Water Treatment Crew Chief

Position Description

An Online application and response to the supplemental questionnaire must be completed for consideration

Position Description

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking a skilled and motivated Water Treatment Crew Chief to lead operations at the Landsburg Dam and Water Treatment Facilities. This critical role ensures the safe and efficient diversion and treatment of water from the Cedar River to the Lake Youngs Treatment Plant, supplying two-thirds of Seattle’s drinking water approximately 1.6 million people in the greater Seattle area.

As the Crew Chief, you will plan, coordinate, and supervise the operation and maintenance of water treatment systems, ensuring regulatory compliance, water quality standards, and seamless facility performance. Additionally, you will oversee the operation of the Landsburg Diversion Dam, ensuring adherence to regulated instream flow requirements to protect aquatic ecosystems in the Cedar River.

This position requires strong leadership and collaboration skills, as you will work closely with Water Treatment Operators, Engineers, Aquatic Resource Teams, and external agencies to ensure operational excellence. While primarily a leadership role, the Crew Chief will occasionally fill in for Senior Water Treatment Operator as needed. This position reports to the Water Resources Manager.

About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.6 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), check out the:

• SPU Website
• SPU Workplace Expectations (Download PDF reader)
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

Why join us?
We know work isn't only about what you do it’s also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free public transportation options
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Job Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee 24/7 water diversion and treatment operations at Landsburg Dam, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant functionality of infrastructure, chemical treatment processes, and environmental requirements.
• Supervise, train and mentor staff, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team environment in water treatment operations, equipment maintenance, repair, and safe chemical handling.
• Coordinate daily operations, maintenance, and troubleshooting with Water Treatment Operators, Water Quality staff, and other SPU stakeholders ensuring effective communication and teamwork.
• Manage and maintain critical infrastructure (e.g. pumps, motors, valves, and gates) ensuring proper calibration, performance, and compliance with water quality standards.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with water treatment and environmental requirements, including chemical treatment operations, instream flow management, and fish passage, in collaboration with Water Quality and Water Resources teams.
• Strengthen partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including the Watershed Division, Water Resources team, regulatory agencies, and other partners to align operational and environmental goals.
• Coordinate facility improvements, major maintenance projects, and instream flow management with the Water Resources Engineering Group and Planning Unit.
• Support strategic planning and operational management of Landsburg facilities, including budgeting, procurement, hiring, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead emergency response efforts for equipment failures, power outages, and extreme weather events, while enhancing security and preparedness in coordination with SPU Security.
• Utilize a work management system (Maximo) to track and manage work assignments, maintenance activities, and operational needs across the Landsburg team and external partners.

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. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

Experience: Three years or more experience as a Water Treatment Operator or related role. Six months of lead or supervisory responsibilities.

Education: One year or more of education in water treatment operation and maintenance or in an approved waterworks training program.

Equivalency: Other combinations of appropriate education, training, certification, and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability to the minimum education and experience requirements.

License and Certification Requirements: Valid Washington State Driver’s License and Certification by the State of Washington as a Water Distribution Manager Class II.

The ideal candidate should possess:

• Water Distribution Manager Class III & Water Treatment Plant Operator Class III Certifications.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to promote teamwork, equity, and cooperation within the utility.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Products and work management, timesheet, and budget-tracking software products.
• Hands-on experience with the principles of river hydraulics and diversion dam operations.
• Knowledge of water supply and distribution systems.
• Experience with maintenance of water treatment and related equipment.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• Required to be on call 24 hours/day to respond to emergency situations.
• Occasionally required to work nights, evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
• Required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time and work in confined spaces.
• Frequently required to lift objects weighing more than 50 pounds.
• Required to handle or work around toxic/hazardous substances.
• Required to work outdoors at times in all types of weather conditions.

Additional Information

Application Requirements:

• An online application must be fully completed for consideration.
• If you are selected to advance in this hiring process, you may be asked to acquire a Full Washington Driver Abstract from the Department of Licensing. Please do not provide until requested.

Pre-Employment/Pre-Placement Requirements:

• SPU’s safety program requires a pre-employment physical as a condition of employment in this position.

How to Apply: In addition to fully completing the online application, please attach your resume and cover letter. Your cover letter should address your knowledge and experience related to the position. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The full salary range for this position is $ 48.45 - $ 52.19 per hour.

Benefits: The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

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 City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.