Lead Wastewater Plant Operator

Interested applicants, please submit resume and cover letter via our website (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). - 6 month probationary rate $33.44 - regular rate $35.19

MUST obtain a Grade V WW License within 2 years of hire

Perform monitoring, maintenance and operational tasks necessary for the safe and efficient operation of processes associated with each of the Portland Water Districts wastewater treatment plants and pumping stations. Provide Control Center function and provide off‑hours support as first level of emergency contact for PWD customers, PWD employees, municipalities, fire & police departments, government agencies, and public utilities.

Reports to:

Chief Plant/Systems Operator or Plant/Systems Foreperson

Direct Reports:
None

Daily contacts with contractors, suppliers, internal employees, customers and the public.

Operate each of the Portland Water District’s wastewater treatment facilities. Provide leadership and management to maintenance personnel in emergency equipment repair and preventive maintenance projects. Required to make wastewater treatment and pumping process modifications to address changing conditions which impact pumping and treatment system performance, safety, and regulatory compliance issues. Operator is required to make independent decisions, as appropriate, during non‑business hours for emergency response pertaining to all District assets.

Position functions largely without direct supervision in eight‑hours and/or twelve‑hour shift rotations, sometimes in combination within the same work week. Position may serve 24/7 on‑call duty, which may require independent emergency response action to issues that may impact treatment and pumping system performance.

• Perform operational tasks at each of the District’s wastewater treatment facilities and pumping stations that are required to maintain the quality of WW Treatment Services provided to District customers. Tasks include:
  • Monitor system and treatment process performance and implement required process modifications.
  • Maintain the quality of treated effluent to conform to the water quality parameters and regulations established by State and Federal agencies.
  • Monitor, interpret, record and archive data from treatment plant and pump station process control computers and instrumentation.
  • Perform testing, calibrations, maintenance and emergency repairs on operational equipment.
  • Monitor, operate and respond to treatment plant and pumping station security system alarms.
  • Provide periodic notification to the District’s industrial customers concerning changes in treatment processes, which impact industrial production processes.
  • Coordinate activities of Operators on shift and at each of the District’s treatment plants, as required.
• Transport, maintain, dispose, modify, and monitor chemical (some hazardous) dosages and inventories in accordance with the most recent O.S.H.A. and EPA regulations.
• Collect wastewater process samples and perform laboratory procedures to measure required wastewater permit quality criteria and operational parameters.
• Perform periodic operational maintenance checks (PM’s) at wastewater treatment facilities and pump stations.
• Manage assigned projects to bring about timely and cost effective completion.
• Take initiative to meet or exceed quality standards; take initiative to complete special projects and developmental goals as committed to in the performance management process; including training goals.
• Research and assist in the creation of procedures and guidelines for optimizing operational and emergency response activities and tasks.
• Maintain accurate records of daily tasks, treatment data, equipment operation and maintenance.
• Perform structural maintenance and custodial duties at each of the District’s treatment facilities and other systems’ sites, including snow removal as required.
• Ability to perform in a rotating shift schedule and perform 24‑hour standby coverage, as required to maintain uninterrupted wastewater treatment process oversight.
• Provide security surveillance and emergency response support for all wastewater facilities.
• Con…