Wastewater Process Engineer II - Brightwater

About the role

This is a competitive posting, and the position is open to all qualified candidates.

About the Role

The Wastewater Process Engineer II will play a key role on the WTD process team and will participate in a diverse body of work such as overseeing and providing technical support for Brightwater Wastewater Treatment Plant processes (secondary treatment, solids handling, anaerobic digestion, resource recovery, membrane bioreactor, etc.).

The Wastewater Process Engineer II will also be responsible for leading process, energy, and chemical optimization projects and pilot testing for various process areas as well as ensuring regulatory compliance with treatment plant permits (e.g. Municipal Wastewater, Puget Sound Nutrient, Industrial Stormwater, Reclaimed Water, and air permits), compiling regulatory reports, and acting as process subject matter expert for Operation & Maintenance staff and leadership, and capital projects.

Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice

King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As a Process Engineer II, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work.

Apply now for a rewarding career at the Wastewater Treatment Division of King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP). Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Enjoy training, comprehensive benefits, and growth opportunities.

What You Will Be Doing

• Monitor and track wastewater treatment unit processes (liquids, solids/biosolids, odor control, energy recovery, reclaimed water, etc.) and overall plant operations to ensure regulatory compliance, optimize final product quality and resource recovery, and minimize chemical and power use and costs.
• Plan and conduct field and pilot scale studies, research projects, and/or engineering studies to optimize existing plant processes, chemical use, energy use, or trial new processes. Review and evaluate start-up and commissioning procedures for new equipment and systems. Prepare project proposals, technical reports, and presentations for diverse audiences.
• Develop plans for field sampling and laboratory analysis. Coordinate and schedule associated laboratory work for project(s) with appropriate responsible parties. Evaluate, organize, review, and prepare data for technical reports and presentations.
• Interpret and understand applicable regulations and permits and work to ensure compliance with enforcement agencies such as Department of Ecology, Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, EPA, etc. Assist management staff in permit, policy, and budgetary evaluation and requirements.
• Act as subject matter expert for capital project teams in evaluating process alternatives, design, implementation, and operational needs associated with new and system rehabilitation projects.

Qualifications You Bring

• Bachelor's degree or higher in relevant fields such as environmental, mechanical, industrial, civil, chemical, or biological engineering.
• Combination of 4+ years of professional and/or educational experience in biological and/or chemical processes and process control. Experience qualifications can consist of, but is not limited to, any combination of the following: consulting, academic, research, utility, industrial, and/or commercial environment.
• Experience collecting, understanding, analyzing, and interpreting data in an educational and/or professional environment.
• Computer proficiency measured through familiarity with and use of general software (Microsoft Office 360: Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) and/or through familiarity with and use of industry specific software (e.g., Lab Information Management Systems, Distributed Control Systems, Water Information Systems, and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems).
• Strong written communication skills measured through a detailed review of submitted materials (e.g., cover letter, resume, and answers to supplemental questions.

Competencies You Bring

• Manages Complexity: Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
• Action Oriented: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Plans and Aligns: Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Instills Trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.

Required Licenses/Certifications

• State of Washington Driver’s License or ability to obtain one within 6 months.
• Ability to obtain an Engineer In Training license (EIT) or a Professional Engineering license (PE) within 2 years.
• Ability to obtain a Washington State Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Group III OIT certificate within 1 year and ability to obtain Group III (non-OIT) certificate within 2 years.

It Would Be Great If You Also Bring

• Experience with wastewater treatment processes at municipal treatment plants, wastewater consulting firms, academic/research institutions, and/or industrial manufacturers with on-site treatment plants.
• Knowledge of wastewater treatment and resource recovery, including biosolids, recycled water, energy, sustainability, nutrient management, and contaminants of emerging concern in the wastewater context.
• Knowledge of the application of chemistry, biology, engineering, or physical sciences techniques and principles; scientific methods and procedures; and application of laboratory practices and analytical techniques and methods; test engineering.

Workplace Exposures

• Incumbents perform field work at a wastewater treatment plant and associated facilities and are required to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, work in confined spaces, climb in and out of tanks using ladders, and work around noxious odors and high noise levels.

Working Conditions:.

• Work Location: Brightwater Treatment Plant - 22505 State Route 9 SE, Woodinville, WA 98072.
• Work Schedule: This full-time position works a 40-hour work week. The work schedule will be determined based on business needs. This position is covered under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is overtime eligible. The position requires the ability to work during adverse and inclement weather conditions.
• Union Representation: This position is represented by S.E.I.U. L925 (Wastewater Treatment Division).

Application and Selection Process

We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. We value diversity, diverse perspectives and life experience and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness and alignment with the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills essential for this role to determine which candidates may be invited to participate in a technical assessment and one or more panel interviews.

Anticipated Timeline for this recruitment

• Technical Assessment: virtual, week of 12/14/26
• Panel Interview: virtual, week of 12/21/26

To apply, submit a

• Complete Application
• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Responses to the supplemental questions

• Note: Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.
• Discover More About the Wastewater Treatment Division: Visit our website and check us out at Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, and the WTD Blog.
• Discover More About DNRP: Visit our DNRP website, explore an interactive map of our recent accomplishments and check us out at Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Keeping King County Green News.
• Sign up for Job Alerts to be notified of additional career opportunities with King County. Select the Natural Resources category for DNRP opportunities and explore other categories of interest.
• 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.

Application Process

If you are interested in pursuing this position and supporting King County’s vision for unified, equitable, and high-performing government, please follow the application instructions carefully. Provide us with your work history as applicable, ensuring that you provide details that highlight your ability to fulfill the requirements for this position.

• If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, or you would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, please contact Rodney Dungo at.
• King County's Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values unite us.

King County serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency, delivering on commitments with transparency and accountability. We are action-oriented, creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles, engage directly with communities, and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact. As a unified team, we uphold high ethical and stewardship standards, embrace change, stay curious, and continuously improve.

Across all interactions, we listen first, act quickly, and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust. Learn more about our Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values here and visit our Why work at King County page here.