Summary
THIS BULLETIN CONTAINS CRITICAL INFORMATION FOR THIS HIRING PROCESS
PLEASE READ THE BULLETIN IN ITS ENTIRETY
This recruitment aims to fill 6 positions.
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 and growth opportunities.
Join us at a Virtual Information Session Informational sessions will be held virtually on the below dates via Microsoft Teams. Meet with some of our team members, learn about the OIT program, and have the opportunity to ask us questions.
- Monday, November 16th, 2026 - 1:00PM - 2:00PM Meeting Link
- Thursday, November 19th, 2026 - 5:00PM - 6:00PM Meeting Link
- Monday, November 23rd, 2026 - 9:00AM - 10:00AM Meeting Link
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 including respiratory fit test 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:
- Interpersonal Savvy: Relating openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people.
- Action Oriented: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
- Courage: Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.
- Nimble Learning: Actively learning through experimentation when tackling new problems, using both successes and failures as learning fodder.
- Being Resilient: Rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations.
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.
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)
- Answers to supplemental questions
Note: Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.
Recruitment Process:
Candidates that meet the minimum requirements will be invited to schedule an in-person assessment
- Mechanical Aptitude (40 questions) and General Knowledge (40 questions) Assessments– 60 minutes
- Consists of questions about chemistry, math, and general knowledge
- Sample questions will be sent out to candidates upon scheduling
RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE (subject to change):
- Mechanical Aptitude & General Knowledge Assessment - will be held in person on the dates listed below:
- Saturday December 12th, 2027 at the South Treatment Plant
- Monday, December 14, 2027 at the South Treatment Plant
- Friday, December 18th, 2027 at the Brightwater Treatment Plant
- Technical Screening Interview - 20 minutes via TEAMS (first two weeks of January)
- Interviews will take place on site at the South Treatment Plant between January 20th, 2026 – January 28th, 2026
The Operator in Training class is scheduled to begin on March 15th, 2027 (subject to change)
Who to Contact: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:
Emiliya Makaryan at emiliya.makaryan@kingcounty.gov. 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. Application Process If you are interested in pursuing this position and supporting King County’s vision for unified, equitable, and high-performing government, please follow the application instructions carefully. Provide us with your work history as applicable, ensuring that you provide details that highlight your ability to fulfill the requirements for this position. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, or you would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, please contact Emiliya Makaryan at emiliya.makaryan@kingcounty.gov. King County's Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values unite us. King County serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency, delivering on commitments with transparency and accountability. We are action-oriented, creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles, engage directly with communities, and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact. As a unified team, we uphold high ethical and stewardship standards, embrace change, stay curious, and continuously improve. Across all interactions, we listen first, act quickly, and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust. Learn more about our Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values here and visit our Why work at King County page here. King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on sex, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religious affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age except by minimum age and retirement provisions, pregnancy, status as a family caregiver, parental status, marital status, military status or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or who was discharged solely as a result of the person's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, genetic information, or other protected class. However, to the extent that distinction or differential treatment on the basis of citizenship or immigration status is authorized by either federal or state law, regulation, or government contract, it is not an unfair practice. 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.
Benefits
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
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite activity centers
- Employee Giving Program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
