Water Treatment Plant Operator

Position Description

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is recruiting for a Water Treatment Plant Operator in the Water Line of Business. Employees in this position may serve as the Shift Operator in Charge and as duty operator of the Water Treatment Facility. Work may include performing a range of operational and maintenance tasks, data compilation, documentation, assessments, project and operations coordination, and training.

If you feel this may be the perfect job for you, please continue reading …and APPLY!

About Seattle Public Utilities (SPU): SPU is a community-centered utility working to make Seattle the best place to live for everyone. We deliver high quality, vital services, across four major lines of business: providing water, solid waste, drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses. In addition, SPU provides drinking water for 1.5 million regional customers in Seattle and other municipalities. Our customers depend on us to deliver high-quality, reliable, and cost-conscious utility services and to achieve the greatest benefits possible for every investment we make. For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), check out the:

SPU Website

SPU Workplace Expectations Download PDF reader)

Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

Why Join Our Team? We know work isn’t only about what you do it’s also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

Family-friendly and multicultural work environment

Generous benefits package

Free Orca Pass

City pension plan with employer/employee contributions

Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Job Responsibilities

Employees in this class may serve as the Shift Operator in Responsible Charge and as a duty operator of the Water Treatment Facility during day, weekend and night shifts.

Have advanced understanding of drinking water treatment standards, regulations, and public health principles.

Performing a range of operational and maintenance tasks. Monitor and operate the treatment plant locally and via Supervisory Control and Date Acquisition (SCADA) system as the lead and in support of the lead operator.

Advanced knowledge of and experience with water treatment practices such as filtration, ozonation, UV disinfection, and chlorination.

Operate, adjust and maintain chemical feeders, metering pumps, compressors, chlorinators, ozone generators, UV reactors, lime slakers, filters, generators and other related equipment required for treatment of water.

Lead, train, and mentor lower-level water treatment operators in the operation and maintenance of the water treatment plant.

Operate computers and utilizing software to accomplish the necessary input and output of information used to monitor equipment, record test data, track operations, and compile reports.

Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or contain the complete list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change as conditions require.

Qualifications

Experience: Eighteen (18) months of experience working in the field of water treatment or water quality with a water utility.

License, Certification and Other Requirements: Washington State Department of Health Level 3 Water Treatment Plant Operator certification or higher designation or equivalent from another state within the United States as confirmed by the Association of Boards of Certification. If equivalent designation from another state, must attain Washington State Department of Health Level 3 Water Treatment Plant Operator certification within six (6) months of hire.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

Must be physically capable of sustained bending, climbing, standing, walking, and occasionally lifting 50 pounds and working in prevailing weather conditions

Work safely in potentially hazardous areas and/or unpleasant environments.

Require appropriate protection and safety precautions when handling hazardous and toxic chemicals such as chlorine, caustic, fluoride and water testing reagents.

Required to work rotating shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays.

May be required to be on-call 24 hours/day.

Desired Qualifications:

Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as the ability to clearly share information with leadership, staff and stakeholders.

Good interpersonal skills, ability to work with people from diverse professional, cultural backgrounds.

The ability to establish effective working relationships with staff and collaborate effectively at all organizational levels.

Being responsive to operational and emergency needs of the plant and the ability to work under pressure.

Additional Information

How to Apply: Please fully complete an online application. Please DO NOT attach resumes and cover letters, as they will not be considered in the review of the candidate’s qualifications.

Workplace Environment: Employees will be required to come into the office five days a week. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.

The full salary range for this position is $47.54 - $55.32 per hour.

Benefits: The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holidays, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

If you have any questions, please contact Charles Gilmore at

Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page