Utility Worker I - West Point

King-County,-W; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great benefits

Union representation

Job summary

King County Wastewater Treatment Division seeks a full-time Utility Worker I for the West Point Plant in Seattle, WA. You will perform preventive maintenance, operate a variety of equipment, and support custodial and gardening tasks to keep facilities running smoothly.

As a mission-critical team member, you will help handle emergencies and ensure county services stay operational, while working with a diverse team that values safety and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Experience operating hand and power tools and equipment.
• Experience with industrial steam cleaners and pressure washers.
• Able to work in confined spaces and at heights up to 30 feet with PPE.
• Ability to collaborate in a diverse team and follow directions.

Responsibilities

• Assist in general preventive maintenance, gardening, cleaning, and operating equipment.
• Operate a range of machinery and vehicles such as hand tools, landscape equipment, tractors, forklifts, cranes, vacuum trucks, backhoes, and dump trucks.
• Perform light maintenance like changing bulbs, inspecting safety equipment, HVAC filters, and cleaning facilities.
• Back up for gardening, custodial, painting, and other support tasks.
• Respond to unusual occurrences and assist in emergencies.

Skills

Tools operation

Safety awareness

Effective communication

Teamwork

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Industrial steam cleaners

Pressure washers

Forklifts

Job description

This is a competitive posting, and is open to all qualified candidates.

This recruitment will hire for 2 positions. In addition to the current opening, this recruitment may be used to establish a pool of qualified candidates to fill future Utility Worker I at West PointCareer Service vacancies within the Wastewater Treatment Division over the next 6 months.

The Wastewater Treatment Division transforms wastewater to become a valuable resource for all King County communities. For those who live, work, and play in King County to have a healthy and sustainable future, the work the Wastewater Treatment Division accomplishes is valuable and important. Along with great benefits This is a great opportunity for an individual who likes a variety of work, working with a diverse team that supports the Operations and Maintenance of the West section and conveyance systems

About the Role

As a Utility Worker for King County Wastewater Treatment Division, you will be involved in preventative maintenance of West Point buildings. As a Mission Critical, non-exempt employee, you will provide for and maintain critical functions of county services that must remain operational, emergencies such as floods, snow, and ice storms, etc. You will assist other staff in carrying out general preventive maintenance such as but not limited to gardening, and custodial restroom care cleaning, You will operate a variety of equipment, machinery and/or vehicles such as hand and power tools, landscape equipment, tractors, forklifts, cranes, vacuum trucks, backhoes, portable pumps, dump trucks, etc.

About the Team

Tucked away in Discovery Park Seattle, West Point Treatment Plant, is one of King County’s three regional wastewater treatment plants and is the largest treatment plant in Washington state by volume. West Point cleans a combined flow of wastewater and stormwater through primary and secondary treatment processes. The West Point operations also include 20 pump stations and 23 regulator stations that send flow to the facility with approximately 150 employees who operate and maintain the plant. The plant also serves as a worksite for contraction management personnel and administrative staff. It has a diverse workforce dedicated to supporting the mission of the Wastewater Treatment Division by safely operating and maintaining the facility to comply with environmental regulations.

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

What You Will Be Doing

• Assist other staff in carrying out general preventative maintenance such as, but not limited to, gardening, cleaning, operating equipment, and assisting operations and maintenance positions in accomplishing work assignments at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and associated facilities.
• Operate a variety of equipment, machinery, and/or vehicles such as hand and power tools, landscape equipment, tractors, forklifts, cranes, vacuum trucks, backhoes, portable pumps, dump trucks, pressure washers, etc.
• Perform light maintenance tasks such as, but not limited to, changing light bulbs, inspection of safety equipment, inspection of HVAC systems to change filters, fire hydrant inspections, sweeping and mopping and other custodial duties, washing windows, hosing, and cleaning facility exteriors.
• Act as back-up for specific gardening, custodial, painting, and other support assignments.
• Respond to unusual occurrences and assist in emergency situations.

Qualifications You Bring

• Experience in the operation and use of hand and power tools, pneumatic tools and the operation of small and large equipment.
• Experience in the operation of industrial steam cleaners and pressure washers.
• Ability to work in confined space areas and at heights up to 30 feet with all required PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
• Ability to work effectively with others in a work environment that embraces and encourages diversity in its workforce and where differences are valued.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to follow written instructions and verbal in-person and through communication devices.

Competencies You Bring

• Action Oriented: Identifies and seizes new opportunities; Displays a can-do attitude in good and bad times; Steps up to handle tough issues.
• Decision Quality: Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
• Interpersonal Savvy: Relating openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people.
• Resourcefulness: Securing and deploying resources effectively and efficiently.
• Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.

Required Licenses/Certifications

• A valid Washington State Driver's License

It Would Be Great if You Also Bring

• Forklift certification.
• Flagging and Traffic control certifications.
• Commercial Driver's License class A endorsement, with Tanker.
• Pesticide Spray License.
• Experience repairing membrane train modules in an Membrane Bioreactor treatment plant.

Physical Requirements

• Lifting up to 50 pounds, twisting, climbing, bending daily.

Workplace Exposures

• Working in a wastewater treatment environment with exposure to some wastewater pathogens and contaminates and chemistry.

Working Conditions

• Work Location: West Point Treatment Plant - 1400 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199.
• Work Schedule: This full-time position works a 40-hour work week. The work schedule will be determined based on business needs. This position is covered under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is overtime eligible. The position requires the ability to work during adverse and inclement weather conditions.
• Union Representation: This position is represented by S.E.I.U. L925 (Wastewater Treatment Division).

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.

Anticipated Timeline for this recruitment (dates subject to change)

• Technical Assessment: in-person/onsite assessment at West Point Treatment Plant - late September 2026
• Panel Interview: virtual interview - late September 2026

Note: Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.

Discover More About the Wastewater Treatment Division

Visit our website and check us out at Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, and the WTD Blog.

Discover More About DNRP

Visit our DNRP website, explore an interactive map of our recent accomplishments and check us out at Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and the Keeping King County Green News.

If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, or you would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, please contact Rodney Dungo at [e-mail].

King County's Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values unite us.

King County serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency, delivering on commitments with transparency and accountability. We are action-oriented, creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles, engage directly with communities, and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact. As a unified team, we uphold high ethical and stewardship standards, embrace change, stay curious, and continuously improve. Across all interactions, we listen first, act quickly, and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust. Learn more about our Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values here and visit our Why work at King County page here.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on sex, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religious affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age except by minimum age and retirement provisions, pregnancy, status as a family caregiver, parental status, marital status, military status or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or who was discharged solely as a result of the person's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, genetic information, or other protected class. However, to the extent that distinction or differential treatment on the basis of citizenship or immigration status is authorized by either federal or state law, regulation, or government contract, it is not an unfair practice.