Wastewater Treatment Operator/Senior Operator - South Plant Day Ops

King-County,-W; Black River Junction (WA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

King County operates a wastewater treatment facility at the South Treatment Plant in Renton, WA, with opportunities to grow from Operator to Senior Operator through internal progression. The role supports day-to-day operations, safety, and regulatory compliance, with a structured path for lead responsibilities and cross-team collaboration.

The position offers comprehensive benefits and requires a valid WA Driver’s License, with on-site duties at the Renton facility.

Qualifications

• Experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting wastewater treatment equipment.
• Experience operating solids handling equipment.
• Experience creating and using standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Knowledge of process control and operational trends.
• Knowledge of industrial safety procedures and practices.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain wastewater and stormwater systems to stay in permit compliance.
• Perform daily tasks to support continuous plant operations and assist staff, contractors, and consultants as needed.
• Conduct sampling and test analyses of wastewater and recommend process changes to meet federal/state permits.
• Maintain equipment and facilities, including buildings, equipment, grounds, and housekeeping tasks.
• Be prepared to provide on-call support for emergencies and unusual events.

Skills

Wastewater operations

Troubleshooting

SOPs

Process control

Industrial safety

Tools

SCADA

Job description

This is a transfer opportunity, and first consideration is given to qualified transfer-eligible employees in the same classification. If no qualified transfer-eligible candidate is selected, external applicants will be considered.

three (3) position(s). In addition to the current opening, this recruitment may be used to establish a pool of qualified candidates to fill future Wastewater Treatment Operator (South Plant Day Ops)Career Service vacancies within the Wastewater Treatment Division over the next 6 months.

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).

There is always a demand for wastewater operators, and the industry is stable and growing. This is a dynamic career and is beneficial to the environment and community. There are plenty of opportunities for advancement within the division.

About the Role:

Following and maintaining established safety policies, guidelines, regulations, and workplace standards. 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. The candidate will aid other plant staff, other King County staff, contractors and consultants as needed or required. A successful candidate will maintain and strive toward intra-team and cross-team support and cooperation daily.

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. King County's wastewater operators not only help prevent the spread of many contagious diseases, but help the environment and the communities they reside in.

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. 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

omprehensive benefits

What You Will Be Doing:

As a Wastewater Treatment Operator:

• Perform, facilitate, and communicate out the day-to-day task required to keep the treatment plant in compliance with the permits issued by the various regulatory agencies.
• Operate, monitor, troubleshoot and maintain systems and processes in wastewater and stormwater facilities.
• Conduct sampling and test analysis of wastewater and recommend changes to process to meet federal regulations and to optimize wastewater plant performance.
• Perform maintenance on wastewater treatment plant and associated facilities, including buildings equipment, and grounds. Duties include cleaning, servicing operating equipment, mowing lawns, and performing housekeeping tasks.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What you Bring as a 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 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:

• Experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting primary wastewater treatment equipment and processes.
• Experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting solids handling equipment and processes.
• Experience creating and utilizing standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Knowledge and experience using process and operational trends.
• Knowledge of wastewater terminology and process control.
• Knowledge of industrial safety procedures and practice.

Wastewater 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 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:

• Manages Complexity: Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
• Global Perspective: Taking a broad view when approaching issues, using a global lens.
• Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi‑mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Action Oriented: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Nimble Learning: Actively learning through experimentation when tackling new problems, using both successes and failures as learning fodder.
• Being Resilient: Rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult 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 unrestricted Washington State Driver’s License.

• CPR and first aid certification – can be achieved within the first six months of employment

Required Licenses for a Wastewater Treatment Senior Operator:

• Successfully Pass Job Progression Trial Service Period.
• Valid unrestricted Washington State Driver’s License.
• Washington State Group 3 Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification from the Washington State Department of Ecology.
• CPR and first aid certification – can be achieved within the first six months of employment.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to regularly 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.

Workplace Exposures:

• Regular exposure to chemicals, noise, confined space, respirator use, and viral contaminants.

Working Conditions:.

• Work Location: South Treatment Plant - 1200 Monster Rd SW, Renton, WA 98057.
• 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.

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 a technical assessment and one or more panel interviews.

Anticipated Timeline for this recruitment (dates subject to change):

• Technical Assessment: in‑person/onsite or virtual assessment at South Treatment Plant - early October 2026
• Panel Interview: in‑person/onsite or virtual interview - mid‑October 2026

To apply, submit a:

• Complete Application
• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Responses to the supplemental questions

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 Keeping King County Green News.

Sign up for Job Alerts to be notified of additional career opportunities with King County. Select the Natural Resources category for DNRP opportunities and explore other categories of interest.

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.

Application Process:

If you are interested in pursuing this position and supporting King County’s vision for unified, equitable, and high‑performing government, please follow the application instructions carefully. Provide us with your work history as applicable, ensuring that you provide details that highlight your ability to fulfill the requirements for this position.

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.