Wastewater Operator

The City of McMinnville is recruiting for a Wastewater Operator position and will consider candidates at multiple levels depending on their qualifications and experience. This recruitment may be used to fill an Operator Trainee, Operator I, or Operator II role. All positions support the operation and maintenance of the City’s Class IV Water Reclamation Facility and associated pump stations, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations and meeting strict effluent standards under the facility’s NPDES permit. Each role plays a critical part in protecting public health, environmental quality, and the overall safety of the community..

Applicants will be considered for placement at the level that best matches their individual qualifications, certifications, and experience. Candidates who do not currently hold the required Operator I or Operator II certifications will be hired as an Operator Trainee. Employees hired at the Trainee level will participate in a structured training program and will be eligible for promotion to Operator I after 12 months upon successfully passing the Operator I certification exam through DEQ.

Please submit your application by Sunday, April 26th.

Wastewater Trainee:

1. Trains in the performance of Water Reclamation Facility and pump station inspections to ensure proper equipment operation, working conditions, and cleanliness per established requirements.
2. Reads instruments and records data, adjusts monitoring instruments, gauges, and other equipment.
3. Trains in the interpretation of process control laboratory data and learns how to adjust equipment to meet targets set by the process control guidelines.
4. Trains in the collection of samples and learns how to conduct process control testing.

1. Trains in performing preventative maintenance and assisting mechanics in repairs.
2. Performs landscaping needs at pump stations and at the treatment facility.

1. Participates in and makes recommendations at weekly operations meetings.
2. Follows all safety rules and procedures for Wastewater Services and City-wide safety.
3. Participates as a member of the operations/maintenance team to assess conditions, solve problems, and make team decisions.
4. Carry pager for on call response after required training.

• Performs Water Reclamation Facility and pump station inspections to ensure proper equipment operation, working conditions, and cleanliness per established requirements.
• Reads instruments and records data, and adjusts monitoring instruments, gauges, and other equipment.
• Assists the Operator II in monitoring and controlling plant processes, including the biological and chemical nutrient removal system.
• Assists in interpreting process control laboratory data and adjuststomeet targets set by the process control guidelines.
• Participates in and makes recommendations at weekly operations meetings.
• Enters, retrieves ,and manipulates data from computer and creates graphs, charts and spread sheets for complex problem analysis.
• Uses SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System) control system to operate, troubleshoot, and control treatment plant and pump station processes, and provide trending information.
• Adjusts instrumentation and calibration of sensors to control chemical flow and bio-solid and manages extreme hydraulic fluctuations.
• Assists with collecting samples and learn show to conduct process controltesting.
• Assists with corrective action responses to spills of chemicals, polymers, and bio-solids within work area and assists with strategic responses to emergencies for continued equipment functioning.
• Performs preventive/corrective minor maintenance on equipment at the Water Reclamation Facility and pump stations.
• Follows all safety rules and procedures for Wastewater Services and City-wide safety.
• Participates as member of the operation and maintenance team to assess conditions, solve problems, and make team decisions.

• Performs inspections of the Water Reclamation Facility and pump stations to ensure proper equipment operation, working conditions, and cleanliness per established requirements.
• Reads instruments and records data, and adjusts monitoring instruments, gauges, and other equipment.
• Monitors and controls plant processes, including the biological and chemical nutrient removal system.
• Interprets process control laboratory data and adjusts to meet targets set by the process control guidelines. Participates and makes recommendations at weekly operations meetings.
• Enters, retrieves, and manipulates data from computer; uses SCADA(Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System) control system to operate, troubleshoot, and control treatment plant and pump station processes.
• Provides trending information; and creates graphs, charts, and spreadsheets for complex problem analysis.
• Establishes and maintains logs and records as required by laws, regulations, and procedures.
• Adjusts instrumentation and calibration of sensors to control systems such as chemical feed systems, biosolids systems, secondary process systems, wetwell levels, and manages extreme hydraulic fluctuations.
• Collects samples and conducts process control testing. Perform basic laboratory technician duties for permit lab on weekends and holidays.
• Takes appropriate corrective action in response to spills of chemicals, polymers, and biosolids within work area as needed; and responds to emergencies by taking corrective steps.
• Follows all safety rules and procedures for Wastewater Services and City-wide safety.

• Performs preventive/corrective minor maintenance on equipment at the Water Reclamation Facility and pump stations. Uses independent judgment in response to equipment malfunctions, potential permit violations, and anticipated action required in response to storm events.
• Create and update standard operating procedures (SOP) and Operational Strategies manual.
• Participates as member of the operation and maintenance team to assess conditions, solve problems, and make team decisions.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, other agencies, and the public.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the classification.
• Participate in committees when requested.
• Maintain proficiency in job requirements which may include attending training and meetings, reading materials, and meeting with others in areas of responsibility, which may require travel.
• Maintain work areas in a clean and orderly manner.
• Maintain confidentiality, data integrity, and comply with all related city, state, and federal standards related to confidentiality.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Operator Trainee:Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the duties as described. A typical way to qualify would be a high school diploma or GED and up to six (6) months of related experience. This position also requires:

Operator I:Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the duties as described. This position also requires possession of an Oregon DEQ Treatment Operator I Certification at time of hire, or the ability to transfer an equivalent certification from another state through reciprocity. This position also requires:

Operator II:Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the duties as described. This position also requires possession of an Oregon DEQ Treatment Operator II Certification at time of hire, or the ability to transfer an equivalent certification from another state through reciprocity. This position also requires:

KNOWLEDGE OF:
• Principles, methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in tertiary and secondary clarification
• Biological and chemical nutrient removal systems
• Flow rate control and wasting strategies
• Principles of biology, chemistry, and mathematics
• Methods used for sample collection and preservation
• Process control laboratory tests
• First aid practices and procedures
• Occupational hazards and safety precautions related to Water Reclamation Facility operations and maintenance

SKILL AND ABILITY TO:
• Use tools necessary to perform repairs, conduct tests, read and calibrate instruments, maintain records, and prepare reports
• Work in confined spaces
• Demonstrate traits aligned with the City’s culture, including integrity, customer service orientation, cultural competency, trustworthiness, flexibility, and adaptability
• Pass a pre-employment physical exam in accordance with job duties

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OR LICENSES:

• Valid Oregon driver’s license with acceptable driving record
• Pass Operations I exam within eighteen (18) months of hire
• Must reside within 30 minutes of the treatment facility within eight (8) months of hire for on-call response

• Valid Oregon driver’s license with acceptable driving record
• Oregon DEQ Treatment Operator I Certification at time of hire (or eligible for reciprocity)
• Must reside within 30 minutes of the treatment facility within eight (8) months of hire for on-call response
• Confined Space Training
• First Aid/CPR Certification

• Valid Oregon driver’s license with acceptable driving record
• Oregon DEQ Treatment Operator II Certification at time of hire (or eligible for reciprocity)
• Must reside within 30 minutes of the treatment facility within eight (8) months of hire for on-call response
• Confined Space Training
• First Aid/CPR Certification

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The position requires minimal (20-40%) ability to use dexterity and fine motor skills. Occasional (21-50% of the time) use of office equipment. The position requires moderate (40-60%) physical effort such as lifting, carrying, or movement, etc. Movements required to complete work require high degree of speed, agility, hand eye coordination and equipment operation. The work environment is usually well-protected, with minimal hazards or obstacles (5-20%). There is little or minimal element of personal risk or hazard. Job conditions are usually comfortable, with minimal (5-20%) issues of confinement, temperature change, incident of noise, or interactions of a disagreeable nature, inside/outside work, dirty conditions, exposure to contagious disease, etc. Position may have minimal responsibility for driving. Position has minimal responsibility for driving.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervision of others is not a typical function assigned to this position. May provide training and orientation to newly assigned personnel and may assign work to other workers.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the general direction of the Wastewater Services Supervisor with general direction from the Senior Wastewater Operator and Senior Mechanic.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Finalists for this position will be subject to a pre-employment physical exam in accordance with the posted job duties.
• Required documents must be provided at the time of application. Please remove any personal information such as photographs, date of birth, gender, social security number, and other protected information from your documents. Documents containing protected information will be considered incomplete. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Finalists for this position will be subject to a computerized criminal history check, driving record check (if required for position), and education and certification verification. Adverse background information will be reviewed and could result in withdrawal of a conditional job offer or termination of employment.
• The City of McMinnville does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States.
• Positions are subject to budget consideration and approval. For the candidate who is hired into this position, salary placement will be based on guidelines in the handbook or association agreement (as applicable) to assess education and experience. For this reason, please be sure to include everything in your application that you want considered towards placement.

The City of McMinnville only accepts applications through our online application system athttps://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Mcminnville. We want you to be successful in applying with us. We highly encourage you to complete and submit your application in advance of the deadline. For technical assistance, please call (855) 524-5627.

The City of McMinnville is an equal opportunity employer.

Applicants with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation (e.g., assistive listening devices)

to participate in the recruitment and/or selection process should contact Vicki Hedges, Human Resources Director.

The City of McMinnville is proud to hire veterans.

Applicants are eligible to use Veteran's Preference in accordance with ORS 408.225, 408.230 and 408.235; and OAR 105-040-0010 and 105-040-0015. Military personnel who expect to be honorably discharged from the military within 120 days of certifying veteran status on this job application, may also request preference. Preference will only be given if the applicant meets the minimum qualifications and any special qualifications for the position and they electronically attach the required documentation at the time of application.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:

• MEMBER COPY 4 of the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214 or 215) – OR – Letter from the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs indicating a non-service connected pension. If you need to request a copy of your DD-214, click here.
• Disabled Veterans must also submit a copy of their Veterans disability preference letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

For information regarding Veteran's Preference qualifications, visit the following website: https://www.oregon.gov/boli/workers/Pages/veterans-preference.aspx

The City of McMinnville prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at the City of McMinnville are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, age, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, ability, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state and federal law. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.