Public Works Water Treatment Operator I​/II

Job Overview

The City of Salem Public Works Department is seeking to fill the role of Water Treatment Plant Operator at the Geren Island Water Treatment Plant.

The Water Treatment Plant Operator is responsible for achieving water quality goals to ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and codes. This position also operates, maintains, and monitors mechanical, chemical, instrumentation, slow sand filters, and process control systems. Additionally, this position will work on routine laboratory water analysis and sampling of wells, reservoirs, and water sources.

Effective July 1, 2026, a cost of living adjustment (COLA) of four percent (4%) will be applied to each step in the wage scale.

• Water Treatment Plant Operator 1:
  Oregon Water Treatment Plant Operator Certification Level 1 or reciprocity. $31.21 – $37.97 Hourly
• Water Treatment Plant Operator 2:
  Oregon Water Treatment Plant Operator Certification Level 2 or reciprocity. $35.19 – $42.81 Hourly
• Water Treatment Plant Operator
  :
  Oregon Water Treatment Plant Operator Certification Level 3 or reciprocity. $36.58 – $44.51 Hourly
• Candidates with out‑of‑state licenses will be required to obtain Oregon certification within six months of hire.

• High school graduate or GED; and demonstrated work experience at a wastewater or water treatment plant and/or education as defined by operator certification level.
• Must pass the pre‑employment background check.
• Must have an Oregon Driver license and meet the City of Salem's driving standards.

• One year of experience in water plant operations or education in water environmental technology program.
• Level I Water Treatment Operator Certification, with the ability to acquire Level II certification within one year from date of hire or within the timelines of the state certification requirements. Candidates with out‑of‑state licenses will be required to obtain Oregon certification within six months of hire.
• Associate degree in water treatment, technology, biology, microbiology, bacteriology, chemistry or hydraulics preferred.

• Three years or more of experience in water plant operations including some experience in plant operational decision‑making, or two years of experience and one year of post high school education sufficient to have met the requirements for the OHA Level II Operator certification.
• Level II Water Treatment Operator Certification, with the ability to acquire Level III within one year from date of hire or within the timelines of the state certification requirements. Candidates with out of state licenses will be required to obtain Oregon certification within six months of hire.
• Associate degree in water treatment, technology, biology, microbiology, bacteriology, chemistry or hydraulics preferred.

• Completion of an Associates degree in water treatment technology, biology, microbiology, bacteriology, chemistry or hydraulics, and three years experience in water plant operation; experience must including a year and a half of plant operational decision making; or any combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the class.
• Possession of a valid Oregon Water Treatment Plant Operator Certification Level 3 or can gain through reciprocity.
• Possession of a higher level of Oregon Water Treatment Plant Operator certificate may be required within one year of appointment.

More information about Oregon Health Authority Water System Operator Certification is available at:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies.
• Competitive pay.
• Employer‑paid PERS contribution of 6%.
• Opportunity for voluntary pre‑tax contributions to a 457b account.
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Voluntary long‑term care.
• Employee wellness program.
• Employee assistance program.
• Employee health clinic.
• Position schedule:
  Sunday through Wednesday 7:00 am to 5:30 pm, or 12:30 pm to 11:00 pm, or Wednesday through Saturday, 7:00 am to 5:30 pm, or 12:30 pm to 11:00 pm.
• The City of Salem offers a comprehensive and equitable base salary within the listed range based on your experience, skills, and education. We encourage you to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials.

The City of Salem is an equal opportunity employer. The City of Salem invites individuals of all diverse communities and backgrounds to apply for our available job opportunities as we strive to provide the best service to everyone.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT AN IMPLIED CONTRACT AND MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.