Wastewater Operator-in-Training Program

Job Overview

Wastewater Treatment Operator – Operator‑In‑Training (OIT) Program. This entry‑level position provides on‑the‑job and classroom training to earn a Washington State Department of Ecology Wastewater Treatment Operator Group I certification. Successful candidates may become full‑time Wastewater Treatment Operators in future.

• Assist staff with routine preventive maintenance tasks.
• Operate basic hand and power tools, machinery, and motorized vehicles.
• Work around biological and hazardous waste.
• Assist in digester cleaning, sludge and sedimentation tank cleaning, odor control activities, storm drain and catch basin cleaning, and influent containment channel cleaning at plant and off‑site locations.
• Assist in emergency response as necessary.
• Use and work with chemicals used in wastewater treatment facilities (e.g., disinfectants, dichlorination chemicals, polymers, pH neutralizing chemicals, cleaning agents, solvents, fertilizers, herbicides).
• Maintain daily written and/or computerized logs and complete work requests.
• Perform work according to industry standards, OIT program expectations, team standards, and safety guidelines, policies, and regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Valid, unencumbered driver’s license.
• Ability to lift and move 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in confined spaces.
• Ability to work at heights up to 30 feet.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in inclement weather.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Willingness to learn about wastewater treatment and work with human waste in an industrial environment.

• Pre‑employment physical with respiratory fit test required upon contingent job offer.
• Department of Licensing Driver’s Abstract required (cost $15 to candidate).

• Interpersonal Savvy – relating openly and comfortably with diverse groups.
• Action Oriented – taking on new opportunities and challenges with sense of urgency, energy, and enthusiasm.
• Courage – stepping up to address difficult issues and speak up.
• Nimble Learning – actively learning through experimentation.
• Resilience – rebounding from setbacks and adversity.

• Strong problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Organizational and time management skills.

• South Treatment Plant – 1200 Monster Road S.W., Renton, WA 98057 (plus off‑site locations).
• West Point Treatment Plant – 1400 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199 (plus off‑site locations).
• Brightwater Treatment Plant – 22505 State Route 9 SE, Woodinville, WA 98072.
• Other treatment plants:
  Carnation and Vashon Island.
• Must have reliable transportation; no direct bus routes.

• After classroom training, rotates through day and rotating shift schedules.
• Day schedule: four 10‑hour days.
• Shift schedule: two 11.7‑hour day shifts, two 11.7‑hour night shifts, four days off.
• Must be available for all locations and shift schedules.
• Overtime eligible; additional compensation for rotating and night shifts.

Represented by Wastewater S.E.I.U., Local 925. Salary steps include a 3.75% wage increase effective 1/1/2026.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions.

• Submit complete application, optional resume and cover letter.
• Minimum qualification screening will assess. Candidates meeting minimum requirements will be invited to in‑person assessment and interview.
• Assessment includes mechanical aptitude and general knowledge tests; 1:1 interview 15 minutes.
• Recruitment schedule:
  Assessment & initial interviews January 10–13, 2026; final interviews January 20–28, 2026; conditional offers February 1–10, 2026.

Emiliya Makaryan – emiliya.makaryan