Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I, II, III - City of Newport

Salary Range: $4,306 to $6,986 Monthly

The City of Newport is seeking a professional and hard-working individual to fill the position of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator. Under the supervision of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor, the Plant Operator position in the Wastewater Treatment Division primarily ensures that wastewater effluent standards are met through the operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant and pump stations. The Wastewater Treatment Division is part of the Public Works Department.

Placement in the job classification and salary range will be based on the knowledge, skills, abilities, training, education, experience, and certifications of the person hired.

Distinguishing Career Features: The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator is a three-tiered career ladder encompassing increasingly higher levels of knowledge, skill, experience and responsibility. The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I is designed as an introductory position for candidates with limited experience or breadth of skill. Incumbents are expected to expand their skills to advance to Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II which requires greater breadth of skill and experience. The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III requires more direct subject matter knowledge, experience, and performing at an expert skill level. A sign-on bonus of $5,000 will be paid after a full three months of employment, subject to signing a repayment agreement. Repayment of 100% of the bonus if resignation occurs within the first year of employment, and 50% repayment of the bonus if resignation occurs within the first two years of employment.

Qualifications: Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the duties as described. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be:
Plant Operator I
• High School Diploma or equivalent, and
• Associates Degree in Wastewater Treatment or related field or equivalent combination of experience and education
• Minimum I-year experience in related field
• Oregon Wastewater Treatment Level I certification within 18 months of hire
Plant Operator Il
• Educational and experience requirements of Plant Operator I position and the following:
• Minimum 4 years' experience as a Plant Operator II in wastewater treatment. (7 years' total experience)
• Oregon Wastewater Treatment Level Il certification
• 2 CEU or equivalent classroom hours in wastewater collections and/or treatment operation and/or maintenance within the last 2 years
Plant Operator Ill
• Educational and Experience requirements of Plant Operator Il position and the following:
• 4 years' experience as a Plant Operator Il (7 years' total experience)
• 1. Credit for up to 2 years of experience for equivalent time of education at college, trade or technical school in related subject.
• +2 CEU or equivalent classroom hours in wastewater collections and/or treatment operation and/or maintenance within the last 2 years
• Oregon Wastewater Treatment Level Ill certification

KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of general principles in wastewater treatment. Knowledge of occupational hazard and effective/proper safety standards, practices and procedures related to equipment operation, heavy labor, and the use of hand and power tools and equipment. Familiarity with the operations, materials, methods, techniques, and the Federal and State guidelines used in wastewater collections and treatment. Knowledge of field installation of underground utilities; construction; and maintenance and repair of heavy equipment. Demonstrated knowledge of personal protective equipment (PPE) application, use, and care.

SKILLS: Skill in the use of personal computers, various related software programs, standard office equipment, heavy equipment, and hand and power tools. Proficiency in routine vehicle maintenance, service, and refueling. Proficiency in identifying and working with and around utility locates (call in, identify markings). Understanding and proficiency of radio communication protocol. Strong time management, analytical, organization, and
prioritization skills. Customer Service orientation and skills. Exceptional interpersonal skills, strong oral and written communications skills with a variety of audiences; ability to communicate complex material in a simple, understandable manner; Strong reasoning, analysis, and problem solving skills combined with excellent judgment and professionalism.

ABILITIES: Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with City management, employees, Council members, other entities, and the general public. Ability to write work reports and maintain records and logs; read and interpret technical manuals, work orders, blueprints, diagrams, and sketches; Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals and groups. Ability to operate heavy equipment and hand/power tools used in public works operations. Physical ability to perform the essential job functions. Computer and SCADA proficiency. Consistent availability and response to after-hours emergency call-back

Special Requirements/Licenses:
• Possession of a valid Oregon driver’s license at time of hire.
• Possession of a valid Oregon Commercial Class A Driver’s License (CDL) with N endorsement within 6 months of hire.
• Forklift training within six months of hire.
• First Aid/CPR within six months of hire.
• Competent Person training within 6 months of hire.
• Confined Space training within 6 months of hire.
• Work Zone Traffic Control (flagger) training within 6 months of hire.
• Work Zone Traffic Control (flagger) training within 6 months of hire.
• Lock-Out – Tag-Out training within 6 months of hire.
• Occupational Noise Exposure training at time of hire.
• Other certifications as required by position classification.

All applications for this position must be submitted via our online application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofnewport