Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator 1, 2, Operator in Training

City of Salem•5915 Windsor Island Rd N Keizer, OR

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Salem is looking for full-time Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators. This recruitment is open to multiple classifications including: Operator II, Operator I, and Operator-In-Training (OIT). For OIT candidates, Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I certification must be obtained within 15 months of employment. Willow Lake is the primary treatment facility for the City with a dry weather secondary treatment capacity of 65 mgd, a wet weather secondary treatment capacity of 105 mgd, and a peak wet weather capacity of 155 mgd. It can be operated in trickling filter/activated sludge, conventional air activated sludge and in a combination of both processes plus selective treatment based on flow and load fluctuations. The River Road Peak Wet Weather Treatment Facility is a high rate, physical chemical ballasted flocculation facility with ultra-violet disinfection. This facility is operated only when flows at the Willow Lake Facility are above 95 mgd. Operation of this remote facility is permitted for use to prevent sanitary sewer overflows associated with wet weather. The City's treatment facilities serve a population of 256,000 within a three-city area. The facility staff of 53 employees provide Operations, Maintenance, Laboratory, Biosolids, and Administrative Services for both facilities.

Requirements

High school graduate or GED.
Demonstrated work experience at a wastewater or water treatment plant and/or education as defined by operator certification level.
Must pass the pre-employment background check.
Must have an Oregon Driver license, or the ability to obtain an Oregon license within 30 days of residency and meet the City of Salem's driving standards.
Candidates with out-of-state licenses will be required to obtain Oregon certification within six months of hire.
Experience working in wastewater treatment plant operations in a plant using activated sludge treatment.
Experience working with pumps and industrial equipment.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I: Grade I Wastewater Treatment System Operator Certification.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II: Three years of experience at a wastewater treatment plant, or two years of experience and one year of post high school experience sufficient to have met the requirements for the Oregon DEQ Grade II certification.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II: Grade II Wastewater Treatment System Operator Certification.
Operator-in-Training status candidates must meet the state requirements and timelines to obtain Grade I certification by the end of 15 months.
Candidates who have experience working at a water/wastewater system or a background in industrial equipment, mechanics (engine repair), irrigation, millwright, or a degree in environmental science or a related field.

Nice To Haves

Candidates with out-of-state licenses will be required to obtain Oregon certification within six months of hire.
If you do NOT have a grade I Operator Certification, successful candidate will fall under the apprenticeship program.
Candidates with out of state licenses will be required to obtain Oregon certification within six months of hire.
Those who do not currently possess Oregon Grade 1 certification but are otherwise qualified by education may qualify to obtain Operator-In-Training (OIT) status issued by Oregon DEQ.

Responsibilities

Operate and maintain wastewater treatment facilities.
Monitor treatment processes and adjust as needed.
Perform laboratory tests to ensure water quality.
Respond to operational issues and emergencies.
Maintain records and prepare reports.
Ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Operate and maintain pumps and industrial equipment.
Complete DEQ-approved training programs and pass certification exams within specified timelines for OIT candidates.