Water Treatment Plant Operator

Position Summary

The Water Treatment Plant Operator performs duties in alignment with requirements set forth by the Oregon Health Department and Environmental Protection Agency to protect public health and the environment through effective operation of the Water Treatment Plants. Responsibilities include maintaining plant operability, monitoring treatment process efficiency, ensuring water quality, and protecting the investment made in the infrastructure by being responsive to customer concerns and/or system failures. These tasks are illustrative only and may include other related duties.

Full-time 40 hours per week

AFSCME represented

12-month probationary period

Must meet all qualifications and requirements as listed in theposition description.

Essential Functions

Monitors and controls plant operation and treatment processes in a manner that maximizes treatment efficiency.

Meets State regulations and completes plant operation shift duties, including Direct Responsible Charge duties, per rotation requirements. Coordinates and monitors day to day shift activities including making complex process control changes. Maintains personnel schedules and duty coverage.

Incumbent may be assigned primary responsibility for Rock Creek Plant operation and maintenance, and watershed management. Patrols watershed property for fire hazards, illegal activities, and road accessibility.

Monitors construction projects. Maintains water intake screens; inspects and maintains reservoir and related piping. Many plant operations are manually controlled with high degree of human manipulation of the treatment process.

Works closely with another plant operator and/or alone. Resides on-site with 24/7 responsibilities.

Responds to customer service questions and concerns including residential, industrial and commercial sites. Provides information to the public through tours, one-on-one interactions, and presentations. Performs site visits to residential properties as needed to troubleshoot complaints or concerns.

Responds to plant and off-site facility alarms or call-outs as needed to ensure continuous operation and regulatory compliance. Responds to emergency calls, including after hours response within required timeframe. Position may involve working overtime as needed.

Develops Excel spreadsheets and graphs, and written information utilizing computer software for use in plant operations and system process control.

Files hand written and computer data records and reports consistent with local, County, State and Federal requirements.

Performs preventive maintenance and routine modifications and repairs on plant equipment, buildings, and grounds. Assists with major maintenance and coordinates associated efforts with other work groups and contractors. Troubleshoots mechanical and electrical problems as they arise.

Participates in short and long range planning regarding daily activities, process control, maintenance, safety, plant modifications and water quality. Identifies and assists in addressing plant and system needs.

Recommends and implements new projects and programs. Coordinates activities and communications with other operators and work groups.

Estimates quantities and costs of chemicals and supplies needed for plant operations. Assists in budget preparation process.

Develops and implements water treatment sludge disposal program consistent with regulatory requirements. Responds to water contamination problems.

Performs treatment process control laboratory testing and analysis and resolves problems.

Assists administrative staff and performs other related duties. Serves on internal committees when required.

Performs as a member of a team, assisting with development of work group goals and objectives, and contributing to the achievement of goals and objectives.

Conforms with all safety rules and performs work is a safe manner.

Delivers excellent customer service to diverse audiences. Responds to customer service requests, questions and complaints. Maintains a positive customer service demeanor and delivers service in a respectful and patient manner.

Maintains effective work relationships.

Acts ethically and honestly; applies ethical standards of behavior to daily work activities and interactions. Builds confidence in the City through own actions.

Arrives to work, meetings, and other work-related functions on time and maintains regular job attendance.

Complies with all Administrative Policies. Performs work in accordance with Council Policies and Municipal Code sections applicable to position.

Operates and drives vehicles and/or equipment safely and legally.

Qualifications and Skills

Education and Experience

High school diploma, or equivalent. Associates Degree in Water Technology preferred.

Three years of experience in the operation of a conventional water treatment plant.

Specialized training in water treatment that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the position, and meets the requirements to obtain the required Oregon Water Operator certifications required for this position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to use SCADA and DCS systems to monitor and operate plant and off-site facilities.

Knowledge and understanding of work-related safety practices, OSHA and environmental rules and regulations, particularly in regards to work in confined space and/or hazardous conditions.

Knowledge and understanding of water treatment technical processes, procedures, and operations, as well as local, County, State, and federal regulatory requirements. Ability to use sound judgment, with minimal supervision, in applying this knowledge to immediate/emergency situations and in prioritizing ongoing responsibilities.

Ability to plan and/or lead shift activities, operate the plant independently, develop procedures, and implement new programs.

Effective communication, analytical, customer service and interpersonal skills.

Capable of advanced decision making regarding assessment of immediate situations, available options, and selection of appropriate methods and procedures, material availability and ordering, equipment utilization and response to customer issues.

Ability to work varying shifts, dependent on plant flow, customer demand and time of year.

Ability to get along well with co-workers.

Ability to use a computer to perform essential functions of the position.

Thorough knowledge of traffic laws and defensive driving.

Special Requirements

Oregon Water Operator Grade Level II certification with a filtration endorsement. Oregon Water Operator Grade Level III certification within one (1) year of appointment.

Oregon Water Operator Grade Level IV certification within five (5) years of appointment.

First Aid and CPR certification, Confined Space Entry, and Forklift Operation or the ability to obtain within one (1) year of appointment.

Possession of and the ability to maintain a valid Oregon Drivers License. Oregon Class A commercial driver's license with air brake and tank endorsement preferred.

Incumbents assigned the primary responsibility to the Taylor Water Treatment Plant must be able to respond within 60 minutes or less to the Taylor Water Treatment Plant for after-hours calls or emergencies prior to the end of probationary period.

Incumbents assigned the primary responsibility to the Rock Creek Plant as their regular duty station are required to live in a City provided residence in the watershed.

Demonstrable commitment to sustainability.

Demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing equity, diversity and inclusion.

The individual shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others in the workplace.

Ability to pass a pre-employment background, criminal history check, drug screen and/or Medical/Physical Exam.

How to Apply

Qualified applicants must submit an online application located on the

City of Corvallis website (click on "Apply" above).

Position is open until filled with first review of applications on March 28, 2024 after 5pm.

Applicantsare encouraged toinclude acover letter and resume with the online application; however,resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed online application. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted/considered.

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer in Compliance with ADA.