2023 Wastewater Operator-In-Training (Oit) Program

The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) has a critical future staffing need for Wastewater Treatment Operators. WTD and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 925 recognize the need for recruiting diverse entry level candidates to fill future openings in the Wastewater Operator job classification series. The Operator-In-Training (OIT) Program has been established to prepare for succession planning, and transfer and retention of critical organizational knowledge held by current long-term employees.

These entry level OIT positions are intended for those interested in starting or continuing a career in wastewater treatment operations, and for current King County career service employees as a Special Duty opportunity.

To learn more about the OIT Program: https://kingcounty.gov/depts/dnrp/wtd/about/jobs/operator-in-training.aspx

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. 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.

WORK SCHEDULES and LOCATIONS: The Wastewater Treatment Plants are operated 24/7. After twelve (12) weeks of a Monday-Friday, 7:00am-3:30pm 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.

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.

Click for more information about the Wastewater Treatment Division - Wastewater Treatment Division - King County
Click for more information about the WA State Dept. of Ecology Wastewater Certification process - Wastewater operator certification - Washington State Department of Ecology

Open House Tour/Q&A for the OIT Program

• Saturday, 2/18/23, South Treatment Plant (1200 Monster Rd SW, Renton)
• 10:00-11:00 am
• 1:00-2:00 pm
• Please be on time (no late arrivals).
• Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes.
• Tour will include navigating multiple stairways. This will give candidates a better understanding on the working environment or conditions of a Wastewater Treatment Plant.
• (See note above regarding bus routes).

Written Exam/Test (In-Person)
LOCATIONS - TO BE DETERMINED
Dates subject to change (depending on testing site)

• All applicants are invited to take the written exam.
• The exam consists of 50 questions about chemistry, math, and general knowledge (total exam time 60 minutes).
• If you successfully pass the written exam, you will be invited for an in-person hands-on test to be conducted at the South Treatment Plant (Renton).

PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING PROTOCOLS:

• Wear a mask - it must cover your nose and mouth at all times
• Bring valid identification
• If you are requesting an accommodation, this will need to be requested ahead of time. We are unable to accommodate at the testing site.

Hands-On Test (In-Person)
South Treatment Plant (1200 Monster Rd SW, Renton)
Week of 4/3/23

PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING PROTOCOLS:

• Wear a mask - it must cover your nose and mouth at all times
• Bring valid identification
• If you are requesting an accommodation, this will need to be requested ahead of time. We are unable to accommodate at the testing site.
• The hands-on test will take 30 minutes (one testing station). Please dress accordingly - appropriate industrial testing attire (long pants, closed-toe shoes).

Panel Interview (In-Person)
South Treatment Plant (1200 Monster Rd SW, Renton)
Week of 4/24/23

• Candidates who pass the written and hand-on test will be invited to an in-person interview (up to 30 minutes).

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, dechlorination 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.

• Achieve a passing score on the OIT qualifying exam covering basic math and science skills
• 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 any shift at any Wastewater Treatment Division location
• Ability to work indoors and outside during inclement weather
• Ability to perform the essential functions, with or without, reasonable accommodation.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION:

• A pre-employment physical 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

UNION MEMBERSHIP: This position is represented by Wastewater S.E.I.U., Local 925.

Application and Selection Process: Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness including online application, cover letter and resume, and responsiveness to the list of qualifications, skills, and abilities. The most competitive candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews. Applications without the following required materials may not be considered for this position.

• King County Application
• Responses to supplemental questions
• Cover Letter (optional)
• Resume (optional)

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact:
Rodney O. Dungo
Human Resource Analyst Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. 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.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

King County Executive Branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are the successful candidate for the position you applied for, the County will send you a conditional offer letter.

As a condition of employment, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to:

• submit proof of vaccination, or
• have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.

People are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after receiving the final dose of a vaccination approved by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Executive Branch includes employees in the Executive branch, the Assessor's Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff's Office, and the Executive Office.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. 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.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.Employment Type: Short Term Temporary, Full Time, 40 hrs/wk