2025 Wastewater Operator-in-Training Program

Summary

THIS BULLETIN CONTAINS CRITICAL INFORMATION FOR THIS HIRING PROCESS

PLEASE READ THE BULLETIN IN ITS ENTIRETY

Your Opportunity for a New Career! Whether you're looking to pivot your career or find a new purpose, the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD), is here for you. We have a critical need for Wastewater Treatment Operators, and are looking to attract diverse, entry-level candidates like you for this essential role. Our Operator-In-Training (OIT) Program is a unique opportunity designed to support succession planning and ensure the retention of critical knowledge from our seasoned employees.

This entry-level OIT position is ideal for individuals ready to start or transition into a rewarding career in wastewater treatment operations. It also offers current King County career service employees an exciting Special Duty opportunity to expand their skill set and impact.

Checkout the link to learn more about the OIT Program : https://kingcounty.gov/depts/dnrp/wtd/about/jobs/operator-in-training.aspx

Program Details:

• Learn to Operate a Wastewater Treatment Plant: This program provides comprehensive training on operating a wastewater treatment plant, equipping you with the skills needed to succeed in this critical field.
• Washington Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification: Through this program, you will gain the necessary knowledge and experience to earn the Washington Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification, enhancing your professional credentials.
• Career Growth Opportunities: Graduates of our program have the potential to secure a King County Career Service Wastewater Operator Position, which is a union job offering a family living wage, excellent benefits, and a state-sponsored pension.
• Workplace Culture: We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace where diversity is valued and respected. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures a positive working environment for all employees.

About the Team:
At the Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD), we are dedicated to protecting public health and the ecosystems of Puget Sound and Lake Washington. Our mission is to treat water and solids discharged from businesses and homes, transforming them into valuable resources and ensuring they are safe for reuse or discharge into Puget Sound.

Our Impact:

• We safeguard public health by ensuring clean water for our communities.
• We protect the delicate ecosystems of Puget Sound and Lake Washington.
• We create resources from wastewater, contributing to environmental sustainability.
• Every day, we make a tangible difference in the environment.

Joining WTD means becoming part of a team committed to environmental stewardship and public health. You'll have the opportunity to contribute to essential services that benefit the community and natural world.

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 an Operator-in-Training, 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.


Open House Tour/Q&A for the OIT Program

Information sessions will be held virtually on the below date and times via Microsoft Teams (use one of the links below to attend a session on the listed date and time):

• Wednesday, December 11, 2024 - 6:00-7:00pm ( Session 1 Microsoft Teams Link )
• Tuesday, December 17, 2024 - 2:00-3:00pm ( Session 2 Microsoft Teams Link )
• Thursday, December 19, 2024 - 9:30-10:30am ( Session 3 Microsoft Teams Link )

On-site tours of our South Plant facility will be held on Saturday, December 14th and Saturday, December 21st from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. You will need to register online for one of the tours in advance here (Please select only one date): Registration Link

• Location: South Treatment Plant - 1200 Monster Road S.W., Renton, WA
• Please be on time (no late arrivals).
• Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes.
• Tour will include navigating multiple stairways. This will give candidates a better understanding on the working environment or conditions of a Wastewater Treatment Plant.
• Confirmation email will be sent after registering.
• Please note that there are no direct bus routes to the treatment plants.

Job Duties
What you can expect from the OIT Program:
The initial six months in the OIT position will provide the successful candidate on-the-job and classroom training necessary to earn a Washington State Department of Ecology OIT Certification. OIT Certification Exam must be passed within the first 6 months. Successful candidates who already possess a WA State OIT certification will work in the OIT role for six months as well, learning WTD plant operations and safety procedures. Those who earn their OIT Certification within their first six months may be invited to continue for an additional two years in the OIT position. After one year of wastewater treatment plant operation experience, candidates will earn their Washington State Wastewater Treatment Operator Group I certification. They can begin to apply for career service Wastewater Treatment Operator positions as they become available.

Click for more information about the WA State Dept. of Ecology Wastewater Certification process - Wastewater operator certification - Washington State Department of Ecology

In addition to the training provided in a classroom environment, the responsibilities of an OIT include job shadowing and assisting with a wide variety of entry level maintenance and labor tasks in the operation of wastewater (primary, secondary, reuse and conveyance) treatment facilities. Successful candidates will safely perform tasks associated with training and learning entry level aspects of how to operate, monitor and maintain biological, chemical, mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic equipment at wastewater treatment plants and associated facilities. These tasks include but are not limited to:

• Assist staff in carrying out minor preventative maintenance functions.
• Operate a variety of basic hand and power tools and equipment, machinery, and motorized vehicles.
• Work around biological, hazardous waste.
• Assist in performing digester cleaning and sludge and sedimentation tank cleaning functions, assist in carbon changing activities at odor control facilities, assist with storm drain and catch basin cleaning, and influent containment channel cleaning at in-plant and off-site locations.
• Assist in emergency response as necessary.
• Use of, and work with chemicals associated with wastewater treatment facilities, buildings, and grounds; such as disinfecting chemicals, dichlorination chemicals, polymers, pH neutralizing chemicals, cleaning agents, solvents, fertilizers, and herbicides, etc.
• Maintain daily written and/or computerized logs and complete work requests for assignments.
• Perform work according to industry, OIT program expectations and team standards; comply with all safety guidelines, policies and regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Qualifications You Must Bring:

• High School Diploma or GED or equivalent
• Valid/ unencumbered Driver's License
• Ability to lift and move 50 pounds
• Ability to work in confined space areas
• Ability to work at heights up to 30 feet
• Ability to work indoors and outside during inclement weather
• Ability to perform the essential functions, with or without, reasonable accommodation.
• Must be willing to learn about Wastewater Treatment and work with human waste in an industrial environment

Licensing/Certifications:

• A pre-employment physical is required upon contingent job offer
• A Department of Licensing Driver's Abstract (driving record/history) documenting a valid/unencumbered driver's license - $15 cost to the candidate

Competencies You Bring:

• 
  Tech Savvy - Anticipating and adopting innovations in business-building digital and technology applications.
  
• Decision Quality - Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
• Action Oriented - Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Drives Results - Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
• Manages Conflict - Handling conflict situations effectively, with a minimum of noise.
• Communicates Effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.

It Would Be Great if You Also Bring:

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

Supplemental Information
Work Location - OIT's will be assigned to any of the Division's treatment plant locations:

• South Treatment Plant, 1200 Monster Road S.W., Renton 98057 - this also includes our East off-site locations that consist of 20 pump stations and 41 structures - plus, be available to work at our 2 smaller wastewater treatment plants - Carnation and Vashon Island
• West Point Treatment Plant, 1400 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle 98199 - this also includes our West off-site locations - which include 72 pump stations and regulators
• Brightwater Treatment Plant, 22505 State Route 9 SE, Woodinville 98072
• Please note that there are no direct bus routes to the treatment plants.
• A reliable mode of transportation or a way to arrive on time for your scheduled shift will be required.

Work Schedules - The Wastewater Treatment Plants are operated 24/7. After twelve (12) weeks of a Monday-Friday, 7:00am-3:30pm (five/8-hour shifts) OR 6:00am - 4:30pm (four/10-hour shifts) weekday schedule in classroom training, all OIT's will rotate through all the Wastewater Treatment Plants on day and rotating shift schedules.

• Day schedules for plant operations are four, 10-hour days.
• Shift schedules consist of two 11.7-hour day shifts, followed by two 11.7-hour night shifts, followed by four days off.

Applicants must be available to work at ALL Wastewater Treatment locations and expected to work ALL assigned shift schedules. This position is overtime eligible; and employees do receive additional compensation for working rotating shifts and for night shifts.

Union Representation - This position is represented by Wastewater S.E.I.U., Local 925.
*Note: Effective 1/1/2025, salary steps will include an additional 5.5% general wage increase per the agreement reached between King County and the Coalition of Unions agreement .

Application and Selection Process:
We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. We value diverse perspectives, life experience and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.
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.

To apply, submit a:

• Complete Application
• Optional Resume (will be reviewed if submitted)
• Optional Cover Letter (will be reviewed if submitted)

Note: Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.

Candidates that meet the minimum requirements will be invited to schedule an in-person assessment and interview session once the posting is closed:

• Mechanical Aptitude (40 questions) and General Knowledge (40 questions) Assessments - 90 minutes
  • Consists of questions about chemistry, math, and general knowledge
  • Sample questions will be sent out to candidates upon scheduling

Panel Interview - 15 minutes
ALL TESTS AND INTERVIEWS ARE CONDUCTED IN-PERSON IN WASHINGTON STATE

RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE:

• Assessment and Initial Interviews - testing to be done only once: January 14 - January 18 (locations and times to be provided)
• Final interviews will take place on site at our South Treatment Plant between January 27th - February 7th
• Conditional offers will be extended between February 10th - 12th

The Operator in Training class is scheduled to begin on March 17, 2024 at 7:00 am

Who to Contact: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:
Angelia Remolana - anremolana@kingcounty.gov or Helen David - hdavid@kingcounty.gov

Discover More about DNRP: Visit our website, explore an interactive map of our recent accomplishments and check us out at Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Keeping King County Green News.

Sign up for Job Alerts to be notified of additional career opportunities with King County. Select the Natural Resources category for DNRP opportunities and explore other categories of interest.

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

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.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
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
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement

Closing Date/Time:

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• King County Wastewater Treatment Division

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