Surface Treatment Plant Operator

NW Natural•Clackamas, OR

7d•$34 - $52•Onsite

About The Position

The Operator monitors and manages water treatment plants and distribution systems, overseeing equipment and processes to meet permit requirements and performance goals across five surface water treatment plants. The role also performs field work related to operating and repairing the water distribution system, including emergency response. Hiring level depends on qualifications, relevant experience, and applicable certifications. The role does not permanently supervise employees, but may oversee personnel assigned to specific advanced projects. The position requires a two-hour on-call response time to surface water treatment plant facilities in the primary territory. Operators must accommodate weekend or variable shifts, participate in a 24-hour emergency call rotation when assigned, and work beyond scheduled hours as needed. Work takes place outdoors year-round in varying and sometimes extreme weather, as well as indoors. The role involves exposure to hazardous materials, confined spaces, electrical components, and heavy equipment. The job has Operator 3 and Operator 4 levels. Operator 3 provides advanced technical expertise and troubleshooting, guides less experienced operators, and supports major projects. Operator 4 provides technical leadership on complex operations and strategic projects, leads responses to major incidents, advises management, and mentors operators across levels.

Requirements

High school education or equivalent.
Valid driver's license, required certifications and endorsements, and satisfactory driving record.
If licensed in another state at hire, obtain an in-state driver's license within 90 days.
Consent to an annual Motor Vehicle Records check and pass a criminal history check.
Safely lift at least 50 pounds, and more with additional help.
Physically accommodate and use respirators and self-contained breathing apparatuses.
Physically access and egress trenches, manholes, lift stations, water reservoirs, and towers.
Safely work with hazardous chemicals.
Accommodate weekend or variable shifts, participate in a 24-hour emergency call rotation when assigned, and work beyond regularly scheduled hours as operational or project deadlines require.
For Operator 3: at least 5 years of progressively responsible water utility experience; advanced knowledge of water distribution and/or treatment operations, maintenance, regulatory compliance, and safety; ability to diagnose complex operational issues and implement corrective actions; and experience providing technical guidance, training, or lead direction.
For Operator 3: higher-level Oregon certification consistent with the assignment, such as Water Distribution Level III (D3) and/or Water Treatment Level III (T3).
For Operator 4: at least 7 years of progressively responsible water utility experience; expert-level knowledge of water distribution and/or treatment systems, regulatory requirements, and operational best practices; leadership in complex projects, emergency response, and system optimization; and demonstrated ability to provide technical direction, training, and mentorship.
For Operator 4: higher-level Oregon certification consistent with the assignment, such as Water Distribution Level IV (D4) and/or Water Treatment Level IV (T4).

Responsibilities

Monitor and maintain water treatment plant equipment, including filters, pumps, UV systems, chemical dosing, and related equipment.
Collect samples in accordance with OHA compliance standards.
Participate in system-wide flushing and valve exercising operations.
Read and record meter and gauge readings related to plant operations and enter them into an electronic database.
Locate, identify, and mark distribution system facilities, including valves, fire hydrants, and blow-offs.
Locate and identify leaks.
Report malfunctioning equipment and perform minor maintenance.
Assist with distribution leak repairs and capital improvement projects.
Operate service trucks; inspect assigned vehicles routinely, perform minor maintenance, replace defective parts, and help transport vehicles to repair shops.
Comply with company policies, procedures, safety regulations, grooming standards, and uniform requirements.
Communicate effectively in writing and verbally with management and other operators at the technical level required by the role.
Participate in specialized training for safe hazardous-material handling and confined-space entry.
Participate in weekly team meetings.
Work independently or as part of a team, with or without supervision.
At Operator 3 level, perform skilled operational, maintenance, and repair work; lead complex troubleshooting; guide less experienced operators; and support major maintenance, construction, and improvement projects.
At Operator 4 level, provide technical leadership on critical operations and strategic projects; lead responses to major operational challenges, emergencies, and system incidents; advise management on operational practices, compliance, and system improvements; and mentor operators across all levels.