Wastewater Collections Operator

City of Gresham•Gresham, OR

About The Position

The City of Gresham is hiring a full-time Public Utility Worker 2 (PUW 2) in the Wastewater Division of the Department of Environmental Services. The role performs maintenance and construction on more than 300 miles of sanitary sewer within city limits, using heavy equipment, machinery, power tools, and hand tools. It also includes cleaning H2S Media, Siloxane, and FOG tanks. The position requires sound judgment, initiative, attention to detail, a positive attitude, and professional communication with coworkers, other crews, and the public. Work assignments and priorities may change as conditions require. Work is generally outdoors and involves manual labor, including sewer system cleaning and inspections, construction and repairs, utility locating, investigations, and off-road manhole inspections. The role may require confined-space entry, respirator use, traffic control, emergency response, and an on-call emergency Vac truck support pager for two to three weeks per year. Employees may need to work independently or as part of a crew, mentor seasonal staff, and adapt to changing assignments and adverse weather conditions. The City describes its workplace as collaborative, inventive, practical, and nimble, and emphasizes diversity, inclusion, equity, and respect for different viewpoints and experiences. Applicants must submit a complete online application, answers to supplemental questions, and at least three professional references. Employment offers are contingent on a criminal background check, driving record review, job-related physical, and drug screen.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
One to four years of related full-time work experience.
Valid driver's license and a good driving record under the stated driving matrix.
Knowledge of basic maintenance and repair methods and procedures for wastewater collection systems.
Knowledge of safety practices and procedures applicable to the team.
Knowledge of safe and effective operating practices for light equipment used in wastewater collection systems.
Knowledge of flagging and traffic-control techniques.
Knowledge of computers and computer applications.
Ability to operate heavy equipment and power tools used in public works maintenance operations.
Ability to work independently or as part of a crew.
Ability to perform heavy manual work in confined and uncomfortable conditions, including adverse weather.
Ability to perform routine arithmetic calculations.
Ability to communicate effectively and courteously with City employees and the public.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to respond to emergencies on a 24-hour basis as needed.
Ability to work in environments requiring respirator use.
Ability to perform the physical functions of the position and work in confined spaces and manholes for extended periods.
CPR/AED and First Aid certification required within 12 months of hire.
OSHA Confined Space certification required within 12 months of hire.
Oregon or Washington Commercial Driver License (CDL) Class A with Air Brakes and Tanker endorsements required within six months of hire.
Driving record must not include a major traffic offense or accident resulting in death or major injury; a DUI offense within the last five years; more than three moving violations in three years or more than two in one year; or more than two accidents in three years.
Submit a complete online application, answers to supplemental questions, and at least three professional references.

Nice To Haves

Ability to obtain a Wastewater Collection Certification.

Responsibilities

Inspect, clean, and remove debris from wastewater collection systems, including sanitary sewer mainlines, laterals, and manholes.
Enter sewer cleaning data and findings into the asset management system.
Use confined-space entry equipment and develop traffic control plans; use flaggers as needed.
Inspect wastewater collection lines, cross connections, and manholes manually or with remote cameras.
Test and monitor sanitary mains and laterals to confirm connections, breaks, and flow direction.
Coordinate inspections with homeowners, inspectors, and contractors, and enter inspection data into the asset management system.
Perform skilled construction, repair, and maintenance of wastewater system facilities, helping prevent sewage overflows and blockages and protect public health.
Operate excavators, tractor loader backhoes, loaders, and other power equipment for open-trench excavations.
Use a Vac truck to hydro-excavate around utilities and install trenching and shoring equipment for open-trench excavations.
Install pipe patches for trenchless repairs and enter confined spaces as needed.
Use GIS, TV reports, and the Oregon 811 program to gather information and locate and mark wastewater collection mains and laterals.
Investigate blockages and pipe failures using a Vac truck, CCTV van, lateral launch cameras, mini camera system, portable power jetter, and power snake.
Use GIS, GPS, camera systems, TV reports, and asset management software to locate and inspect off-road manholes.
Perform general labor and support duties using hand and power tools, jackhammers, concrete and pipe saws, and heavy equipment as trained.
Respond to spills and illicit discharges that may affect public health and safety.
Communicate effectively with City customers by phone and in person.
Work collaboratively with other Public Utility Workers and divisions, and mentor seasonal staff as needed.
Respond to emergencies on a 24-hour basis as needed and carry an on-call emergency Vac truck support pager for two to three weeks per year if required.