Wastewater Treatment Operator

King County•Maple Valley, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This recruitment will be used to fill two (2) Career Service vacant positions and may be used to create a list of competitive candidates to fill possible future Wastewater Treatment Operator vacancies within the next 6 months. King County’s Department of Natural Resources and Parks – Solid Waste Division is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Operator who’s ready to make a meaningful difference. In this role, you’ll help protect our region’s environment by supporting the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of wastewater systems that keep our landfill sites running responsibly. Your work will contribute directly to environmental stewardship, regulatory compliance, and the reliability of essential infrastructure across the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill and other remote sites. If you’re motivated by work that truly matters and want to help safeguard our community’s natural resources, we would be excited for you to join our team! About this Role Working under the direction of the Wastewater Treatment Operator - Senior In Charge, this position plays a key role in the operation, maintenance, and repair of pumps, conveyance systems, and wastewater processes at the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill and other Solid Waste Division sites. The role includes monitoring water levels and pump performance, troubleshooting equipment, preparing daily control data sheets and reports, and responding to unusual or emergency situations. This is primarily outdoor work that requires proper preparation for all weather conditions, occasional overnight shifts, and support for Vactor Truck operations. You’ll perform hands-on tasks essential to keeping landfill wastewater systems operating safely, efficiently, and in compliance with environmental standards. About the Team The Operations Section of the Solid Waste Division runs a countywide transfer and disposal system that keeps waste moving efficiently from local transfer facilities to the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill, where a network of environmental controls manages the by-products of decomposition. It’s a dynamic, high-energy environment centered on teamwork, where skilled professionals in transportation, maintenance, landfill operations, landfill gas, and wastewater work together to deliver reliable, responsible service for the community. In this collaborative setting, you’ll be supported by a knowledgeable supervisor, communicate frequently, and apply your interpersonal skills while working both independently and as part of a team dedicated to operational excellence. To learn more about SWD visit https://kingcounty.gov/depts/dnrp/solid-waste.aspx . 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. In this position, 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 Solid Waste Division of the King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks. 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.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience working directly with landfill wastewater conveyance facilities and systems with one (1) year experience working on a landfill performing manual labor OR any equivalent combination of experience and education which provides the applicant with the skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the work.
Experience operating pumps, computerized motors, motors, meters, valves, and related landfill wastewater conveyance equipment.
Experience performing repairs on landfill wastewater conveyance systems related equipment.
Troubleshooting skills for complex wastewater systems and processes and complex odor control systems.
Skill in operating specialized equipment such as forklifts, Vactor trucks, portable pumps, cranes, generators, and safety equipment.
Skill in the application of safety policies, procedures, and practices for working around landfill gas and untreated wastewater, confined-space entry, fall protection, hazard communication, recognition and control, hazardous energy control, emergency response.
Demonstrated basic computer skills, including data entry and use of common software programs for reporting and recordkeeping (one year preferred).
Washington State Driver's License or out of state equivalent
Successful candidates will be required to complete professional reference checks and pass a physical examination.

Nice To Haves

Ability to perform mathematical calculations associated with wastewater monitoring and testing
Knowledge of basic electrical, mechanical, and plumbing trades
Skill of basic hand and power tools and specialized equipment

Responsibilities

Performing control tests to determine if landfill conveyance systems are operating correctly and effectively, such as measuring water flow and leachate/contaminated storm water extraction efficiency.
Operating, servicing, and maintaining a variety of equipment, including pumps, valves, motors, meters, computerized motor controls, and related equipment.
Performing periodic testing of conveyance pump stations, pressure, temperature, water flow, and leachate levels at key locations.
Inspecting landfill water conveyance equipment and facilities to locate and perform needed repairs.
Preparing daily control data sheet and compiling other reports and inputting data into computer system.