Water Treatment Plant Operator or Trainee

Position Summary

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS HIRING FOR EITHER A WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR TRAINEE OR WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR

Perform duties in alignment with requirements set forth by the Oregon Health Department and Environmental Protection Agency to protect public health and the environment through effective operation of the Water Treatment Plants. Responsibilities include maintaining plant operability, monitoring treatment process efficiency, ensuring water quality, and protecting the investment made in the infrastructure by being responsive to customer concerns and/or system failures. These tasks are illustrative only and may include other related duties.

Incumbents classified as a Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee may be promoted to a Water Treatment Plant Operator without a competitive process, subject to meeting the employment standards, experience, and certification requirements for the Water Treatment Plant Operator classification. In addition, to be eligible for promotion, incumbent must have completed their probationary period as a Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee and have received an acceptable annual performance evaluation.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee follows a written decision-making protocol as established by the Supervisor. The Water Treatment Plant Operator performs Direct Responsible Charge (DRC) duties and requires a higher level of knowledge, decision making authority, and judgement in the operation of the water treatment plants.

Full-time, 40 hours per week

AFSCME-represented position

12-month probationary period

Must meet all qualifications and requirements as listed in the position description.

$27.52 - $34.97

$31.92 - $40.59

Essential Functions

Monitors and controls plant operation and treatment processes in a manner that maximizes treatment efficiency.

Meets State regulations and completes plant operation shift duties, including DRC duties, per rotation requirements. Coordinates and monitors day to day shift activities including making complex process control changes.

Incumbent may be assigned primary responsibility for Rock Creek Plant operation and maintenance. Patrols watershed property for fire hazards, illegal activities, road accessibility, coordinates watershed access, and reports to the supervisor any onsite issues having to do with contractors and construction projects. Maintains water intake screens; inspects and maintains reservoir and assets related to raw and finished water piping. Many plant operations are manually controlled with a high degree of human manipulation of the treatment process. Works closely with another plant operator and/or alone. Resides on-site with 24/7 responsibilities.

Responds to customer service questions and concerns including residential, industrial and commercial sites. Provides information to the public through tours, one-on-one interactions, and presentations. Performs site visits upon supervisor's approval to residential properties as needed to troubleshoot complaints or concerns.

Responds to SCADA plant and off?site facility alarms or callouts as needed to ensure continuous operation and regulatory compliance. Responds to emergency calls, including after-hours response within required timeframe. Position may involve working overtime as needed.

Develops Excel spreadsheets and graphs, and written process information utilizing computer software such as Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft Online.

Develops, prepares, and enters data for operational and regulatory reports utilizing City Works CMMS, Hach WIMS, and other industry standard software.

Files handwritten and computer data records and reports consistent with local, County, State and Federal requirements.

Performs preventive maintenance and routine modifications and repairs on plant equipment, buildings, and grounds. Assists with major maintenance and coordinates associated efforts with other work groups and contractors. Troubleshoots mechanical and reports electrical problems as they arise.

Participates in short- and long-range planning regarding daily activities, process control, maintenance, safety, plant modifications and water quality. Identifies and assists in addressing plant and system needs. Recommends and implements new projects and programs. Coordinates activities and communications with other operators and work groups.

Estimates quantities and costs of chemicals and supplies needed for plant operations.

Coordinates with others to remove water treatment sludge consistent with regulatory requirements.

Performs treatment process control laboratory testing and reviews results for process control changes.

Assists administrative staff and performs other related duties. Serves on internal committees when required.

Performs as a member of a team, assisting with development of work group goals and objectives, and contributing to the achievement of goals and objectives.

Conforms with all safety rules and performs work is a safe manner.

Delivers excellent customer service to diverse audiences. Responds to customer service requests, questions and complaints. Maintains a positive customer service demeanor and delivers service in a respectful and patient manner.

Maintains effective work relationships.

Acts ethically and honestly; applies ethical standards of behavior to daily work activities and interactions. Builds confidence in the City through own actions.

Arrives to work, meetings, and other work-related functions on time and maintains regular job attendance.

Complies with all Administrative Policies. Performs work in accordance with Council Policies and Municipal Code sections applicable to position.

Operates and drives vehicles and/or equipment safely and legally.

Qualifications And Skills

Education and Experience

Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee - High school diploma, or equivalent. Associates Degree in Water Technology preferred. Six months of experience in the operation of a conventional or similar potable surface water treatment plant.

Water Treatment Plant Operator - High school diploma, or equivalent. Associates Degree in Water Technology preferred. Three years of experience in the operation of a conventional or similar potable surface water treatment plant.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Ability to use SCADA and DCS systems to analyze trends, monitor and operate plants and off-site facilities.

Knowledge and understanding of work-related safety practices, OSHA and environmental rules and regulations, particularly in regard to work in confined space and/or hazardous conditions.

Knowledge and understanding of water treatment technical processes, procedures, and operations, as well as local, County, State, and federal regulatory requirements. Ability to use sound judgment, with minimal supervision, in applying this knowledge to immediate/emergency situations and in prioritizing ongoing responsibilities.

Ability to plan and/or lead work shift activities, operate the plant independently, develop procedures, and aid in the implementation of new programs.

Effective communication, analytical, customer service and interpersonal skills.

Capable of advanced decision-making regarding assessment of immediate situations, available options, and selection of appropriate methods and procedures, material availability and ordering, equipment utilization and response to customer issues.

Ability to work varying shifts, dependent on plant flow, customer demand and time of year.

Ability to get along well with co-workers.

Ability to use a computer to perform essential functions of the position.

Thorough knowledge of traffic laws and defensive driving.

Special Requirements

Specialized training in water treatment that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the position, and meet the requirements to obtain the required Oregon Water Operator certifications required for the position.

Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee - Oregon Water Operator Grade Level I certification within the probation period. Oregon Water Operator Grade Level II certification within three (3) years of appointment.

Water Treatment Plant Operator - Oregon Water Operator Grade Level II certification. Oregon Water Operator Grade Level III certification within one (1) year of appointment. Oregon Water Operator Grade Level IV certification within five (5) years of appointment.

Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee and Water Treatment Plant Operator

First Aid and CPR certification, Confined Space Entry, and Forklift Operation or the ability to obtain within one (1) year of appointment.

Possession of and the ability to maintain a valid Oregon Driver's License. Oregon Class A commercial driver's license with air brake and tank endorsement preferred.

Incumbents assigned the primary responsibility to the Taylor Water Treatment Plant must be able to respond within 60 minutes or less to the Taylor Water Treatment Plant for after-hours calls or emergencies prior to the end of probationary period.

Incumbents assigned the primary responsibility to the Rock Creek Plant as their regular duty station are required to live in a City provided residence in the watershed and sign an Employee Occupancy House Agreement.

Demonstrable commitment to sustainability.

Demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing equity, diversity and inclusion.

The individual shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others in the workplace.

Ability to pass a pre-employment background and/or criminal history check.

How to Apply

Qualified applicants must submit an online application located on the (click on "Apply" above). Position is open until filled. Applications must be received by 8:00 AM on Tuesday November 5, 2024, to be considered with the first review. Applicants are encouraged to include a cover letter and resume with the online application; however, resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed online application. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted/considered. An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer in Compliance with ADA.