Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator

Job Summary

The responsibilities of this classification include operating, monitoring and maintaining wastewater treatment and odor control equipment, systems and processes in a wastewater (primary and secondary) treatment facility and/or collection and conveyance system.

Job Duties

• Operate, monitor and maintain wastewater and odor control equipment and facilities.
• Operate, monitor and maintain biological, chemical, mechanical and hydraulic processes at wastewater treatment plant and associated facilities.
• Conduct sampling and test analysis of wastewater and recommend changes to process to meet federal and Washington State permits and regulations and to optimize wastewater plant performance.
• Train others on site-specific areas or through on-the-job-training.
• Perform maintenance on wastewater treatment plant and associated facilities, including buildings, equipment, grounds and lagoons.
• 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 staff involved in process control, maintenance, facilities services, off-site facilities services and other areas.
• Respond to unusual occurrences and assist in emergency responses.
• 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.
• Perform duties of a Wastewater Treatment Utility Worker as needed.
• Be available to work all shift schedules.
• Be on call to respond to unusual occurrences and emergencies (some positions).

  Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

  • Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, including preliminary, primary, secondary, digestion, gas handling systems, sludge handling and plant-wide air, water, electrical and hydraulic support systems.
  • Knowledge of collection systems, including pump stations, regulator stations and miscellaneous structures, and of disinfecting methods.
  • 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.
  • Communications skills (oral and written).
  • Basic mathematics, algebra and computer application skills.
  • Skill in reading, recording and interpreting instrumentation and control gauges and meters.
  • 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.
  • Skill in manually starting and stopping equipment, systems and processes.
  • Skill in establishing and maintaining working relationships with diverse occupational groups.

  Supplemental Information

  • Washington State Group I Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certification from the Washington State Department of Ecology, or out-of-state equivalent (must obtain Washington certification within one year of employment).
  • Washington State Driver's License or out-of-state equivalent.
  • Commercial Driver's License (some positions).
  • Boiler's License (some positions).
  • CPR and first aid certification (some positions).

  Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members.
  • 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: King County employees are eligible to 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 10 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays).
  • Generous vacation and paid sick leave.
  • Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave.
  • Flexible Spending Account.
  • Wellness programs.
  • Onsite gyms and activity centers.
  • Employee giving program.
  • Employee assistance programs.
  • Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position.

  Required Question

  • Are you a current Wastewater S.E.I.U. Local 925 member?
  • Are you currently in the Operator Classisfication series?
  • What level of wastewater treatment plant operator certification do you have issued by the Department of Ecology?
  • Are you willing to work shift work?
  • Please check your Shift Crew preference.
  • Do you possess a valid Washington State Driver's license.
  • Do you have the ability to lift and move 50 pounds.