A group of people in masks, hardhats and safety vest stand on a concrete structure with metal railings

Wastewater Operator-in-Training Program recognized with 2023 National Environmental Achievement Award

The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) recognized King County Wastewater Treatment Division’s Operator-in-Training program as a 2023 National Environmental Achievement Award winner for “initiatives that have made a remarkable impact on environmental protection, the advancement of the water sector, and the betterment of their communities.” There’s a nationwide shortage of wastewater operators. Our…

Well KEPT youth employees wear masks and safety vest as they help build a trail detour

Building a path for the future during a challenging time

At King County Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD), we consider it a win whenever we can partner with local agencies and organizations to accomplish a goal. In 2021, WTD’s partners at City of Bellevue Parks navigated the ongoing pandemic to create a big win for trail users and youth employment. WTD’s Coal Creek Sewer Upgrade Project…

Finding a job that fits you, pays well AND is meaningful is amazing. If you like freedom and change you might like operating a wastewater treatment plant. We’ll help you find out – and pay to train you.

Our business is unconventional – and that works for a lot of our employees We get it. Any of us who work here at King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) have been asked what we do for a living – and we’ve seen the smirks and heard the giggles when we explain we help run…

Virtual ed program for HS students

Meaningful, virtual classes for high-schoolers are possible!

This July, our utility held an online program for high school-aged students to learn how to help protect clean water in our region. The Clean Water Ambassadors Certificate Program, done in partnership with the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust, ran for four weeks and was open to all high school-aged youth in the King County…

WTD celebrates Women in Trades 40th anniversary

The annual Washington Women in Trades (WWIT) Fair marked its 40th anniversary this year. The half-day event, held in May, showcased exhibits, demonstrations, contests, education and job opportunities for women interested in pursuing careers in the trades.   King County Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) representatives hosted an interactive exhibit and contest. Wastewater operators rallied attendees…

King County Wastewater Treatment supports diversity through our Operator in Training Program.

Recently, our utility’s work to recruit employees that represent our diverse and growing communities through our Operator in Training (OIT) Program was featured in the Water Environment Federation magazine. Visit the link or read the excerpt below: https://news.wef.org/king-county-enhances-diversity-through-operator-in-training-program/  Excerpt: King County Enhances Diversity Through Operator in Training Program February 21, 2019 King County, Washington is…

Calvin on the mower

“When you come to work, you want to be in a happy environment. This is what we help create.”

Happy place = happy at work If you’re like most working people, you spend enough time at your job that it’s like a second home. And most people would agree it’s nicer when your workplace is tidy – even beautiful. A pleasant work environment isn’t just a bonus or a “nice to have.” Studies show…