Wastewater Operator II – Continuous

Job Appointment

Full-Time

Mon-Fri. 7:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. for the duration of the training. The work schedule is based on seniority bids.

5001 N Columbia Blvd, Portland, OR 97203

Please check our benefits tab for an overview of benefits for this position.

Portland City Laborers 483 (PCL). To view labor agreements, current and future, please  (URL).

Please click APPLY to submit your application via the City of Portland’s online portal. You will need to attach a resume and answer supplemental questions.

The Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) is seeking a qualified Wastewater Operator II to join our dynamic team of highly qualified people to perform journey-level work in the operation and routine maintenance of a large, activated sludge, wastewater treatment plant.

The Wastewater Operator II maintains established water quality standards through the effective operation of all equipment involved in the treatment process including operating, monitoring and controlling a vast network of pumps, conveyors, air and chemical systems; makes operational decisions including pumping rates and dosage adjustments, while working in one of six work units, which provide 24-hour coverage 7 days per week.

The Wastewater Operator II maintains accurate records, performs standard laboratory tests and identifies equipment failures and maintenance needs.

This position requires shift work and assignments, including days off, which are based on accrued seniority within a represented workforce.

• Ensures proper operation and control of assigned process area; operates equipment of the wastewater treatment plant such as pumps, bar screens, clarifiers, boilers, digesters, sludge pumps, blowers, aerators, disinfection/dechlorination systems, control panels, sludge thickening and sludge de‑watering equipment; monitors equipment controls and takes corrective action to ensure effective equipment operation.
• Operates, monitors, and controls a vast network of pumps, bar screens, conveyors, grit, air, and chemical systems. Makes operational decisions, including pumping rates and dosage adjustments, and whether to bring equipment online or take it offline.
• Troubleshoot equipment failures and identified maintenance needs with the use of a CMMS. Coordinates maintenance and repairs with other work groups.
• Operates, monitors, and controls primary and secondary digesters, classifiers, and transfer pumps, including gas boilers.
• Operates and monitors plant processes using a SCADA network, which includes remote monitoring and communication, as well as communications with and between the Tryon Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, the City of Portland’s collection system, headworks, secondary and influent flows, peak‑flow gates, off‑site dechlorination facility, sewage pumps, aeration basins, and aeration blowers; and provides constant monitoring of disinfection dosing and oxygen levels.
• Operates, monitors, controls, and adjusts dewatering and thickening equipment; performs lab tests on biosolids and makes adjustments for efficient output and chemical polymer use; keeps and maintains accurate records of process and lab results to ensure sample protocol and regulatory requirements.
• Operates, monitors, controls, and determines flow rates and process strategies; performs mixed liquor and total suspended solids content tests and monitors temperatures, pH levels, and aeration needs of the system.
• Operates, monitors, controls, and adjusts digester feed pump station, diesel dredges, and an internal recycle pump station; oversees lagoon system, including ground and dredge maintenance.
• Responds to and handles emergencies; provides essential services for treatment plant weather‑related or other emergencies. This could include overtime to accomplish work, which at times, may be mandatory/compulsory.
• Communicates professionally and effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Operator II
: is the experienced/journey level class in the series, fully competent to independently perform duties of…