Wastewater Operator-Sr. Operator – South Plant (Day)

Other Jobs You May Be Interested In2>Summary

This is a transfer opportunity, and first consideration is given to qualified transfer-eligible employees in the job classification family and then SEIU 925 Wastewater Treatment applicants. If no qualified internal candidate is selected, external applicants will be considered.

Current Senior Operators represented by WTD/ SEIU Local 925 will retain their senior operator status, salary, benefits, and seniority if selected for hire for this position.

Senior operator level is obtained through internal job progression process. The salary range listed above includes the Operator level ($36.3765 – $46.1094/per hour) and Senior Operator level ($41.9361 – $50.6977/per hour). 

About The Role:
As an Operator in Day Ops / Dewatering the Process Maintenance and production of Bio-solids at South Plant will involve a successful candidate in many diverse Process Maintenance projects, Construction support and daily operation of the De-watering process. The recent work includes:

  • Division Channel outages for future relining extending through the Pre-Aeration and Primary processes. Rerouting Grit and Screening Systems and removing settled rock and sand.
  • Cleaning Digesters and Processing the struvite removed in Dewatering.
  • Isolating and Cleaning Aeration Basins, Mixed Liquor Channels and Secondary Sedimentation Tanks.
  • Polymer performance Trials in Dewatering.
  • 7 day a week operation of Dewatering.
  • The work requires safety preparation with Day Ops / Dewatering HECP Lockouts.

This position performs work onsite.  

About The Team:
Day Operations/Dewatering work is diverse and critical to the operation of the South Plant Facility. Day Operations is the lead team for Process Maintenance and Safety for Crafts following. The Dewatering Team is staffed from Day ops with an SOIC of Dewatering responsible for cost efficient dewatering of digested sludge and production of Bio-Solids. The operations staff operates Dewatering 364 days a year with multiple shifts to maintain the solids process at South Plant. Day Operation team members support Shift Operations with trained staff. The work of Day ops and Dewatering returns nutrients to soils at the nearby Forest Project sites and Eastern Washington Agricultural soils while maintaining the efficient operation of South Plant protecting Puget Sound.

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 King County Employee, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work.

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:

  • Operate, monitor, and maintain biological, chemical, mechanical, and hydraulic processes at wastewater treatment plants, collection system pump and regulator stations and associated facilities.
  • Operate, monitor, and control wastewater equipment and systems with complex computer systems.
  • Perform maintenance on offsite facilities and associated structures, including buildings equipment, and grounds. Duties include cleaning, servicing operating equipment, and performing housekeeping tasks.
  • Operate, monitor, troubleshoot and maintain systems and processes in pump stations and storm water facilities.
  • Provide troubleshooting, problem-solving, coordination and decision-making when performing duties, particularly for South Plant pump stations, be able to respond to unusual and/or emergency situations. Be on-call after hours for such situations.

What You Must Bring:

  • 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.

Competencies You Bring to Succeed In This Role: 

  • Communicates Effectively – Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
  • Plans and Aligns – Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
  • Collaborates – Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
  • Interpersonal Savvy – Relating openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people.
  • Demonstrates Self-Awareness – Using a combination of feedback and reflection to gain productive insight into personal strengths and weaknesses.

Required Licenses:

  • 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

It Would Be Great if You Also Bring:

  • Washington State Group II or higher 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.
  • Experience working with collections and troubleshooting skills.

Apply Now For This Job