This is a transfer opportunity, and first consideration is given to qualified transfer-eligible employees in the job classification family. 
If no qualified internal candidate is selected, external applicants will be considered.
External candidates are eligible to be hired at the Operator level only. Senior operator level is obtained through an internal job progression process. The salary range listed above includes the Operator level ($41.2077-$52.2331/hour) and Senior Operator level ($47.5058-$57.4309/hour).

A challenging opportunity to work alongside a dynamic and diverse team in the operations of state-of-the-art wastewater facilities.  The ideal candidate will be a team player but also self-motivated.   In addition, understanding of wastewater processes and structures would be beneficial.  This person will be an important member of a team that is moving the West Offsite unit into a mode of constant evaluation and improvement.  A person in this role will have the opportunity to develop problem solving skills, emergency response capabilities and wastewater expertise.  This role offers an opportunity to prepare for positions like Senior Operator and Senior Operator in Charge.  

The West Offsite unit supports the overall Wastewater Treatment Division mission to protect public health and the environment by collecting and treating wastewater while recovering valuable resources for a thriving Puget Sound region.  West Offsite, moreover, is committed to delivering King County services with integrity building trust with the county and community leadership.  We are also committed to delivering exceptional service with equity and accountability.  The West Offsite Operators are part of empowered teams, founded on strong communication, innovation and environmental stewardship.  

Join our team dedicated to ensuring clean water for generations to come! With over 900 employees engaged in planning, designing, building, and operating treatment facilities, our agency is at the forefront of environmental stewardship. Success for us means upholding our legacy while promising future generations a pristine environment.

We partner with regulatory agencies 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 services 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 safeguard our precious water resources.

What You Will Be Doing:
Wastewater Treatment Operator

• 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.
• Perform maintenance on wastewater facilities, including buildings, equipment and grounds. Duties include cleaning, servicing operating equipment, mowing lawns and performing housekeeping tasks.
• Respond to unusual occurrences, assist in emergency responses, and may serve as on-scene incident commander.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• 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 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: 
Wastewater Treatment Operator

• Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, including preliminary, primary, secondary, digestion, gas handling systems, sludge handling, plant-wide air, water, chemical, electrical and hydraulic support systems.
• Knowledge of collection systems; including pump stations, regulator stations, CSO facilities and miscellaneous structures. 
• Knowledge of mechanical and electrical theory, cross connections and pumps
• Knowledge of wastewater terminology and process control
• Knowledge of industrial safety procedures and practices
• Knowledge of and skill in applying sampling, testing and laboratory procedures
• Skill in verbal and written communication techniques and principles and ability to read, write and follow oral and written instructions
• Skill in reading, recording and interpreting information from field devices 
• Skill in operating basic hand and power tools and specialized equipment
• Skill in operating complex computer control systems and identifying normal and abnormal operating conditions
• Skill in the interpretation and application of technical information from plant drawings, operations and maintenance manuals, and lab tests
• 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.

• 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. 

• Customer Focus: Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Decision Quality: Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
• Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Action Oriented: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Plans and Aligns: Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Ensures Accountability: Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.

• 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 within one year of employment.
• Valid unencumbered Washington State Driver's License.
• Additional licenses, certifications and other requirements determined to be necessary to meet the business needs of the employing unit may be required.
• CPR and first aid certification - can be achieved within the first six months of employment.

• 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 unencumbered Washington State Driver's License.
• Additional licenses, certifications and other requirements determined to be necessary to meet the business needs of the employing unit may be required.
• CPR and first aid certification.

Working Conditions:

• Work Location: West Point Treatment Plant Offsite - 2501 W Jameson St, Seattle, WA 98199.
• Work Schedule: Standard working hours are 40 hours per week (5x8 or 4x10).  Applicants must be available to work any assigned schedule.  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 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.  

• Complete Application

• Resume 

• Cover Letter

• Corresponding Certifications and Licenses
• Responses to the supplemental questions

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

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.