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:
Department: Seattle Public Utilities
Division: Water Line of Business
Opening Date: 08/25/2026
Closing Date: 9/22/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

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.

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 doesn't 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