Public Works Water Treatment Operator I/II

City of Salem•Salem, OR

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Salem Public Works Department is seeking to fill the role of Water Treatment Plant Operator at the Geren Island Water Treatment Plant. This position is responsible for achieving water quality goals to ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and codes. This position also operates, maintains, and monitors mechanical, chemical, instrumentation, slow sand filters, and process control systems. Additionally, this position will work on routine laboratory water analysis and sampling of wells, reservoirs, and water sources. Effective July 1, 2026, a cost of living adjustment (COLA) of four percent (4%) will be applied to each step in the wage scale.

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 and meet the City of Salem's driving standards.
Water Treatment Plant Operator I: One year of experience in water plant operations or education in water environmental technology program.
Water Treatment Plant Operator I: Level I Water Treatment Operator Certification, with the ability to acquire Level II certification within one year from date of hire or within the timelines of the state certification requirements.
Water Treatment Plant Operator II: Three years or more of experience in water plant operations including some experience in plant operational decision-making, or two years of experience and one year of post high school education sufficient to have met the requirements for the OHA Level II Operator certification.
Water Treatment Plant Operator II: Level II Water Treatment Operator Certification, with the ability to acquire Level III within one year from date of hire or within the timelines of the state certification requirements.
Water Treatment Plant Operator: Completion of an Associates degree in water treatment technology, biology, microbiology, bacteriology, chemistry or hydraulics, and three years experience in water plant operation; experience must including a year and a half of plant operational decision making; or any combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the class.
Water Treatment Plant Operator: Possession of a valid Oregon Water Treatment Plant Operator Certification Level 3 or can gain through reciprocity.
Candidates with out-of-state licenses will be required to obtain Oregon certification within six months of hire.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in water treatment, technology, biology, microbiology, bacteriology, chemistry or hydraulics preferred for Water Treatment Plant Operator I.
Associate degree in water treatment, technology, biology, microbiology, bacteriology, chemistry or hydraulics preferred for Water Treatment Plant Operator II.
Possession of a higher level of Oregon Water Treatment Plant Operator certificate may be required within one year of appointment.

Responsibilities

Achieving water quality goals to ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and codes.
Operating, maintaining, and monitoring mechanical, chemical, instrumentation, slow sand filters, and process control systems.
Performing routine laboratory water analysis and sampling of wells, reservoirs, and water sources.