Wastewater Treatment Operator/Senior Operator - South Plant A Crew

Wastewater Treatment Operator/Senior Operator At South Plant WwptAre 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 WTD's 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 agencies. In 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 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.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 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 DutiesWhat You Will Be Doing: Wastewater Treatment OperatorOperate, monitor, and maintain biological, chemical, mechanical, and hydraulic processes at wastewater treatment plants, collection system pump and regulator stations and associated facilitiesOperate, monitor, and control wastewater equipment and systems with complex computer systemsOptimize wastewater plant performance by sampling, testing analyzing wastewater and recommending changes to process which meet federal, and Washington State permits and regulationsPerform maintenance on offsite facilities and associated structures, including buildings equipment, and grounds. Duties include cleaning, servicing operating equipment, and performing housekeeping tasksOperate, monitor troubleshoot and maintain systems and processes in pump stations and Stormwater facilitiesTrain others in site-specific areas or through on-the-job trainingProvide 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 situationsWastewater 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, SkillsQualifications You Bring Wastewater Treatment OperatorWashington 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 certificationKnowledge of wastewater treatment processes, including preliminary, primary, secondary, digestion, gas handling systems, sludge handling and plant-wide air, water, electrical and hydraulic support systemsKnowledge of collection systems, including pump stations, regulator stations and miscellaneous structures, and of disinfecting methodsKnowledge of wastewater terminology and process controlKnowledge of and skill in applying sampling, testing and laboratory proceduresSkill in the interpretation and application of technical information from plant drawings, operations and maintenance manuals and lab testsSkill in manually starting and stopping equipment, systems, and processes Skill in establishing and maintaining work relationships with diverse occupational groupsWastewater 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 systemsAdvanced 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 systemsSkill in providing in-depth training to staff on facility equipment and systemsKnowledge 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 facilitationAdvanced skill in the application of safety policies, procedures and practicesSkill in interpreting and applying technical information from plant drawings, technical data sheets, operations and maintenance manuals and laboratory test resultsSkill in operating specialized portable and stationary equipment such as boom trucks, forklifts, generator trucks, steam cleaners, mobile pumping units and overhead cranesAbility to work rotating shifts including nights, weekends and holidays and demonstrate predictable, reliable and timely attendanceAbility to work during adverse and inclement weather conditionsAbility to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 poundsAbility to work in confined spaces, climb in and out of tanks using ladders, and work around noxious odors, heat and high noise levelsAbility to effectively engage in and sustain relationships with people from diverse cultures and socio-economic backgroundsAbility to work independently and as a team memberDemonstrated proficiency with business applications, such as Microsoft Office suiteCompetencies 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. King County