Wastewater Collections Operator 1

City of Gresham•Gresham, OR

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Gresham is hiring an entry-level Wastewater Collections Operator 1 to support maintenance and construction across more than 290 miles of wastewater mains and 25,964 service connections. The role also maintains landscaped areas around pump stations, pump-station outfalls, off-road structures, and easements. The operator maintains landscaped areas using tools and equipment such as string trimmers, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, and mowers; assists with inspecting and cleaning wastewater mains and laterals; and supports construction, repairs, and maintenance of wastewater facilities. The work includes operating hand tools, power equipment, and light equipment, helping with vacuum-truck hydro excavation around utilities, and assisting with excavators, backhoes, loaders, and hydro-excavation equipment. Traffic control and flagging are performed as needed. Work activities and findings are recorded in the City's asset management system. Additional duties include attending job-related training and meetings, reading and responding to email, purchasing supplies, participating in monthly shop cleanup, and tracking and entering time and attendance. Overtime after hours may be required as needed. The schedule is four 10-hour days, Monday through Thursday or Tuesday through Friday, with a 30-minute lunch. Work is outdoors in varied weather conditions. The City describes the work as challenging, fast-paced, and rewarding, and seeks employees who provide collaborative, creative, practical, and responsive service and incorporate equity into their daily work. The position is open through November 29, 2026. First review of applications for interview is September 23, 2026; applicants are encouraged to apply before November 16, 2026 for first consideration. Hiring is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check, driving record review, job-related physical, and drug screen.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Up to one year of related work experience.
At least 18 years old.
Valid driver's license and a driving record meeting the stated standards.
Obtain CPR/AED and First Aid certification within 12 months of hire.
Obtain OSHA Confined Space certification within 12 months of hire.
Obtain OSHA Competent Person certification within 12 months of hire.
Obtain Oregon Department of Transportation flagger certification within 12 months of hire.
Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances governing City policies and operations; City government administration, organization, functions, and services; public works practices and standards; public works safety; customer service; communication; and modern office practices, computer equipment, and software applications.
Ability to use discretion with confidential and sensitive matters; interpret and apply policies, procedures, laws, and regulations; operate hand tools, power tools, and light equipment; build effective relationships; use office technology; communicate effectively in speech and writing; and perform the essential physical functions of the job.
Meet the stated driving-record standards: no major traffic offense or accident resulting in death or serious injury; no driving-under-the-influence offense within the past five years; no more than three moving violations within three years or two within one year; and no more than two accidents within three years.

Nice To Haves

Construction or landscaping experience.
Dependability, a strong work ethic, eagerness to learn, ability to follow direction, and effective collaboration.
Enjoyment of physical outdoor work in varied weather.
Integrity and a commitment to safety.
Courtesy when interacting with community members.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Interest in serving the Gresham community.

Responsibilities

Maintain landscaped areas around wastewater pump stations, easements, and off-road structures using equipment such as string trimmers, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, and mowers.
Provide traffic control and flagging as needed.
Record work activities and findings in the City's asset management system.
Assist Public Utility Worker 2 staff with inspecting and cleaning wastewater mains and laterals and removing debris.
Record wastewater cleaning activities and findings in the City's asset management system.
Assist Public Utility Worker 2 staff with constructing, repairing, and maintaining wastewater facilities.
Operate hand tools and power equipment while helping prevent blockages, flooding, and other public-safety hazards.
Assist with vacuum-truck hydro excavation around utilities and assist with excavators, backhoes, loaders, and hydro-excavation equipment.
Attend job-related training and meetings; read and respond to email; purchase supplies; participate in monthly shop cleanup; and track and enter time and attendance.
Work overtime after hours as needed.