Operations Response Center; ORC Trainee

Operations Response Center (ORC) Trainee

Join to apply for the Operations Response Center (ORC) Trainee role at Seattle Public Utilities

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) Risk and Quality Assurance Division is recruiting for an Operations Response Center (ORC) Trainee. As an ORC Operator, you will serve as the critical first point of contact for utility emergency response, service calls, and communications with employees, customers, and the general public. This essential role combines comprehensive classroom training, hands‑on field experience, and real‑world operational learning to prepare you for 24/7 emergency response coordination.

You will report directly to the Operations Response Center Manager and become an integral part of SPU’s emergency management infrastructure.

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community‑centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses, including drinking water, drainage, wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.6 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.

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:

• Family‑friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free public transportation options
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

• Serve as the designated point of contact for all utility emergency response activities, coordinating responses to both natural and human‑made emergencies
• Manage central dispatch and triage functions for emergency situations and routine service calls affecting utility infrastructure
• Coordinate with local law enforcement, emergency responders, and other jurisdictions during critical incidents
• Develop, implement, and maintain emergency response protocols for all natural and human‑made hazards

• Provide centralized communication to field employees performing planned work across all utility lines of business
• Handle service calls and communications with employees, customers, and the general public, coordinating with the Customer Service Center as needed
• Maintain and operate the Communicator and Geo‑notify systems to place mass communications to large groups during emergencies

• Operate, test, and maintain communications, security, and automated systems essential to utility operations
• Monitor and respond to security protection system alarms, assess situations, and coordinate first responder deployment
• Manage SPU Card key system, including monitoring access rights, troubleshooting alarms, and maintaining security protocols
• Monitor cameras and alarms at various SPU facilities and respond according to established procedures

• Conduct field staff check‑ins and check‑outs to maintain accountability and safety
• Document incident information thoroughly and prepare detailed reports
• Analyze operational data to identify trends and improve response protocols

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. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Education: Work requires a High School diploma or GED

Experience: One…