Wastewater Operator II – Open Continuous

City of Portland•5001 N Columbia Blvd., OR

13h•Onsite

About The Position

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, conveyers, 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.

Requirements

Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes including the operation of process control equipment, trouble-shooting techniques, and laboratory procedures.
Ability to maintain operational processes and procedures independently, or with general oversight from a Lead or Senior Operator.
Demonstrate a commitment to team-based communication and interactions while approaching scenarios with the intent to find solutions through problem-solving.
Skill in the safe use of tools, power equipment, and specialized process related equipment.
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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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/dechlorination 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, conveyers, grit, air and chemical systems.
Makes operational decisions including pumping rates and dosage adjustments, and whether to bring equipment on-line or take it off-line.
Trouble shoots equipment failures and identifies maintenance needs with 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 dechlorination 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 emergency situations; 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.
Communicate professionally and effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Performs related duties as assigned.