Wastewater Treatment Operator/Senior Operator - Brightwater

This is a competitive posting , and the position is open to all qualified candidates.

This recruitmen t may hire for multiple positions . This posting may be used to establish a list of qualified candidates for the Operator/Senior Operator in the following 6 months.

Bargaining unit employees who have been members of the bargaining unit for less than five years within the employee's facility ( i.e. plant) may be eligible for this position . The f ive-year rule has been waived within the East section at this time (per CLA Addendum Section 8.3.B ).

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).
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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.

About the Role:

The candidate will be a part of a flexible and dynamic team responsible for operating and maintaining the Brightwater treatment plant and recycled water system. They will be 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.

The candidate will develop a high level of knowledge in the membrane processes, solids streams, dewatering, digestion, and odor control specific to Brightwater.

About the Team:
The wastewater treatment division carries out essential work that protects the environment and all members of the public. We are comprised of a group of professionals that strives to deliver outstanding service through a collaborative effort both at our treatment plants and offsite collection facilities. The Brightwater Operations Team are a critical component within the wastewater treatment division helping to fulfill the countys mission to protect the regions water, air, land, and natural habitats.

Join our team dedicated to ensuring clean water for generations to come! With over 900 employees engaged in planning, designing, building, and operating treatment facilities, our agency is at the forefront of environmental stewardship. Success for us means upholding our legacy while promising future generations a pristine environment.

We partner with regulatory agencies to reduce harmful waste discharge and actively educate the public and businesses on water quality protection. We prioritize accountability to our ratepayers and operate a well-managed agency that services over 2.3 million King County residents . Our regional wastewater treatment system not only sustains a healthy environment but also fuels economic development, fostering prosperity in our region. If you're passionate about making a difference and thrive in a collaborative environment, join us in our mission to safeguard our precious water resources.

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. 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/Senior Operator, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at style="color: inherit; font-style: normal; text-indent: 0">.
Apply now for a rewarding career at the Wastewater Treatment Division of King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP). Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Enjoy training, comprehensive benefits , and growth opportunities.

What You Will Be Doing:
Wastewater Treatment Operator

• Operate, monitor and maintain wastewater and odor control equipment and facilities.
• Operate, monitor and maintain biological, chemical, mechanical and hydraulic processes at wastewater treatment plants, collection system pump and regulator stations and associated facilities.
• Conduct sampling and test analysis of wastewater and recommend changes to process to meet federal and Washington state permits 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

Wastewater Treatment Senior Operator Performs the duties and responsibilities of a Wastewater Treatment Operator and the following:

• 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.

Qualifications You Bring:
Wastewater Treatment Operator

• Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, including preliminary, primary, secondary, digestion, gas handling systems, sludge handling, plant-wide air, water, chemical, electrical and hydraulic support systems.
• Knowledge of collection systems; including pump stations, regulator stations, CSO facilities and miscellaneous structures.
• Knowledge of mechanical and electrical theory, cross connections and pumps
• Knowledge of wastewater terminology and process control
• Knowledge of industrial safety procedures and practices
• Knowledge of and skill in applying sampling, testing and laboratory procedures
• Skill in verbal and written communication techniques and principles and ability to read, write and follow oral and written instructions
• Skill in reading, recording and interpreting information from field devices
• Skill in operating basic hand and power tools and specialized equipment
• Skill in operating complex computer control systems and identifying normal and abnormal operating conditions
• Skill in the interpretation and application of technical information from plant drawings, operations and maintenance manuals, and lab tests
• 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

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.
• Decision Quality : Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
• 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.
• Manages Ambiguity : Operating effectively, even when things are not certain, or the way forward is not clear.
• Being Resilient : Rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations.

Licensing, Certification and Other Requirements (Operator)

• Washington State Wastewater Operator I certification or higher issued from the Washington State Department of Ecology
• Washington State Driver's License or out-of-state equivalent
• CPR and first aid certification can be achieved within the first six months of employment

Licensing, Certification and Other Requirements ( Senior Operator)

• 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 Drivers License
• CPR and First Aid certification

Working Conditions:

• Work Location : Brightwater Treatment Plant Offsite - 22505 WA-9, Woodinville, WA 98072.
• Work Schedule: Standard working hours are 40 hours per week. Applicants must be available to work any assigned schedule. This position is covered under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards ACT (FLSA) and is overtime eligible.
• 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.

Application and Selection Process: 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. A pre-employment physical, review of driving record and reference checks will be conducted prior to any final job offer for external applicants. To apply, submit a:

• Complete Application

• Resume

• Cover Letter

• Corresponding Certifications and Licenses
• Responses to the supplemental questions

Note: Additional documents will not be considered during minimum qualification screening. Who to Contact: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Rodney Dungo HR Analyst ... Discover More About the Wastewater Treatment Division: Visit our website and check us out at Facebook , X (formerly Twitter) , Instagram , YouTube and our WTD Blog . Discover More About DNRP : Visit our 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.

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. 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. Guided by our "True North" , we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.