Wastewater Treatment Operator - East Offsite
Wastewater Treatment Operator - Senior OperatorThis is a competitive posting, and the position is open to all qualified candidates. This recruitment will hire for 1 position. In addition to the current opening, this recruitment may be used to establish a pool of qualified candidates to fill future Operators for Eash Offsite Service vacancies within the Wastewater Treatment Division over the next 6 months. External candidates are eligible to be hired at the Operator level only. The salary range listed above includes the Operator level ($41.2077-$52.2331/hour) and Senior Operator level ($47.5058-$57.4309/hour).
East Section Offsite is on the front lines of protecting our community and waterways. East Offsite allows you to develop your operating and leadership skills outside of a normal treatment plant setting. It allows you to work closely with the community and public as well as project management and conveyance inspection teams. Offsite is a 24/7 operation that requires you to respond to emergency/overflow situations making it exciting and dynamic. East offsite is mission focused on developing more leaders for future county positions as well as providing a diverse and inclusive team.
About the Role: This position plays a critical role in the safe, reliable, and continuous operation of the wastewater treatment and conveyance system. The individual in this role is responsible for operating and monitoring equipment through both manual and advanced computerized control systems, independently troubleshooting system issues, and responding to routine and emergency conditions. The position requires a high level of technical judgment, the ability to respond effectively to after-hours emergencies, and close coordination with supervisors, maintenance staff, and other work groups to ensure uninterrupted service. Clear communication with team members, the public, and other King County staff is essential, as is contributing to system improvements that enhance efficiency, reliability, and overall performance.
About the Team: The East Offsite operations team is a highly collaborative team that prides itself on communications, dedicated staff, and solution-minded work. The O&M facilities are currently undergoing major capital improvements expected to continue over the next 10 years. The candidate will be a part of a flexible and dynamic team responsible for providing expertise and support to maintain continuous effective wastewater operations. King County's wastewater operations staff provides the expertise and dedication required to operate and maintain wastewater treatment and collection facilities to ensure protection of the environment and the health of all King County communities.
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 http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity.
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.
Job DutiesWhat You Will Be Doing:
Operate, monitor, and control wastewater treatment and conveyance equipment using both manual processes and complex computerized control systems.
Troubleshoot wastewater equipment, systems, and processes with limited supervision to ensure reliable and continuous operations.
Maintain accurate operational records, including daily readings, maintenance activities, and documentation of abnormal conditions or incidents.
Respond to emergency situations such as pump failures, power outages, and flooding, including participation in on-call rotations and after-hours response.
Coordinate and communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, maintenance staff, the public, and other King County work groups to support efficient operations, emergency response, and system improvements.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, SkillsQualifications You Bring:
Experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting wastewater treatment/offsite pump stations.
Experience reviewing and monitoring trends.
Experience navigating overflow situations and reporting them.
Physical Requirement:
Ability to work on a rotating on-call schedule that could include holidays
Ability to work during adverse and inclement weather conditions.
Ability to regularly 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.
Workplace Exposures:
Outdoors environment during wet weather, confined space and maybe exposure to hazardous chemicals and noxious odors.
Regularly exposure to chemicals, noise, confined space, respirator use, and viral contaminant
Competencies You Bring:
Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
Decision Quality: Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
Drives Engagement: Creating a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives.
Action Oriented: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
Optimizes Work Processes: Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
Required Licenses:
Valid unencumbered Washington State Driver's License.
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
It Would be Great if You Also Bring:
WWCPA Collection 1 Certification
Supplemental InformationWorking Conditions:
Work Location: South Treatment Plant - 1200 Monster Rd SW, Renton, WA 98057. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
Work Schedule: 4/10 work schedule (Tuesday - Friday). This position is overtime eligible. This position requires the ability to work all shift schedules and to report to work during adverse and inclement weather conditions and will require candidates to be in rotation for on call/standby for afterhours emergency response. 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 SEIU Local 925.
Application and Selection Process: We welcome internal applications from all qualified candidates. 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 one or more panel interviews.
Anticipated Timeline for this recruitment: (subject to change)
Interviews: May 28th, 2026
To apply, submit a:
Complete Application (Required)
Resume (Required)
Cover Letter (Required)
Responses to the supplemental questions (Required)
Note: Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.
Who to Contact: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Emiliya Makaryan at emiliya.makaryan@kingcounty.gov.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what's best for themselves and their eligible dependents
Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays