• Support treatment plant process groups with troubleshooting and optimization of treatment plant unit processes and equipment.
• Support planning and capital program projects with alternatives evaluation, design review, and commissioning.
• Technology proposal review and disposition.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

Qualifications You Must Bring:

• A bachelor's degree in engineering and at least 4 years of engineering work experience.
• Working knowledge of engineering principles as well as capability to examine and evaluate specific engineering problems and develop and coordinate appropriate solutions.
• Experience with technology pilot testing, drafting test plans, design, fabrication, commissioning and decommissioning.
• Imagination and creative abilities to design and modify existing wastewater facilities, and to repair facilities as necessary to meet program needs.
• Ability to analyze and interpret technical or scientific information and to communicate this information in writing or verbally at a level appropriate for various target audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and develop and maintain effective working relationships with diverse populations.
• Skill with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) in preparing documents, reports, presentations, spreadsheets and analyzing data.

Competencies You Bring:

• Nimble Learning - Actively learning through experimentation when tackling new problems, using both successes and failures as learning fodder.
• Communicates Effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Resourcefulness - Securing and deploying resources effectively and efficiently.
• 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.

Required Licenses:

• Registration as an EIT (Engineer In Training) in the State of Washington OR convert out-of-state EIT within 90 days from date of hire
• Valid Washington State Driver's License

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in research, project management, and/or science communication
• Experience in wastewater or similar construction commissioning
• Knowledge of current trends and issues in wastewater treatment and resource recovery, including biosolids, recycled water, energy, sustainability, nutrient management, and contaminants of emerging concern in the wastewater context
• Experience with procurement of goods and services
• Experience leading projects or teams

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions:

• Work Location: West Point Treatment Plant - 1400 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle 98199
• Work Schedule: This full-time position works a 40-hour work week, Monday - Friday with occasional evenings and weekends to meet business need. This position is exempt from the overtime provision of the Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA) and is not overtime eligible.
• Union Representation: This position is represented by Technical Employees' Association (TEA) - Wastewater Treatment Division
• Physical Requirement: Incumbents performing field work at a wastewater treatment plants and associated facilities are required to walk and stand, lift, navigate wastewater treatment facilities. i.e. outdoor work with uneven terrain. Workplace exposures include chemicals, biohazards, and construction activities.

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
• Cover Letter

Note: Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening. Anticipated Timeline for this recruitment (subject to change):

• Onsite Technical Interview and Technical Assessment (70 minutes at West Point Treatment Plant) - 7/7 and 7/9
• Virtual Panel interviews (50 minutes) - 7/14, 7/15 and/or 7/16

Who to Contact: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Angelia Remolana - View email address on click.appcast.io

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