Operator/Senior Operator - South Plant B-Crew

Salary

$41.20 - $57.43 Hourly

Location

Renton, WA

Job Type

Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week

Job Number

2025-23821

Department

DNRP-Natural Resources & Parks

Division

Wastewater Treatment

Opening Date

02/19/2025

Closing Date

3/5/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

A2 : SEIU L925-Wastewater

Full- or Part-Time

Full Time

Hours/Week

40 hours/week

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions
  
  

Summary

This is a transfer opportunity, and first consideration will be given to qualified transfer-eligible employees in the job classification family and then SEIU 925 Wastewater Treatment applicants.

Bargaining unit employees who have been members of the bargaining unit for less than five years within the employee's facility (i.e. plant) may be eligible for this position. The five-year rule has been waived within the South Plant facility at this time. (Per CLA Addendum Section 8.3.B.)

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).

This posting may establish a list of qualified candidates for the Wastewater Treatment Operator in the following 6 months. Transfer-eligible candidates will be given the first right of refusal prior to any offer for someone on the established list.

About The Role

The King County Wastewater Treatment Division is seeking enthusiastic Wastewater Treatment Operators to cultivate and build effective working relationships with operations and maintenance, process, administration, construction management, consultants, and project teams. Developing mutual understanding of goals, communication, and trust.

WTD protects water quality and public health in the central Puget Sound region by providing high-quality treatment to wastewater collected from local sewer agencies. WTD includes about 800 employees across multiple facilities and serves 2.0 million people. To our agency, success means clean water. It means honoring our legacy while keeping a promise to another generation that our beautiful environment will be there for them to enjoy. It also means being accountable to our ratepayers and operating a well-managed agency.

About The Team

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. We collect and clean wastewater while recovering valuable resources for a healthy and resilient Puget Sound. King County's wastewater operations staff provides the expertise and dedication required to operate and maintain wastewater treatment and collection facilities to ensure the protection of the environment and the health of all King County communities.

Join our team, dedicated to ensuring clean water for generations to come! With over 700 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 enforce regulations 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.

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/Senior Operator, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity.

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

What You Will Be Doing:

• Operate, monitor, troubleshoot and maintain systems and processes in wastewater and stormwater facilities.
• Start up and shut down equipment and processes for maintenance and contractors.
• Perform maintenance on wastewater facilities, including buildings, equipment, and grounds. Duties include cleaning, servicing operating equipment, mowing lawns, and performing housekeeping tasks.
• Communicate with the public, construction personnel, consultants, and engineers to resolve complaints, provide construction assistance, give tours, and carry out related duties.
• Exchange information on wastewater operations, maintenance and processes with County staff and others as required involved in process control, maintenance, facilities services, off-site facilities services, and other areas.
• Respond to unusual occurrences, assist in emergency responses, and may serve as on-scene incident commander.
• Operate, monitor, and control wastewater equipment and systems using complex computer systems.
• Record technical data and daily activities on logs.
• Perform all essential duties in compliance with safety guidelines, policies, and regulations.
• Develop and review Process Safety Management (PSM), Preventative Maintenance (PM) and Hazardous Energy Control Procedures (HECP) and provide draft documentation.
• Unusual and/or emergency situations. Be on-call after hours for such situations.
• Train others on site-specific areas through on-the-job-training.
• Act as trainers in the new OIT program.
  
  

Senior Wastewater Treatment Operator – Performs Duties Above Plus

• 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 a 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.
  
  

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

What You Bring as a 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.
  
  

All The Above Plus

What You Bring as a Wastewater Treatment Senior Operator:

• 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 To Succeed In This Role

• Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Decision Quality: Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
• Nimble Learning: Actively learning through experimentation when tackling new problems, using both successes and failures as learning fodder.
• Values Difference: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
• Situational Adaptability: Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.
  
  

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 within one year of employment.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License
• CPR and First Aid certification
  
  

Required Licenses For a Wastewater Treatment Senior Operator

• 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 Washington State Driver’s License
• CPR and First Aid certification
  
  

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions

• Work Location: South Treatment Plant - 1200 Monster Rd. S.W., Renton, WA
• Work Schedule: The treatment plants are operated 24/7. This position works a rotating shift schedule, which includes both day and night shifts, working 2x11.7 day shifts followed by 2x11.7 night shifts, followed by 4 days off. 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., Wastewater Local 925
  
  

Application And Selection Process

We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. We value diversity, diverse perspectives, and 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.

To Apply, Submit a

• Complete Application
• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Complete Supplemental Questions
  
  

Note: Additional documents will not be considered during minimum qualification screening.

For More Information Regarding This Recruitment, Please Contact

Rodney O. Dungo

HR Analyst

[email protected]

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

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. 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.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

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.

Benefits

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, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness programs
• Onsite activity centers
• Employee Giving Program
• Employee assistance programs
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
• Training and career development programs
  
  

For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.

NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.

For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.

01

Are you a current Wastewater Local SEIU 925 member?

• Yes
• No
  
  

02

Do you have a Valid Washington State Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's Group I Certification or higher? Attach a copy with your application submission (REQUIRED).

• Yes
• No
  
  

03

Please indicate your WA State Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification level issued from the WA Department of Ecology. Attach a copy with your application submission (REQUIRED).

• OIT Group I
• Group I
• Group II
• Group III
• Group IV
• None
  
  

04

Are you applying to this position as an eligible current or previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant? AND Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? AND Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?

• Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my Career Service role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
• No.
  
  

05

If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoff

Required Question

Employer King County

Address King Street Center

201 South Jackson Street

Seattle, Washington, 98104

Phone 206-477-3404

Website http://www.kingcounty.gov/