Communications Specialist I - West Point

Eligibility: This position is open to current King County employees only. External applications are not being accepted at this time.

The role is a Special Duty Assignment (SDA) with an anticipated duration of up to three (3) years, filled by a King County employee who has successfully completed initial probation.

West Point Treatment Plant has been operating since 1966 and is currently undergoing updates to its critical systems. The project involves replacing raw sewage pumps, engines, and support systems while operators maintain a continuous 24/7 operation. The Communications Specialist I will support this effort by producing reference documents, training materials, and media assets that help operators understand new systems.

This is an opportunity to learn and develop technical writing skills that can lead to higher‑level career service positions.

About the Role
The Communications Specialist I will collaborate with the Technical Communications and Training teams, and with staff in other WTD work groups, to update manuals and procedures and develop training materials. The primary focus is to help wastewater treatment plant operators better understand new systems.

About the Team
Our team combines intellectual curiosity with collaboration across operators, scientists, engineers, and craftsmen to develop a dynamic, accessible knowledge base. We support professional growth, workplace safety, and the protection of public health and the environment.

Commitment to Equity, Racial, and Social Justice
We strive to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive, prioritizing equity, racial, and social justice as foundational expectations in all work.

What You Will Be Doing

Research and collect information from facility manuals, equipment manuals, staff interviews, field observation, engineering drawings, and design specifications.

Draft descriptions of wastewater treatment process systems, equipment functions, and safety systems.

Produce or assist in producing media assets such as photos, videos, graphics, process diagrams, and equipment layouts.

Follow a work plan for producing reference documents, including sections of manuals and operating procedures.

Format and publish content.

Qualifications You Bring

Excellent written communication skills.

Experience with or ability to learn word processing, publishing, content development, or graphic editing tools such as Microsoft Office or Adobe Creative Cloud.

Experience developing training, reference, or instructional materials.

Demonstrated interest in learning new skills or professional development.

Ability to follow directions or a work plan to deliver assignments and projects on time.

Ability to interpret regulatory documents and technical information.

Competencies You Bring

Customer Focus : Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer‑centric solutions.

Action Oriented : Taking on opportunities and challenges with urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.

Collaborates : Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.

Communicates Effectively : Delivering communications that convey a clear understanding of unique needs of diverse audiences.

Self‑Development : Seeking growth through formal and informal development channels.

Nimble Learning : Learning through experimentation and applying successes and failures as lessons.

Required Licenses/Certifications

A valid Washington State Driver’s License (ability to travel to work sites not served by public transportation).

It Would Be Great if You Also Bring

Ability to read and interpret graphs, diagrams, charts, and schematics.

Ability to read and analyze dense or complex texts and assess resource needs.

Interest in developing skills in writing, producing graphics or infographics, or other forms of technical communication.

Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes.

Physical Requirements

Ability to document field conditions in an industrial environment, including traveling on elevated, grated, or underground walkways and working near industrial equipment.

Workplace Exposures

Field documentation may require entering environments with chemicals, noise, and contaminants. King County will provide appropriate PPE, safety training, and escorts as necessary.

Working Conditions

Work Location: Hybrid model with days in the office and telecommuting. Primary onsite location is West Point Treatment Plant, 1400 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199. Employees must reside in Washington state and within reasonable distance to their King County worksite.

Work Schedule: Full‑time position, 40‑hour work week. Covered under the Fair Labor Standards Act and overtime eligible.

Union Representation: This position is represented by Teamsters 117.

Duration: Up to three (3) years.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay, or other compensation.

To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please submit the required materials as outlined in the application instructions. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, or would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, contact the recruiter listed on the job announcement.

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