Water Treatment Certified Operator

City of The Dalles•The Dalles, OR

1d•$60,113 - $84,524•Onsite

About The Position

As a Water Treatment Certified Operator, you'll play a key role in the safety, sustainability, and resilience of our water system. Clean, dependable water touches every home, business, and visitor. In this hands‑on, problem‑solving role, your work has a direct daily impact. If you meet the minimum qualifications, we're ready to invest in your growth with paid on‑the‑job training and support you towards required certifications. This position offers a path for advancement up to Level IV (4) certification. Applicants who already hold higher‑level certifications are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent.
At least one (1) year of experience in operational decision‑making, water operations, laboratory testing, wastewater services, water system maintenance, or related field.
At least one (1) year of experience using Microsoft Excel or other spreadsheet‑based software for data entry, analysis, or reporting
At least one (1) year of experience producing clear written and verbal communication in a workplace or organizational setting and following written and verbal instructions accurately.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across departments.
Understanding of State/Federal water treatment regulations
Ability to meet OSHA physical requirements for respirator use.
Ascend and descend stairs and ladders safely.
Lift and carry up to 80 pounds safely
Valid Driver's License
Must obtain Oregon Class I Water Treatment Operator certification within eighteen (18) months of hire.
Must obtain Oregon Class II Water Treatment Operator certification within thirty-seven (37) months of hire.
Work independently with minimal supervision in both field and plant environments.
Apply sound judgment in operational decision‑making to ensure compliance with all regulatory and water quality standards.
Strong report‑writing skills for documenting operations, water quality findings, and regulatory compliance activities.
Follow established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and contribute to continuous improvement of processes.
Demonstrate strong problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills related to equipment, processes, and water quality issues.
Applied mathematics (algebra) for hydraulic calculations, chemical dosing, flow characteristics, and interpreting laboratory data.
Water and solutions chemistry, including wet chemistry techniques, colorimetric testing, and spectrophotometric methods.
Operation, calibration, and routine maintenance of laboratory, field, and online instrumentation, including QA/QC practices.
Understanding of mechanical and hydraulic systems, including pumps, valves, meters, chemical feed systems, plumbing, and piping.
Proficiency with spreadsheets and documentation tools

Nice To Haves

Written and/or oral Spanish language proficiency
Two (2) years of experience working as a Water Treatment Operator or in a closely related water treatment role.
Associate degree in math, science, chemistry, or a related field-or equivalent coursework in Water Treatment Technology, Chemistry, Biology, or environmental fields
Oregon Level I Water Treatment certification
Oregon Level II, III, or IV Water Treatment Operator certification, or reciprocal equivalents
Additional training in mechanical operations and maintenance of pumps and other equipment used in water treatment

Responsibilities

Conduct laboratory analyses using standard instruments and methods.
Perform chemical, mathematical, and hydraulic calculations to support treatment processes.
Interpret laboratory data and maintain accurate logs, reports, and documentation.
Operate and maintain plant equipment, including pumps, motors, feeders, meters, instrumentation, telemetry, and chemical feed systems.
Perform routine inspections, adjustments, calibrations, cleaning, and general preventive maintenance.
Manage water treatment chemicals by filling hoppers, preparing solutions, and monitoring chemical systems.
Complete facility upkeep, grounds maintenance, and inventory of supplies and chemicals.
Participate in City-wide and site safety activities and follow all department policies, including the beardless requirements of the Respiratory Protection Program.
Operate City vehicles and equipment such as forklifts, tractors, and pressure ‑ pumping equipment and use vehicles to reach treatment facilities during inclement or hazardous weather conditions.
Provide instruction and guidance to trainees and new employees.
Complete special projects of an investigatory nature in water quality control and/or laboratory analyses in the Municipal Watershed, Treatment Processes, and the Water Distribution System.
Perform other related duties as needed.