Wastewater Operator 1 - Public Works

Marion County•Salem, OR

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Wastewater Operator 1 operates and maintains Marion County sewage collection and treatment facilities, water systems, and related equipment. The position is responsible for two sewer collection systems, one treatment plant, one small municipal drinking water system, and other small water systems. Work includes maintaining a Septic Tank Effluent Pumping (STEP) system and monitoring a gravity collection system and pump station, including responding to restrictions, pump performance, infiltration, and inflow issues. The operator may repair live pressure sewer and water lines, respond to emergency call-outs, inspect new connections, record meter readings, perform utility locates, and collect samples for laboratory analysis. When serving as Designated Operator in Responsible Charge (DRC), the operator oversees Public Works drinking water systems, collects and delivers samples, completes reporting requirements, and performs related duties. The position also inspects Public Works campuses and District infrastructure, records deficiencies, and follows up on corrections. The operator uses ladders and manual and power tools, may assist with chemical hazard cleanups after training, and may support Emergency Coordination Center activities through field work, training, or other assigned duties. Emergency Management assignments may occur at locations within or near the county, with little advance notice, and may require long hours, weekends, or holidays. This is an on-site, full-time, union-represented position. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with flexibility based on departmental needs. The position is eligible for overtime and includes emergency call-outs during and after normal work hours. It works under the direction of a supervisor and may be assigned lead responsibility over employees or contractors, but does not supervise employees as a classification responsibility.

Requirements

High school graduation or equivalent.
Six months of experience at a Class 1 or higher wastewater treatment plant or collection system, or a satisfactory combination of relevant work, education, training, or experience as determined by Marion County.
Obtain an Oregon Department of Human Services Small Water System Operator certification within six months of appointment.
Obtain a Class 1 wastewater treatment certificate within one year of appointment.
Obtain a Class 1 wastewater collection certificate within one year of appointment.
Possess a current driver's license in the applicant's state of residence and maintain an acceptable driving history.
Thorough knowledge of wastewater collection and treatment operations.
Ability to operate computer software, including email, word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs, to maintain assets.
Ability to troubleshoot and repair water, wastewater, facility equipment, related systems, wastewater equipment, and machinery.
Ability to develop clear and concise reports and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain professional, collaborative working relationships with the public, contractors, vendors, and other employees.
Ability to perform manual work outdoors under hazardous conditions and adverse weather conditions.
Ability to lead the work of others.
Ability to meet the listed physical requirements, including lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying up to 50 pounds for up to 50 feet, working safely around traffic, and working in wet, uneven, and varied-weather conditions.
Pass a pre-employment drug screen, including marijuana testing, and a criminal history background check.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of STEP systems, septic tank construction and installation, and flow meter installation.
Knowledge of materials, methods, and equipment commonly used in the repair, renovation, or reconstruction of wastewater systems.
Knowledge of state laws pertaining to wastewater collection and treatment operations.
Knowledge of electrical pump motor maintenance and electrical troubleshooting techniques.
Knowledge of safety practices and methods for work above ground or below ground in wastewater facilities.

Responsibilities

Operate and maintain two sewer collection systems, one wastewater treatment plant, one small municipal drinking water system, and other small water systems.
Maintain STEP system floats, pumps, and control panels, and monitor gravity collection systems and pump stations for restrictions, pump performance, infiltration, and inflow.
Repair live pressure sewer lines and water lines.
Perform emergency call-outs during and after normal work hours.
Inspect new connections according to engineering specifications.
Record drinking water and wastewater system meter readings.
Perform utility locates.
Collect samples for laboratory analysis in accordance with drinking water and wastewater standards and regulations.
As Designated Operator in Responsible Charge, oversee Public Works drinking water systems, collect and deliver samples, fulfill reporting requirements, and perform related duties.
Inspect Public Works campuses and District infrastructure, document deficiencies, and correct deficiencies found.
Use ladders, manual tools, and power tools.
Participate in chemical hazard cleanups on roads and road-related properties as permitted by training.
Participate in basic incident command training and drills and support Emergency Coordination Center operations with field work.
Perform assigned clerical, support, incident liaison, or other duties at locations within or near the county.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.