Wastewater Treatment Operator​/Senior Operator - South Plant B Crew

Summary

Position:
Wastewater Treatment Operator or Senior Wastewater Treatment Operator (internal progression). Salary ranges: $41.20–$52.23/hour for Operator, $47.50–$57.43/hour for Senior Operator.

King County protects water quality by operating and maintaining wastewater treatment and collection facilities. The Wastewater Treatment Operator works across primary, secondary, and sludge systems, coordinates training, and responds to emergencies. The Senior Operator leads a work group, troubleshoots complex issues, and may act as a temporary supervisor.

• Operate, monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain wastewater and stormwater treatment processes.
• Conduct sampling and analysis; recommend system changes to meet permits and optimize performance.
• Train staff on site-specific procedures and new OIT programs.
• Start up and shut down equipment, perform maintenance and housekeeping tasks.
• Communicate with public, construction personnel, consultants, and engineers to resolve complaints.
• Exchange operational information with County staff and other departments.
• Respond to unusual occurrences and assist in emergency response, potentially serving as on‑scene incident commander.
• Operate complex computer control systems; record technical data and daily logs.
• Develop and review Process Safety Management, Preventative Maintenance, and Hazardous Energy Control procedures.
• Assume full operational responsibilities assigned by the supervisor in the supervisor’s absence.

• Operator:
  Washington State Department of Ecology Group I Wastewater Operator Certification.
• Senior Operator:
  Washington State Group III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification or higher.
• Advanced knowledge of preliminary, primary, secondary, digestion, gas handling, sludge handling, and plant‑wide support systems.
• Proficiency in safety policies for confined‑space entry, fall protection, hazard communication, hazardous energy control, emergency response, and other occupational safety areas.

• Valid Washington State driver’s license within 90 days of hire.
• CPR and First Aid certification within 6 months of employment.

• Decision Quality
  : making timely, sound decisions.
• Drives Results
  : achieving outcomes under challenging circumstances.
• Builds Effective Teams
  : fostering diverse, high‑identity teams.
• Self‑Development
  : actively seeking growth opportunities.

• Work schedule:
  
  rotating shift (2–11.7‑hour day, 2–11.7‑hour night, 4 days off); 24/7 plant operation.
• Physical requirements:
  
  lift up to 50 lbs, use ladders, exposure to chemicals and odors.
• Workplace exposures: outdoors, wet weather, confined space.
• Union representation: SEIU 925.
• Position covered under FLSA, overtime eligible.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Screening will assess clarity, completeness, and alignment with essential qualifications.

• Complete Application.
• Resume (required).
• Cover Letter (required).
• Responses to supplemental questions.

For more information, contact danilee
.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. No person is unlawfully excluded on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class.

Eligible employees receive competitive benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage options.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Retirement: pension plan via Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and 457(b) plans.
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass.
• 12 paid holidays + 2 personal holidays.
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave.
• Parental, family, medical, and volunteer leaves.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• Wellness programs.
• Onsite activity centers and employee giving program.
• Employee assistance programs.
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, where applicable.
• Training and career development programs.

For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified in the posting.