Operator-in-Training Program

Here is what you can expect if you are selected

Program overview

We are looking to hire several Operator in Training (OIT) Program participants into six month short term temporary Utility Worker positions. These positions are essential paid on-the-job training positions that can lead to career service employment with King County Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD).

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 location

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.

Work schedules

The Wastewater Treatment Plants are operated 24/7. After twelve (12) weeks of a Monday to Friday, 7 am to 3:30pm (five/8-hour shifts) OR 6 am to 4:30 pm (four/10-hour shifts) 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.

Union representation

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

• Note: Effective 1/1/2026, salary steps will include an additional 3.75% general wage increase per the agreement reached between King County and the Coalition of Unions agreement. 

Certification

Within 6 months of Wastewater Treatment Training the OIT participants ARE REQUIRED to successfully pass the Washington State Department of Ecology Wastewater Operator in Training Certification exam. Once the participant achieves the State certification, they are eligible to move into the Term Limited Temporary position of an OIT and receive a wage increase.