Description
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) seeks skilled and motivated Water Treatment Plant Operators to support and lead the reliable delivery of safe, high-quality drinking water to Seattle residents and our regional customers. SPU is hiring for two roles within our treatment operations team: Water Treatment Plant Operator and Water Treatment Plant Operator, Supervisor. These positions support continuous operations at SPU’s water treatment facilities and play critical roles in maintaining SPU’s treatment performance, regulatory compliance, and public health standards.
Operators and Supervisors apply advanced knowledge of drinking water treatment processes, chemistry, engineering, biology, and regulatory requirements while operating and monitoring plant systems both onsite and through SCADA. Work includes conducting operational and maintenance activities, adjusting and maintaining treatment equipment, compiling operational data, preparing documentation used for regulatory and performance reporting, and supporting team development through training and mentoring.
If you are committed to public service, thrive in technical environments, 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:
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 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:
- 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:
Depending on position applied for, responsibilities may include:
- Serving as the Shift Operator in Responsible Charge during rotating day, night, holiday, and weekend shifts, or supervising daily operations of a Level 4 water treatment facility.
- Leading, training, mentoring, and supporting water treatment plant operators in treatment techniques, equipment use, and safe work practices.
- Monitoring and operating the treatment plant locally and through Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems.
- Applying advanced understanding of drinking water treatment standards, regulations, and public health principles.
- Operating, adjusting, and maintaining chemical feeders, metering pumps, ozone generators, lime slakers, filters, generators, compressors, chlorinators, and related treatment equipment.
- Conducting operational testing, compiling test data, creating documentation for reporting, and preparing or signing monthly regulatory compliance reports (Supervisor role).
- Reviewing regulatory requirements, advising on policy implications, and ensuring adherence to treatment standards.
- Supporting team coordination, emergency response needs, and operational decision-making under pressure.
- Operating computers and utilizing software to track operations, generate reports, and monitor plant performance.
Please note: This job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of employees for these positions.
Requirements
Qualifications:
Water Treatment Plant Operator:
Experience: Eighteen (18) months of experience in water treatment or water quality with a water utility.
Certification: Washington State DOH Level 3 Water Treatment Plant Operator (or equivalent). If equivalent, Washington State certification is required within six (6) months of hire.
Water Treatment Plant Operator, Supervisor:
Experience: Five (5) years working for a water utility, including three (3) years in a Class 3 or higher water treatment plant.
Certification: Washington State DOH Level 4 Water Treatment Plant Operator (or equivalent). If equivalent, Washington State certification is required 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 or unpleasant environments.
- Use appropriate protective measures when handling hazardous chemicals such as chlorine, caustic, fluoride, and testing reagents.
- Required to work rotating shifts including days, nights, weekends, and holidays; may be required to be on-call 24 hours/day.
- All positions are fully on-site and do not offer remote work. Schedules are agreed upon by employees and supervisors.
Desired Qualifications:
- Strong communication skills, both oral and written, with ability to share complex information clearly with leadership, staff, and stakeholders.
- Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds.
- Ability to build effective working relationships and collaborate at all organizational levels.
- Responsiveness to operational and emergency needs and ability to work under pressure.
- Experience coaching and motivating employees, encouraging teamwork, and promoting high service standards (Supervisor role).
Additional Information:
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. 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.
Salary Ranges (Distinct per Position):
Water Treatment Plant Operator: $49.25 – $57.31 per hour
Water Treatment Plant Operator, Supervisor: $58.51 – $68.03 per hour
How to Apply:
- A full City of Seattle online application is required.
- Please DO NOT attach resumes or cover letters, as they will not be considered in the review of 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 allowed the 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 at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits
Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at www.seattle.gov/util/ and follow us on social media.
