Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator 2 or 3

Non‑Union Position – Regular FT, Non‑Exempt
WTR‑Operations Water Services‑Hiland 2;
Newberg, Oregon (US‑OR)
Posting # 5532

About Us: NW Natural Water owns and operates water and wastewater utilities in communities throughout Texas, Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Since 2018, we have acquired more than 30 utilities and today serve more than 190,000 people via 76,000 connections. Our parent company, NW Natural Holding Company, operates through NW Natural Gas Company, SiEnergy, NW Natural Water, NW Natural Renewables, and other interests, serving a combined population of over 2.6 million people.

• Primary territory will be the Mt. Hood to Portland region.
• Experienced Level II operators who can achieve Level III certification within 24 months are encouraged to apply.

Performs journeyman‑level operational tasks in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plant equipment and processes at various locations. Oversee collection system operation, inspection, and repair. This is a staff leadership position working under the direction of the Wastewater Operations Manager.

• Maintain and operate plant equipment and processes related to wastewater treatment systems, prioritizing activities across different facilities.
• Inspect and maintain equipment and components in line with all quality standards, safety regulations, and procedures.
• Perform maintenance of mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical equipment, reading blueprints, mechanical drawings, designs, schematics, and sketches.
• Oversee operation of assigned treatment facility to meet all required local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to potable water or sanitary wastewater treatment.
• Understand and apply treatment chemical protocols, including chemical feed adjustments and handling of sulfuric acid, caustic soda, and chlorine.
• Sample and analyze influents/effluents and permeate to detect quality variations, interpret results, and adjust processes accordingly.
• Use standard testing procedures to identify problems and necessary adjustments.
• Cleans and maintains plant work areas, tools, and equipment, collecting samples as directed.
• Coach junior‑level technicians in resolving operational problems.
• Demonstrate courteous and cooperative behavior with the public, promoting company goals and values.
• Maintain confidentiality of work‑related issues and company information, performing other duties as required.

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent and three years of work experience in the water or wastewater treatment field.

Knowledge of:

• Utility policies and procedures.
• Tools and equipment used in water or wastewater treatment plants.
• State and federal water regulation laws.
• Advanced treatment processes such as S , M , and conventional clarifier systems.
• Computerized systems in treatment facilities (SCADA).
• Collection system management and maintenance—manhole and pipeline inspections, lift stations, emergency response.
• Laboratory practices (BOD, DO, pH, jar test, CL2 residual, turbidity, COD, color, TSS, TDS, coliforms).
• Chemical, physical, and biological processes in activated sludge.
• Mechanical and electrical troubleshooting.
• Data integrity and ethics for regulatory reporting.
• OSHA guidelines for lockout/tagout and confined space entry.
• Microsoft Windows Office products.

Skill in:

• Using and maintaining tools and equipment for maintenance and repair.
• Determining processing requirements; sampling and identifying problems to ensure efficient plant operation.
• Performing calculations and drawing logical conclusions.
• Making routine operating adjustments and equipment repairs.
• Following safe work practices and written instructions.
• Inspecting and monitoring machinery to verify compliance.
• Building cooperative relationships with coworkers.
• Operating personal computers and specialized software.
• Communicating effectively, verbally and in writing.

• Valid OR/WA driver’s license (must obtain a valid Oregon/Washington license within 90 days if currently licensed elsewhere).
• Must possess a Grade II…