Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferrable skills from a variety of sources and experiences.
The City will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Training:
Associate's Degree in Wastewater Treatment or related field and/or a combination of course work, experience, and training which provides the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities.
License or Certificate
A valid Oregon driver's license or, the ability to obtain by date of hire; must pass driving records check and, if hired, maintain a driving record that meets the City's standard. Oregon law requires that an out-of-state license holder must obtain a valid Oregon license (with appropriate endorsements) within 30 days of becoming domiciled in the state (ORS 803.355).
Wastewater Operator 1:
One year of experience and training in activated sludge process of wastewater treatment, or equivalent.
Possession of State of Oregon DEQ Wastewater Systems Operator Certification, Grade I.
Possession of, or ability to obtain within two years, Grade II State of Oregon Wastewater Systems Operator's Certificate or equivalent.
Wastewater Operator 2:
Two years of experience and training in activated sludge process of wastewater treatment, or equivalent.
Possession of a Grade II State of Oregon Wastewater Systems Operator's Certificate or equivalent required, Grade III or IV highly preferred. Incumbent must obtain Grade III Certification prior to advancing to Salary Step 5 on the six-step salary range.
The ideal Candidate will process the knowledge and abilities below:
Knowledge of:
Principles of activated sludge processes including aeration system, secondary clarification, return flow rate control, and wasting strategies; biological, carbon, ammonia, and phosphorous removal.
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) discharge permit, Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) air quality permit, and stormwater permit.
Solids processing to include theory and operation of gravity belt thickening and anaerobic digestion.
Principles of sample collection and preservation.
Wastewater chemistry, biology, instrumentation, and automated control.
Disinfection process using sodium hypochlorite and sodium bisulfite for dechlorination purposes.
Proper safe handling techniques when using sodium hypochlorite and bi-sulfite.
Ability to:
Understand, and follow, safety procedures.
Understand, and follow, safe working practices based on safety data sheets (SDS).
Develop detailed understanding of plant flow process configurations, and piping and valving functions and locations.
Understand and comply with the Environmental Management System.
Plan, organize, and perform all the routine process control laboratory tests currently performed at the Wastewater Division process laboratory including all mathematical calculations related to the laboratory tests.
Operate, troubleshoot, and perform minor maintenance on plant equipment such as blowers, pumps, chlorinators, boilers, controllers, process laboratory instruments, and field instrumentation.
Ability to evaluate distributive control system alarms, prioritize multiple alarms, troubleshoot control loop issues, and take appropriate timely actions.
Follow written, and technically complex, equipment operations procedures and manuals; read and understand complex blueprints and piping schematics.
Develop training and instruct others in operation of Wastewater Division equipment, safety, and process laboratory procedures.
Evaluate problems with procedures, equipment, or operational system and remedy the situation using prior experience or problem solving techniques with minimal supervision.
Make judgments regarding non-routine operational duties such as high flows, equipment failures, and alarms.
Maintain computerized Wastewater Division records such as log entries, laboratory data, and flow data.
Communicate well, both orally and in writing, in the technical language appropriate to activated sludge and Wastewater Division operations work.
Perform in inclement weather conditions.
Work in direct contact with sewage.
Lift up to 50 pounds, climb stairs and ladders, work above and below ground at various heights/depths.
Withdraw information from databases, spreadsheets, and technical publications; prepare written reports or procedures using computer software.
Work rotating shifts that include days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Provide and wear personal protective equipment as required.
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:
Frequent standing in combination with walking throughout work shift. Sitting occasionally. Frequently lifts 1-25 lbs and occasionally up to 50 lbs. Frequent pushing/pulling up to 10-45 lbs and occasionally up to 75-125+ lbs. force turning valves & pulling chains to open/close overhead valves. Frequent climbing of steps/stairs, metal grates/walkways, and stationary ladders. Requires sense of balance and agility. Frequently bending/twisting at waist/knees/neck. Occasional kneeling/crouching/crawling. Constant use of both hands/arms in reaching/handling/power grasping/gripping. Constant use of sight required. Color vision and depth perception required along with hand eye coordination. Constant communication with coworkers, listening for malfunctions and in maintaining safe work environment. Must be able to work in a confined space environment. Constant mental alertness while monitoring plant activity.
Hazards include exposure to biological waste, hazardous and infectious waste, noise, electrical hazards, inclement weather, moving objects/vehicles, sharp objects, pinch points, trip/overhead obstacles, odors/fumes/gases, chemical spills/exposures, dust, and slippery surfaces. Equipment used includes hand/power tools, measuring devices, lab equipment, ladders, computer, general office equipment and motorized carts. Necessary safety equipment includes hardhat, hearing and eye protection, safety shoes, gloves, masks, respirators, and other as required.
