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Workforce Development Program
Learn about the King County Wastewater Treatment Division’s Workforce Development Program, including recruitment, mentorship, training, placement, and retention services for entry-level candidates who are building their skillset or are new to the clean water sector.
About the program
2024 Workforce Development Cohort South Plant Tour
WTD’s Workforce Development Program provides recruitment, mentorship, training, placement, and retention services for entry-level candidates who are building their skillset or are new to the clean water sector. Candidates are hired in cohorts of 4 to 8 individuals and undergo extensive onboarding, participate in tours and site visits, and receive challenging assignments while exploring WTD’s different work groups and roles.
Later, the program supports individuals in pursuing open positions in the WTD unit of their choice. Whatever your trajectory, the goal of the Workforce Development Program is to help you find your passion and place in our agency and support your continued career growth.
Onboarding process
The Workforce Development Program has a 2-month onboarding process that is mainly conducted in-person. During this time, the cohort meets with and learns from division leadership from various WTD work groups, focusing primarily on the Project, Planning, and Delivery Section
Once onboarding is complete, program participants have a strong understanding of the job opportunities available at WTD as well as the culture and daily activities in those work groups.
2024 Workforce Development Cohort learning about wastewater treatment from senior operations staff
Initial assignments
Once onboarding is complete, program participants will identify 1 to 4 work groups they would like to explore. The Workforce Development Program coordinates assignments and placement and supports individuals in assessing which group is the best fit. This allows individuals to explore different roles and the various career paths available within WTD.
Career trajectory possibilities
Graduating out of the program means securing another position within WTD.
Cohort members are encouraged to apply to job openings across the agency and will have the opportunity to join a diversity of colleagues in units such as:
- Planning
- Engineering
- Project management
- Project control
- Construction management
Although individuals will typically compete for these positions with the general public, because of their exposure to WTD’s work and culture they often transition quickly to their desired units.
2024 Workforce Development work party at CitySoil Farm
Peter Bates
Degree: Master’s in Environmental Management in Conservation and Recreation
Assignments: Planning
“I have really enjoyed learning new skills, pushing myself out of my comfort zone, and meeting lots of smart, supportive people.”
Key Buckner
Degree: Bachelor’s in Gender Studies
Assignments: Project Management and WTD Internship Program
“Protecting the environment has always been something that has been important to me personally. Knowing that the work I do professionally is positively impacting my community and future generations is such privilege.”
Daria Fatnieva
Degree: Master’s in Foreign Languages for International Communication
Assignments: Project Management
“I gained significant insights into WTD, treatment plants, and their processes, which has clarified my career goals within the organization. I particularly enjoyed the collaborative learning opportunities and the chance to meet with experienced professionals in higher positions. Their valuable insights and openness to questions were especially impactful and helped me understand where I’d like to focus my efforts on a daily basis.”
Nicholas Fink
Degree: Bachelor’s in Political Science with a Minor in Systems Engineering
Assignments: Planning
“The best part of the Workforce Development Program has been the opportunity to select specific work areas and assignments after learning about each team in WTD and getting to hear directly from them. Not having background in wastewater or public utilities, this approach allowed me to make informed decisions based on my interests.”
Joseph Gooden
Degree: Master's in Public Policy and Governance
Assignments: Planning, Project Management, and WTD Internship Program
“The Workforce Development Program’s emphasis on community and mentorship was particularly appealing to me, as I believe that fostering strong relationships and learning from experienced professionals are key to both personal and professional growth.”
Kahnya Humphrey
Degree: Bachelor’s in Political Science with a Minor in Law, Societies, and Justice
Assignments: Planning and WTD Internship Program
“I joined the Workforce Development Program because I wanted to have a career in the public sector, but most importantly I wanted to have career that spoke to my values as someone who wants to improve and strengthen their community both from an environmental standpoint, but from equity lens as well.”
Sunny Mccarroll
Degree: Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences
Assignments: Project Management, Work Order Contracts, Project Controls
“The cohort has been the best part: having a group of people/friends who are going through the same experience and being able to rely on each other as we navigate different roles within WTD.”
Amanda Negi
Degree: Master’s in Urban Planning
Assignments: Planning and WTD Internship Program
“Through the Workforce Development Program I have unexpectedly discovered a passion for doing the challenging and endlessly rewarding people work that was perhaps inside me all along.”