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

Overview

This position is open to all qualified candidates. External candidates are eligible to be hired at the Wastewater Treatment Operator level only. Senior Wastewater Treatment Operator level is obtained through an internal job progression process. The salary range includes both levels:
Wastewater Treatment Operator ($41.20-$52.23/hour) and Senior Wastewater Treatment Operator ($47.50-$57.43/hour).

King County protects water quality and public health in the central Puget Sound region by providing high quality treatment to wastewater and recovering valuable resources for a healthy and resilient Puget Sound. The Wastewater Treatment Division operates and maintains wastewater treatment and collection facilities to ensure protection of the environment and community health.

• Operate, monitor, troubleshoot and maintain systems and processes in wastewater and stormwater facilities.
• Conduct sampling and test analysis of wastewater; determine and implement changes to meet permits, regulations, and optimize facility performance.
• Train staff on site-specific areas through on-the-job training.
• Start up and shut down equipment and processes for maintenance and contractors.
• Perform maintenance on facilities, including buildings, equipment, and grounds; perform housekeeping tasks as needed.
• Communicate with the public, construction personnel, consultants, and engineers to resolve issues and provide assistance as required.
• Exchange information with County staff and others involved in process control, maintenance, and facilities services.
• Respond to unusual occurrences and assist in emergency responses; may serve as on-scene incident commander.
• Operate, monitor, and control wastewater equipment and systems using complex computer systems.
• Record technical data and daily activities in logs.
• Ensure all duties are performed in compliance with safety guidelines and applicable procedures; develop and review Process Safety Management (PSM), Preventative Maintenance (PM), and Hazardous Energy Control Procedures (HECP) documentation.
• Assume full operational responsibilities as assigned in the supervisor's absence.

• Wastewater Treatment Operator:
  Washington State Department of Ecology Group I Wastewater Operator Certification
• Wastewater Treatment Senior Operator:
  Washington State Group III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification or higher from the Washington State Department of Ecology
• Advanced knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, including preliminary, primary, secondary, digestion, gas handling, sludge handling, and plant-wide support systems
• Skill in applying safety policies and practices for confined-space entry, fall protection, hazardous energy control, emergency response, and related safety requirements

• Valid WA State driver’s license within 90 days of hire
• CPR and First Aid certification can be achieved within the first 6 months of employment

• Wastewater Treatment Operator: WA State Group I certification within 30 days or out-of-state equivalent converted to WA certification within 1 year; valid WA driver’s license; CPR and First Aid certifications
• Wastewater Treatment Senior Operator: WA State Group III certification or above; valid WA driver’s license; CPR and First Aid certifications
• Work Schedule:
  
  24/7 facilities with rotating shifts; overtime eligible under FLSA
• Union Representation: SEIU 925
• Physical Requirements:
  
  lift up to 50 pounds; use ladders; exposure to hazardous chemicals and odors
• Workplace Exposures: outdoor environment, wet weather, confined spaces

We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. Applications will be screened for clarity, completeness, and alignment with required experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills for panel interviews. Anticipated timeline includes technical vetting and panel interviews in February 2026. To apply, submit a complete application, resume, cover letter, and responses to supplemental questions. Additional documents may not be considered during minimum qualification screening.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. We value diversity and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply. If you need the announcement in an alternate language or format, or require accommodation in the application or assessment process, please contact the recruiter listed in the job announcement.