Wastewater Treatment Operator/Senior Operator - South Plant D Crew
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
King County is seeking an Operator/Sr. Operator for the South Plant WWTP to lead daily operations, monitor processes, and ensure regulatory compliance. The role offers hands-on leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and exposure to capital project work within a dynamic team.
The position requires WA Group I certification and a valid WA driver’s license, with rotating shifts and on-call responsibilities to support 24/7 plant operations.
Qualifications
- WA Group I certification or equivalent required.
- Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes and facilities.
- Ability to train staff and provide technical guidance.
- Experience with operating complex plant equipment and control systems.
- Willingness to work rotating shifts and be on-call.
Responsibilities
- Operate, monitor, and maintain wastewater treatment, odor control, and related systems.
- Lead, mentor, and train crew; coordinate on-site responses to emergencies.
- Troubleshoot and optimize plant performance to meet permits and regulations.
- Coordinate with supervisors on planning, scheduling, and capital projects.
- Ensure safety, documentation, and compliance across operations.
Skills
Education
Job description
This is a competitive posting, and the position is open to all qualified candidates.
This recruitment will hire for (1) position. In addition to the current opening, this recruitment may be used to establish a pool of qualified candidates to fill future Wastewater Treatment Operators for the South Treatment plant location within the Wastewater Treatment Division over the next 6 months.
Are 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity .
- Operate, monitor, and maintain biological, chemical, mechanical, and hydraulic processes at wastewater treatment plants, collection system pump and regulator stations and associated facilities
- Operate, monitor, and control wastewater equipment and systems with complex computer systems
- Optimize wastewater plant performance by sampling, testing analyzing wastewater and recommending changes to process which meet federal, and Washington State permits and regulations
- Perform maintenance on offsite facilities and associated structures, including buildings equipment, and grounds. Duties include cleaning, servicing operating equipment, and performing housekeeping tasks
- Operate, monitor, troubleshoot and maintain systems and processes in pump stations and Stormwater facilities
- Train others in site-specific areas or through on-the-job training
- Provide 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 situations
- 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.
- Washington 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 certification
- Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, including preliminary, primary, secondary, digestion, gas handling systems, sludge handling and plant-wide air, water, electrical and hydraulic support systems
- Knowledge of collection systems, including pump stations, regulator stations and miscellaneous structures, and of disinfecting methods
- Knowledge of wastewater terminology and process control
- Knowledge and skill in applying sampling, testing and laboratory procedures
- Skill in the interpretation and application of technical information from plant drawings, operations and maintenance manuals and lab tests
- Skill in manually starting and stopping equipment, systems, and processes Skill in establishing and maintaining work relationships with diverse occupational groups
- 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
- 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.
- Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
- Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
- Self-Development: Actively seeking new ways to grow and be challenged using both formal and informal development channels.
- 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
- Valid Washington State Driver’s License.
- Washington State Group III, 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
- Work Location: South Treatment Plant - 1200 Monster Rd SW, Renton, WA 98057
- Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, you must be available to work, nights, weekends and holidays. This position works a rotating shift schedule. The treatment plants are operated 24/7. Applicants must be available to work any and all assigned shift schedules.
- 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. A pre-employment physical, review of driving record and reference checks will be conducted prior to any final job offer.
Onsite Panel Interviews at South Treatment Plant (45 minutes) - tentative November 2, 2026
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.
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.
- 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.
Closing Date/Time: 10/15/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
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