Senior Water Treatment Operator

City of Seattle

  • Ravensdale, WA
  • $41.68-45.06 per hour
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 16 days ago
Position DescriptionSeattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking two (2) qualified candidates for Senior Water Treatment Operator positions for our Landsburg Operation Center on the Cedar River in Ravensdale, WA, a state-of-the-art facility constructed in 2016 in a historic and wooded setting. The Landsburg Diversion Dam diverts water from the Cedar River to Lake Youngs and the Cedar Treatment facility. It provides 2/3 of the high-quality drinking water sent to the City of Seattle's approximately 1.6 million customers. Operations are continuous, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.The Senior Water Treatment Operator will perform essential duties such as monitoring and managing water quality, treatment and flows into water system. This position will also operate the Landsburg Diversion Dam to ensure compliance with regulated instream flows in the Cedar River downstream of Landsburg. This position also coordinates water operation planning, asset maintenance and repairs and works on special projects. This position will report to the Landsburg Crew Chief.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), checkout the:SPU commits to and 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 us?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
  • Operates, maintains, and repairs chemical and mechanical equipment (i.e., pumps, motors, valves etc.) for water diversion and treatment operations.
  • Closely monitor water treatment operations using liquid chlorine and flouride and adjust treatment process to ensure concentrations meet water quality targets for treated drinking water delivered to the Lake Youngs River and Cedar Treatment Plant.
  • Adjusts chemical feed rates as necessary to maintain assigned treatment levels.
  • Operates related equipment, including emergency electric generators, control valves, flow transmitters, and pumps.
  • Coordinates maintenance program for all water treatment equipment at an assigned facility, performs repairs or related equipment.
  • Perform water sample tests for chlorine, fluoride, temperature, turbidity and related water conditions.
  • Receive and assist in the unloading and storage of chloride containers and bulk shipments of liquid chemicals.
  • Monitor river flow and water quality in the Cedar River.
  • Manage the diversion and treatment of water from the Cedar River.
  • Monitor and manage inventory of chemicals, supplies and equipment parts as needed.
  • Respond to emergency conditions involving equipment failure, power outages, or whenever water quality has been affected.
  • Participate in planning the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of new facilities or equipments.
  • Train staff in the operation of a variety of equipment/procedure
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. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.QualificationsExperience: Three years or more experience as Water Treatment Operator or related role.
Education and Experience Equivalency:One year or more of education in water treatment operation and maintenance or in an approved waterworks training program. (OR)Combinations of appropriate education, training, certification, and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability to the minimum education and experience requirements.License: Current valid Washington State driver's license.Certification Requirements: Certification by the State of Washington as a Water Distribution Manager Class II within twelve (12) months of appointment for continued employment.You will be most successful in this role if you possess one or more of the following:
  • Basic knowledge of the principles of river hydraulics. This can come from work experience, formal education, or recreation.
  • Demonstrated reliability.
  • Critical thinking skills for anticipating events and solving problems, both independently and in collaboration with others.
  • An associate degree, or higher. Preferably in a science or technology field.
  • Practical understanding of physics.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office Products and work management (Maximo), timesheet, and budget-tracking software products (Peoplesoft).
  • Knowledge of water supply and distribution systems.
  • Experience with maintenance of water treatment and related equipment.
  • Ability to develop and maintain working relationships with diverse co-workers, community members, vendors, and agencies.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and written documentation.
Work Environment/Physical demands:
  • Required to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • Occasionally required to work nights, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays to respond emergency situations or to facilitate planned, special projects.
  • Required to stand, walk, or bend for extended period of time, and work in confined spaces.
  • Required to lift objects weighing more than 50 pounds.
  • Required to handle or work around hazardous substances.
  • At times work alone in a remote, but secure, location.
  • Required to climb and work at heights up to 100 feet above ground level.
  • Required to participate in standby duty rotation once trained.
Additional InformationApplication Requirements:
  • An online application and supplemental questionnaire must be fully completed for consideration.
  • Please do not attach resumes or cover letters, as they will not be considered in the review of candidate's qualifications.
Pre-Employment/Pre-Placement Requirements:
  • If you are selected to advance in this hiring process, you may be asked to obtain a Full Washington Driver Abstract from the Department of Licensing. Please do not provide until requested.
  • 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 with an opportunity to explain or correct background information.
The full hourly range for this position is: $41.68 - $45.06Benefits: 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 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 Uma Suseelan at
Learn more about at our web page .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 City's website at:

City of Seattle