Wastewater Plant Operator Trainee

#11-14

Position Opens: 08/05/2011

Position Closes: 08/19/2011

The Position

As a member of the Wastewater Treatment Department, you will train in the operation and control of wastewater treatment facilities, equipment, and processes. Promotion to a higher level Wastewater Plant Operator position will take place at the successful completion of the training modules.

Essential Functions

(The essential functions listed below are not intended to reflect all duties that may be assigned to this classification. Clean Water Services (District) may augment duties and/or essential functions at its discretion. Additionally, some incumbents may not perform all Essential Functions.)

Train in the operation of equipment used in the preliminary, primary, secondary, tertiary and solids treatment of wastewater; learn to inspect, clean, adjust, calibrate and monitor equipment and instruments and make minor repairs.
Train in the monitoring and operation of the wastewater treatment process in accordance with permit and process control standards; measure biological and chemical levels and liquid flow; measure inventories of process; troubleshoot and resolve process problems.
Learn to collect liquid and solid waste samples; learn to perform standard and non-standard biological and chemical tests for troubleshooting or research work; record results.
Take readings such as electric, gas, flow recording, temperatures, weather conditions, etc.; download data to record keeping systems.

Expected Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of: basic wastewater principles for advanced wastewater treatment that includes primary, secondary and tertiary treatment with nutrient removal; basic use of and care of plumbing tools; safety practices and accident procedures; standard first aid practices and procedures.

Skill in: identifying and learning to repair mechanical malfunction; keeping records and logs accurately; use of computers; operating mobile equipment such as trucks and fork lifts; use of hand and power tools.

Ability to: understand and follow oral and written instructions; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including coworkers, other District officials, and the public; operate effectively in a team environment; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

The Candidate/Qualifications

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be:

Associate's degree or equivalent level of education in wastewater technology, wastewater engineering, sanitary engineering, environmental engineering, biology, chemistry, microbiology, or related fields.

Certification and Licensure Requirements

Upon selection, all candidates must possess a valid State of Oregon driver's license.

The Organization

Clean Water Services is a water resources management utility for more than 520,000 people in urban Washington County and small portions of Multnomah County, Clackamas County, Lake Oswego, and Portland. Clean Water Services operates four wastewater treatment facilities, constructs and maintains flood management and water quality projects, and manages flow in the Tualatin River to improve water quality and protect fish habitat. Although Clean Water Services maintains a close working relationship with Washington County government, it is a separately managed and financed public utility.

Salary and Benefits

Clean Water Services offers a comprehensive and competitive compensation and benefits program. Compensation for this full-time position is $16.98 to $23.35 per hour ($35,317.00 to $48,560.88 per year). This rate includes a mandatory 6% employee contribution to the Public Employees Retirement System after six months of employment. Clean Water Services offers a selection of paid medical plans, dental, vision and life insurance. Vacation, sick leave and personal holidays are also provided. Clean Water Services supports ongoing training through a tuition reimbursement program. Any offer of employment will be conditioned on the successful completion of a medical evaluation, drug/alcohol screen, and a criminal background check.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can apply in two ways outlined below. The application deadline is Friday, August 19, 2011. Please reference job #11-14.

Online. Visit cleanwaterservices.org and click the "Apply Now" link at the bottom of this page, or adjacent to the job listing on the Job Openings page. You will transferred to a secure application submission page. Online applications must be received by 8:00 a.m. on the Monday following the job closing date.
US mail submissions must be postmarked by the closing date. Send to:

Clean Water Services
Attn: Human Resources Division
2550 SW Hillsboro Hwy
Hillsboro, OR 97123

Download job application (PDF, 57KB)

Clean Water Services is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Applicants who need reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any phase of the application process should call the Human Resources Division at (503) 681-3600 or TDD at (503) 681-3601.

Apply Now