The King County Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) has a staffing need for an experienced and technically proficient Wastewater Treatment Operator/Senior Operator.

Wastewater Treatment Operator
The responsibilities of this classification includes operating, monitoring and maintaining wastewater treatment and odor control equipment, systems and processes in wastewater (primary and secondary) treatment facility and/or the collection and conveyance systems. Responsibilities may also include coordinating, training and providing technical expertise to other wastewater treatment operations staff and coordinating on-site responses to unusual occurrences and emergencies.

Wastewater Treatment Senior Operator
The responsibilities of this classification include serving in a lead capacity in a work group responsible for operating, monitoring, troubleshooting and maintaining equipment, systems and processes in wastewater facilities. Responsibilities include coordinating, training and providing technical expertise to other wastewater treatment operations staff and coordinating on-site responses to unusual occurrences and emergencies and may fill in for the Wastewater Treatment Supervisor.

The work associated with this position will primarily be performed onsite; this is not a telework position. Employees must reside in WA state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. Please note that when an employee conducts work that is likely to bring them in contact with another individual, safety precautions are required by the department in alignment with the Public Health Directive from the Seattle & King County Public Health Officer. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team. King County is doing its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and remains committed to reducing our carbon footprint

WHO IS ELIGIBLE:  This position is open to all qualified candidates. First priority will be given to S.E.I.U., Wastewater Local 925 candidates.

WORK LOCATION:  South Treatment Plant – 1200 Monster Road SW, Renton, WA 98057

WORK SCHEDULE:  The treatment plants are operated 24/7. This position is currently assigned to South Plant D-Crew.  Shift Crews work a rotating shift schedule consisting of 2-11.7 hour day shifts followed by 2-11.7 hour night shifts followed by 4 days off. Applicants must be available to work any and all locations and assigned shift schedules. This position is covered under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is overtime eligible.

Wastewater Treatment Operator
Performs the essential duties of the Operator in Training (OIT) and the following:

• Operate, monitor, troubleshoot and maintain systems and processes in wastewater and stormwater facilities.
• Conduct sampling and test analysis of wastewater. Determine, recommend/implement changes to systems and processes to meet permits and regulations and to optimize the performance of wastewater facilities..
• Train others on site-specific areas through on-the-job-training.
• Act as trainers in the new OIT program.
• Start up and shut down equipment and processes for maintenance and contractors.
• Perform maintenance on wastewater facilities, including buildings, equipment and grounds. Duties include cleaning, servicing operating equipment, mowing lawns and performing housekeeping tasks.
• Communicate with the public, construction personnel, consultants and engineers to resolve complaints, provide construction assistance, give tours and carry out related duties.
• Exchange information on wastewater operations, maintenance and processes with County staff and others as required involved in process control, maintenance, facilities services, off-site facilities services and other areas.
• Respond to unusual occurrences, assist in emergency responses, and 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 on logs.
• Perform all essential duties in compliance with safety guidelines, policies and regulations.
• Develop and review Process Safety Management (PSM), Preventative Maintenance (PM) and Hazardous Energy Control Procedures (HECP) and provide draft documentation.

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.

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

LICENSING / CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Washington State Group I 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 Driver’s License
• CPR and First Aid certification
  
  

Wastewater Treatment Senior Operator

• 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

LICENSING / CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• 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 Driver’s License
• CPR and First Aid certification

Application and Selection Process: Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness including online application, cover letter and resume, and responsiveness to the list of qualifications, skills, and abilities. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews. Applications without the following required materials may not be considered for this position.

• King County Application
• Responses to supplemental questions

UNION MEMBERSHIP: This position is represented by S.E.I.U., Wastewater Local 925.

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:
Rodney O. Dungo
Human Resource Analyst
rdungo@kingcounty.gov

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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.

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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
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