Water Treatment Plant Operator

Water Treatment Plant Operator

Salary

$49.25 - $57.31 Hourly

Location

Tolt River Headquarters, 13510 Carnation-Duvall Road NE, Duvall, WA

Job Type

Classified Civil Service, Regular, Full-Time

Job Number

2026-01097

Department

Seattle Public Utilities

Division

Water Line of Business

Opening Date

08/25/2026

Closing Date

9/22/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits

Position Description

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) seeks a skilled and motivated Water Treatment Plant Operator to help ensure the reliable delivery of safe, high-quality drinking water to Seattle residents and our wholesale customers. In this role, you will support the continuous operation of the Tolt Water Treatment Facility and will serve as the Shift Operator in Responsible Charge during rotating day, night, and weekend shifts.

This position is central to maintaining SPU's treatment performance and public health standards. You will apply advanced knowledge of drinking water treatment processes and regulatory requirements while operating and monitoring plant systems both onsite and through SCADA. Your work will include conducting operational and maintenance activities, adjusting and maintaining treatment equipment, compiling operational data, and preparing documentation used for reporting and performance tracking. You will also contribute to team development by training and mentoring operators in treatment techniques, equipment use, and safe work practices.

If you are committed to public service, thrive in a technical and team-oriented environment, and want to help protect one of our region's most critical resources, we encourage you to apply and join the SPU team.

About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPU's work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), check out the:

• SPU Website
• SPU Workplace Expectations
• 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.

We know work isnt 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:

• Hybrid work schedule opportunities (As Appropriate)
• 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

• 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, and chlorination
• Operate, adjust and maintain chemical feeders, metering pumps, compressors, chlorinators, ozone generators, 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 utilize 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 advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

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

This position is fully on-site and doesnt offer the option of remote work. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.

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.

The full salary range for this position is: $49.25 - $57.31 per hour.

How to Apply:

• A full City of Seattle online application
• Please DO NOT attach resumes and cover letters, as they will not be considered in the review of the candidate's qualifications.

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Ernest Stephens at Ernest.Stephens@Seattle.gov

This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, 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 Citys website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits

Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at www.seattle.gov/util/ and check us out on social media.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday 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 Citys website at:

Benefits - Human Resources | seattle.gov

Employer City of Seattle

Address Seattle Municipal Tower

700 5th Avenue, Suite 5500

Seattle, Washington, 98104

Website http://www.seattle.gov/jobs