Water Treatment Plant Operator, Supervisor

City of Seattle; Duvall (WA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work (As Appropriate)

Job summary

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) seeks a Water Treatment Plant Operator, Supervisor to lead daily operations at a Level 4 water treatment facility. You will guide operators, set priorities, and ensure safe drinking water delivery to Seattle and regional customers.

You will review regulatory reports, maintain records, mentor staff, and foster a safe, efficient work environment. This fully on-site role requires strong leadership and technical expertise in water treatment processes.

Qualifications

• Five (5) years working for a water utility including three (3) years in a Class 3 or higher water treatment plant.
• Washington State Department of Health Level 4 Water Treatment Plant Operator certification or equivalent, with six months to obtain Washington certification if coming from another state.

Responsibilities

• Perform the duties of the Operator in Responsible Charge at the water treatment plant.
• Supervise, lead, train, and mentor other water treatment plant operators.
• Prepare accurate regulatory reports and sign off on monthly DOH reports.
• Operate monitoring software and record test data to track operations and support regulatory compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Operational oversight

Job description

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking a Water Treatment Plant Operator, Supervisor to lead daily operations at a Level 4 water treatment facility and ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality drinking water to Seattle and its regional customers. This leadership role provides direction to treatment plant operators, sets operational priorities, and ensures compliance with complex regulatory and public health standards.

You will apply advanced technical knowledge in water treatment processes, chemistry, engineering, and biology to guide plant operations, troubleshoot issues, and optimize performance. The role includes reviewing and signing regulatory reports, maintaining accurate operational records, and providing clear communication and guidance during routine activities and emergency responses. The Operator, Supervisor also fosters teamwork, mentors staff, and supports a safe, efficient, and collaborative work environment.

If you are a skilled leader who excels in technical environments and enjoys supporting mission-critical public service, SPU encourages you to apply.

About Seattle Public Utilities:

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), check out the:

• SPU Website
• SPU Workplace Expectations
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

We know work isn't only about what you do it's also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Hybrid work schedule opportunities (As Appropriate)
• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free Orca Pass
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

• Perform the duties of the Operator in Responsible Charge at the water treatment plant.
• Supervise, lead, train, and mentor other water treatment plant operators in the operation and maintenance of a Level 4 water treatment plant.
• Advanced understanding of drinking water treatment standards, regulations, and public health principles.
• Advanced knowledge of and experience with water treatment practices such as filtration, ozonation, and chlorination.
• Prepare accurate reports for regulatory compliance, performance tracking, and operational analysis, also sign off on the State Dept. of Health monthly regulatory reports.
• Provides input to regulatory policies and ensuring that the Treatment facility adheres to standards in ensuring safe drinking water.
• Operate computers and utilize software to accomplish the necessary input and output of information used to monitor equipment, record test data, track operations, and compile reports.
• As needed, perform the duties of a Senior Treatment Plant Operator and a Water Treatment Plant Operator.

*Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

Experience:

Five (5) years working for a water utility including three (3) years of experience working in a Class 3 or higher water treatment plant.

License, Certification and Other Requirements:

Washington State Department of Health Level 4 Water Treatment Plant Operator certification or equivalent from another state within the United States as confirmed by the Association of Boards of Certification. If equivalent designation from another state, must attain Washington State Department of Health Level 4 Water Treatment Plant Operator certification within six (6) months of hire.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• Must be physically capable of sustained bending, climbing, standing, walking, and occasionally lifting 50 pounds, and working in prevailing weather conditions
• Work safely in potentially hazardous areas and/or unpleasant environments
• Require appropriate protection and safety precautions when handling hazardous and toxic chemicals such as chlorine, caustic, fluoride and water testing reagents
• Required to work rotating shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays if needed
• May be required to be on-call 24 hours/day

Desired Qualifications:

• Ability to coach and motivate employees, encourage teamwork, and promote high standards of core service delivery
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as the ability to articulate complex issues to leadership, staff and stakeholders
• Good interpersonal skills, ability to work with people from diverse professional, cultural backgrounds
• The ability to establish effective working relationships with staff and collaborate effectively at all organizational levels
• Being responsive to operational and emergency needs of the plant and the ability to work under pressure

This position is fully on-site and doesn't offer the option of remote work. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.

Who may apply:

The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

The full salary range for this position is:

$58.51 - $68.03 per hour.

This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits.

Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at www.seattle.gov/util/ and check us out on social media.