The Position
The Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) is seeking a
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.
What you will get to do: - Ensures proper operation and control of assigned process area; operates equipment of the wastewater treatment plant such as pumps, bar screens, clarifiers, boilers, digester's, sludge pumps, blowers, aerators, disinfection 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. 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, hypochlorite 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 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.
- Communicates effectively
- Performs related duties as assigned.
At BES, we value our customers and partners; Portlanders’ sense of connection to their waterways; conscientious stewardship of our watersheds, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and financial resources; a diverse, collaborative, healthy, and engaged workforce; leadership among our employees and in our City and community; equity in our workplace, business practices, and service delivery; clear communication and transparency; innovative, sustainable, and resilient solutions.
BES is seeking talented individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds with knowledge, ability, and experience working with a broad range of individuals and communities; and that desire to work collaboratively and creatively to broaden the variety of innovative ways to partner with and serve all Portland communities. To learn more about the work we do at BES, click on the link: www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/
Our BES 10-Year Strategic Plan can be found here: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/75720
This position is represented by Portland Laborers 483 (PCL) collective bargaining agreement.
City of Portland Core Values: Anti-racism | Communication | Collaboration | Equity | Transparency | Fiscal Responsibility
These values guide our actions as we serve the community and engage our workforce. To learn more about the City's core values, please click here .
Why work at the City of Portland?
The City of Portland workforce serves a population of over 650,000. We are culture- and solutions-driven, viewing every challenge as an opportunity to learn, improve, and share our expertise. We are committed to removing systemic barriers to resources, access, and opportunity. The City is a believer in ALL people and continues to actively recruit and retain diverse top talent every day. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, basic life, short- and long-term disability coverage to eligible employees and their families. If you are open-minded, motivated, community-focused, and self-aware, please apply yourself at the City of Portland today.
Work Location
The position works at either the Columbia Blvd. Wastewater Treatment Plant located at 5001 N Columbia Blvd. in Portland, OR, or the Tryon Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant located at 195 Foothills Rd. in Lake Oswego, OR dependent on the annual Wastewater Operator seniority bid results.
To Qualify
Applicants must specifically address and demonstrate in their supplemental question responses and resume/work history how their education, training and/or experience, meets each of the following minimum qualifications 1. Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes including the operation of process control equipment, trouble-shooting techniques, and laboratory procedures.
2. Ability to maintain operational processes and procedures independently in wastewater treatment.
3. Skill in the safe use of tools, power equipment, and specialized process related equipment.
Applicants must also possess:- 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.
The Recruitment Process
An evaluation of each applicant's training and experience, as demonstrated in their résumé or work history and answers to the supplemental questions, weighted 100%.
Do not attach materials not requested. Only candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on the equally ranked eligible list. You have 14 days from the notice of the results to let us know if you disagree with your results. Please read the City of Portland Administrative Rule 3.01 for complete information. Additional evaluation may be required prior to establishment of the eligible list and/or final selection.
** PLEASE NOTE : The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies** This is an open continuous recruitment: Open Continuous recruitments have multiple review periods (outlined below) and can be opened for up to 6 months.
- If you apply and are notified you meet minimum qualifications/placed on the eligible list, please do not reapply . Any applications received after being placed on the eligible list will not be reviewed and will be rejected as a duplicate application.
- If you apply and are notified you do not meet qualifications and the recruitment is still open, you may reapply and update your materials.
Recruitment Timeline: Job Posting closes: 4/1/2024
Applications Reviewed: Ongoing
First Eligible List: week of 2/5/2024 - Subsequent Eligible Lists every 2 weeks or as applicants qualify.
Selection Process Begins: TBD
Job Offer: TBD *Timeline is approximate and subject to change Applicants must submit a professional resume and responses to the supplemental questions online, specifically focused on your qualifications for this position as identified in the "To Qualify" section of this announcement in accordance with the following Application Instructions:
- Your résumé and responses to the supplemental questions will be the basis for our evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Incomplete or inappropriate information may result in disqualification.
- Your responses to the supplemental questions should include details describing your education, training and/or experience, and where obtained which clearly reflects your qualifications for each of the numbered items in the "To Qualify" section of this announcement.
- Your resume should support the details described in your responses to the supplemental questions.
- If you are requesting Veteran's Preference, as identified below, please describe in your responses to the supplemental questions and resume any transferrable skills obtained during your military service and how they relate to each of the required minimum qualifications under the "To Qualify" section above.
- Salary Range/Equity Pay Analysis : Please note per the Oregon State Pay Equity Law your salary is determined based on the experience and education listed in your resume/application. It is strongly encouraged to include any transferable experience (paid or unpaid regardless of how recent) to ensure your offer is reflective of all directly related and equivalent experience.
Please note, all completed applications for this position must be submitted no later than 11:59 pm, on the closing date of this recruitment. All applications must be submitted via the City's online application process. Do not attach materials not requested . E-mailed and/or faxed applications will not be accepted. Additional Information
Work Status: Non-citizen applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.
Veterans' Preference: If you are requesting Veterans' Preference, attach a copy of your DD214/DD215 and/or Veterans Administration letter stating your disability to your profile, as well as checking the box identifying yourself as a Veteran. You must request Veterans' Preference AND include a copy of your documentation for each recruitment to which you apply. Veterans' Preference documentation must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM on the closing date of this recruitment.
ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations: If you identify as a person with a disability, are pregnant or nursing, or observe a religious practice(s), and would like to request a reasonable accommodation when applying for this job, please contact the Recruiter below for assistance.
Language Pay Differential: City of Portland employees who speak one or more languages in addition to English, may be eligible to receive a “language pay differential.” This is compensation for qualifying multilingual City employees who use their language skill to assist the community. More about the language pay differential can be found here.
Equal Employment Opportunity: It is the policy of the City of Portland that no person shall be discriminated against based on race, religion, color, sex, marital status, family status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or source of income. The City values diversity and encourages everyone who is interested in employment with the City to apply.
Did you know? The City of Portland offers How to Apply Classes that are free and review tips and tricks when applying to the City. Follow the link for the most recent list of scheduled dates: How to Apply Classes for City of Portland | Portland.gov
Questions? Terrol Johnson
Senior Recruiter/Veteran Outreach Specialist
Terrol.Johnson @portlandore gon.gov
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action EmployerA Career with the City of Portland offers many Employee BenefitsWe offer a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to
- Health Care (Medical, Vision and Dental)
- Carrot Fertility
- Wellness Benefits
- Life Insurance
- Short- and Long-term disability coverage to eligible employees and their families.
- Employee Assistance Plan
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Retirement
- Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), includingcontributions to the PERS IAP plan paid by employer
- Family Medical Leave
- City Paid Parental Leave
AND SO MANY MORE!Benefits may vary depending on bargaining unit and employment status. Click here to review the many different benefits the City of Portland offers .
Closing Date/Time: 4/29/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
