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Wastewater Operator II - Open Continuous

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Wastewater Operator II - Open Continuous

Salary

$37.23 - $46.41 Hourly

Location

5001 N Columbia Blvd., OR

Job Type

Regular

Job Number

2025-00358

Bureau

Bureau of Environmental Services

Opening Date

03/24/2025

Closing Date

6/23/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

The Position

Job Appointment: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8 am-5 pm. An alternate schedule may be available.

Work Location: 5001 N COLUMBIA BLVD, PORTLAND OR 97203

Benefits: Please check our benefits tab for an overview of the benefits for this position.

Union Representation: District Council of Trade Unions (DCTU)

To view current labor agreements, please visit https://www.portland.gov/bhr/employee-relations/labor-relations/labor-agreements.

Application Material: Please click APPLY to submit your application via the City of Portland’s online portal. You will need to respond to the supplemental questions and attach a resume.

The Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) is seeking a qualified Wastewater Operator II to join our dynamic team of highly qualified people to perform journey-level work in the operation and routine maintenance of a large, activated sludge, wastewater treatment plant. The Wastewater Operator II maintains established water quality standards through the effective operation of all equipment involved in the treatment process including operating, monitoring, and controlling a vast network of pumps, conveyors, and air and chemical systems; makes operational decisions including pumping rates and dosage adjustments while working in one of six work units, which provide 24-hour coverage, 7-days per week. The Wastewater Operator II maintains accurate records, performs standard laboratory tests, and identifies equipment failures and maintenance needs.

This position requires shift work and assignments, including days off, which are based on accrued seniority within a represented workforce.

What you will get to do:

+ Ensures proper operation and control of assigned process area; operates equipment of the wastewater treatment plant such as pumps, bar screens, clarifiers, boilers, digesters, sludge pumps, blowers, aerators, disinfection/dichlorination systems, control panels, sludge thickening, and sludge de-watering equipment; monitors equipment controls and takes corrective action to ensure effective equipment operation.

+ Operates, monitors, and controls a vast network of pumps, bar screens, conveyors, grit, air, and chemical systems. Makes operational decisions including pumping rates and dosage adjustments, and whether to bring equipment online or take it offline. Troubleshoots equipment failures and identifies maintenance needs with the use of a CMMS. Coordinates maintenance and repairs with other work groups.

+ Operates, monitors, and controls primary and secondary digesters, classifiers, and transfer pumps, including gas boilers.

+ Operates and monitors plant processes using a SCADA network, which includes remote monitoring and communication, as well as communications with and between the Tryon Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, the City of Portland's collection system, headworks, secondary and influent flows, peak-flow gates, offsite dichlorination facility, sewage pumps, aeration basins, and aeration blowers; and provides constant monitoring of disinfection dosing and oxygen levels.

+ Operates, monitors, controls, and adjusts dewatering and thickening equipment; performs lab tests on biosolids and makes adjustments for efficient output and chemical polymer use; keeps and maintains accurate records of process and lab results to ensure sample protocol and regulatory requirements.

+ Operates, monitors, controls, and determines flow rates and process strategies; performs mixed liquor and total suspended solids content tests and monitors temperatures, pH levels, and aeration needs of the system.

+ Operates, monitors, controls, and adjusts digester feed pump station, diesel dredges, and an internal recycle pump station; oversees lagoon system including ground and dredge maintenance.

+ Responds to and handles emergencies; provides essential services for treatment plant weather-related or other emergencies.

+ This could include overtime to accomplish work, which at times, may be mandatory/compulsory.

+ Communicates professionally and effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

+ Performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Operator II: is the experienced/journey level class in the series, fully competent to independently perform duties of the job.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities of Operator II

+ Knowledge of: processes, techniques, and all applicable safety practices, tools, and materials used in wastewater treatment equivalent to that required for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II certification. Process control equipment and process troubleshooting techniques; processes and chemicals used in testing and treating; pumps and pumping equipment; wastewater laboratory, sampling, and testing procedures; SCADA computer data for high-level monitoring of process equipment.

+ Ability to: maintain operational processes and procedures independently.

+ Skills in: use of tools, power equipment, and specialized process-related equipment; providing lead direction to staff, including assisting and reviewing work.

At BES, we value our customers and partners; Portlanders’ sense of connection to their waterways; conscientious stewardship of our watersheds, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and financial resources; a diverse, collaborative, healthy, and engaged workforce; leadership among our employees and in our City and community; equity in our workplace, business practices, and service delivery; clear communication and transparency; innovative, sustainable, and resilient solutions.

BES is seeking talented individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds with knowledge, ability, and experience working with a broad range of individuals and communities; and who desire to work collaboratively and creatively to broaden the variety of innovative ways to partner with and serve all Portland communities. To learn more about the work we do at BES, click on the link: www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/

Our BES 10-Year Strategic Plan can be found here: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/75720

This position is represented by the Portland Laborers 483 (PCL) collective bargaining agreement.

PLEASE NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies

This is an open continuous recruitment: Open Continuous recruitments have multiple review periods (outlined below) and can be opened for up to 3 months.

+ If you apply and are notified you meet minimum qualifications/placed on the eligible list, please do not reapply. Any applications received after being placed on the eligible list will not be reviewed and will be rejected as a duplicate application.

+ If you apply and are notified you do not meet qualifications and the recruitment is still open, you may reapply and update your materials.

Questions?:

Terrol Johnson

Senior Recruiter

[email protected]

To Qualify

Applicants must specifically address and demonstrate in their supplemental question responses and resume/work history how their education, training and/or experience, meets each of the following minimum qualifications

1. Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes including the operation of process control equipment, troubleshooting techniques, and laboratory procedures.

2. Ability to maintain operational processes and procedures independently, or with general oversight from a Lead or Senior Operator.

3. Demonstrate a commitment to team-based communication and interactions while approaching scenarios with the intent to find solutions through problem-solving

4. Skill in the safe use of tools, power equipment, and specialized process-related equipment.

Applicants must also possess:

+ A valid state driver's license and acceptable driving record at the time of hire.

+ Ability to obtain medical certification of respirator readiness and the absence of any physical characteristic that prevents rapid attainment of a tight seal between face and self-contained breathing apparatus requiring Wastewater Operators II to be clean-shaven.

+ Ability to successfully pass a Physical Capacity Test (PCT) required before appointment to the position.

Desired Qualifications

• Possession of a valid Oregon Wastewater Operator Treatment Certification grade I, II, III, or IV, or the ability to apply for certification reciprocity with the state of Oregon.

The Recruitment Process

STEP 1: Apply online between March 24 2025 and June 22 , 2025

Required Application Materials:

+ Resume

+ Answer to the Supplemental Questions (click on the Questions tab to preview the questions)

Optional Application Materials:

+ If you would like to request Veteran's Preference, please submit your Veteran documents (ex, DD214-Member 4, VA Benefit Letter, etc) by the closing date of the recruitment.

Application Tips:

+ Your responses to the supplemental questions should include details describing your education, training and/or experience, and where obtained, which clearly reflects your qualifications for each of the numbered items in the "To Qualify" section of this announcement.

+ Your résumé should support the details described in your responses to the supplemental questions.

+ Salary Range/Equity Pay Analysis: Please note per the Oregon State Pay Equity Law (https://www.oregon.gov/boli/workers/pages/equal-pay.aspx) your salary is determined based on the experience and education listed in your resume/application. It is strongly encouraged to include any transferable experience (paid or unpaid regardless of how recent) to ensure your offer is reflective of all directly related and equivalent experience.

+ Do not attach any additional documents.

+ Please note, all completed applications for this position must be submitted no later than on the closing date and time of this recruitment.

Step 2: Minimum Qualification Evaluation: Continuous until the week of 6/22/25

+ An evaluation of each applicant's training and paid and unpaid experience, as demonstrated in their resume and supplemental questions, weighted 100%.

+ Your résumé and responses to the supplemental questions will be the basis for our evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Incomplete or inappropriate information may result in disqualification.

+ You have 14 days from the notice of the minimum qualification evaluation results to let us know if you would like to review and discuss your evaluation result. Please read the City of Portland Administrative Rule 3 (https://www.portland.gov/policies/human-resources-administrative-rules/employment/hrar-301-recruitment-processes#toc-examination-review) .01 for complete information.

+ Additional evaluation may be required prior to the establishment of the eligible list and/or final selection.

Step 3: Establishment of Eligible List: Continuous until the week of 6/22/25

+ Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on the equally ranked eligible list.

+ Please note, the selection process may take up to 90 days from the notification of being placed on the eligible list.

Step 4: Selection (Interview): TBD

+ Hiring bureau will review and select candidates for an interview.

+ Please note, the selection process may take up to 90 days from the notification of being placed on the eligible list.

Step 5: Offer of Employment: TBD

Step 6: Start Date:

+ A start date will be determined after all conditions of employment have been met.

*Timeline is approximate and subject to change.

Additional Information

Click here (https://www.portland.gov/bhr/career-center/recruitment-policy) for additional information regarding the following:

+ City of Portland Core Values

+ Recruitment Process - Work Status

+ Equal Employment Opportunity

+ Veteran Preference

+ ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations

Did you know? The City of Portland has How to Apply Videos (https://tinyurl.com/pdxh2a) and offers How to Apply Classes (https://www.portland.gov/bhr/events) once per month. If you have questions after watching the videos you are invited to contact the recruiter listed on the announcement.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

A Career with the City of Portland offers many Employee Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to

+ Health Care (Medical, Vision and Dental)

+ Carrot Fertility

+ Wellness Benefits

+ Life Insurance

+ Long-term disability coverage to eligible employees and their families.

+ Employee Assistance Plan

+ Flexible Spending Accounts

+ Retirement

+ Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), including contributions to the PERS IAP plan paid by employer

+ Family Medical Leave

+ City Paid Parental Leave

AND SO MANY MORE!

Benefits may vary depending on bargaining unit and employment status. Click here to review the many different benefits the City of Portland offers (https://www.portland.gov/bhr/benefit-offerings/benefits-quickstart-guide/benefit-plan-summaries-highlight-guides) .

01

Thank you for your interest in joining the team at the City of Portland. We sincerely value your time and hope to make your application experience as positive as possible.

The following supplemental questions are an important step to assist us in determining if you have the minimum qualifications to succeed in the posted vacancy.

Write specific and unique responses to each question. Answering "No", to any of the Yes/No questions or answering an essay question with the following "See resume", or entering "N/A" for any of the minimum qualifications listed in the "To Qualify" section may eliminate you from further consideration.

Note: If you are requesting veterans' preference, please be sure to upload a copy of your DD214 and/or Veteran's administration letter stating your disability. Veteran's preference documentation must be submitted by the closing time of this announcement.

Have you read and understood all the information listed above?

+ Yes

+ No - If you have any questions, please contact the recruiter on the announcement.

02

Where did you first learn about this job opportunity? (If on a website or job board, please specify which one)

03

The City of Portland receives public records requests at times. Please indicate which response you find appropriate: (Answer will not disqualify you from the process)

+ My application was submitted with the understanding that the City of Portland would keep the information confidential and would only disclose the information if ordered to do so. I would not have submitted this application without the promise of confidentiality.

+ You may release my application; I am waiving confidentiality.

04

Do you have knowledge of wastewater treatment processes including the operation of process control equipment, trouble-shooting techniques, and/or laboratory procedures?

+ Yes

+ No

05

Are you committed to teamwork and collaboration while seeking to problem solve?

+ Yes

+ No

06

Do you have experience in the safe use of water treatment plant equipment, safety policies, and procedures?

+ Yes

+ No

07

Will you have a valid state's driver's license and acceptable driving record at time of hire?

+ Yes

+ No

08

Will you have the ability to obtain medical certification of respirator readiness and the absence of any physical characteristic that prevents rapid attainment of a tight seal between face and self-contained breathing apparatus? (Requires Wastewater Operators II to be clean-shaven)

+ Yes

+ No

09

Do you hold a valid Wastewater Operator Treatment Certification in the State of Oregon or in another state that offers reciprocity?

+ Yes

+ No

Required Question

Employer

City of Portland

Address

1120 SW 5th Ave, Room 987 Portland, Oregon, 97204

Website

http://www.portlandoregon.gov/jobs

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