Water Treatment Certified Operator

Water Treatment Certified Operator - Multiple Positions Available

City of The Dalles

First review of applications:
June 30, 2026

Compensation: $60,113.40–$84,524.25, based on experience, skills, and certification level

Department: Public Works – Wicks Water Treatment Plant

Status: Full-time, union‑eligible

We are hiring multiple Water Treatment Operators! This recruitment may be used to fill current and future vacancies.

• Competitive pay
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• FSA and HRA-VEBA options
• Long‑term disability, AD&D, and EAP benefits
• City‑funded retirement contributions after one year (13.5%)
• Paid training and certification support

Water Quality & Laboratory

• Perform standard lab tests, calculations, and data documentation.

Operations & Maintenance

• Operate, monitor, and maintain plant equipment and chemical feed systems.
• Complete inspections, adjustments, cleaning, and preventive maintenance.

Facilities & Safety

• Maintain facility and grounds, including supply and chemical inventory.
• Follow all safety requirements, including respirator standards.
• Operate City vehicles and equipment, including in hazardous weather.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

This position splits time between office tasks and outdoor work at the Wicks Water Treatment Plant throughout all seasons. The City provides all required personal protective equipment. The plant operates 24/7, and scheduling includes a mix of 8‑ and 12‑hour shifts, which may fall on holidays or weekends. Although the role is not on‑call, overtime may be required or offered depending on staffing needs.

Skills & Abilities

• Work independently and use sound judgment in plant and field operations.
• Communicate clearly, document accurately, and follow SOPs.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for equipment, processes, and water quality.
• Demonstrate strong problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills related to equipment, processes, and water quality issues.

Technical Knowledge

• Applied algebra for hydraulic calculations, chemical dosing, flow data, and lab results.
• Understanding of water chemistry, wet chemistry testing, colorimetric and spectrophotometric methods.
• Experience with routine operation, calibration, and maintenance of lab and field instruments, including QA/QC.
• Familiarity with pumps, valves, meters, chemical feed systems, and basic mechanical/hydraulic systems.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets for data entry, tracking, and reporting.

Regulatory & Safety Requirements

• Knowledge of state and federal water treatment regulations.
• Ability to meet OSHA respirator requirements.
• Ability to safely climb stairs/ladders and lift up to 80 pounds.

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• At least one (1) year of experience in operational decision‑making, water operations, laboratory testing, wastewater services, water system maintenance, or related field.
• At least one (1) year of experience using Microsoft Excel or other spreadsheet‑based software for data entry, analysis, or reporting.
• At least one (1) year of experience producing clear written and verbal communication in a workplace or organizational setting and following written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across departments.

• Written and/or oral Spanish language proficiency.
• Two (2) years of experience working as a Water Treatment Operator or in a closely related water treatment role.
• Associate degree in math, science, chemistry, or a related field-or equivalent coursework in Water Treatment Technology, Chemistry, Biology, or environmental fields.
• Oregon Level I Water Treatment certification.
• Oregon Level II, III, or IV Water Treatment Operator certification, or reciprocal equivalents.
• Additional training in mechanical operations and maintenance of pumps and other equipment used in water treatment.

• Valid Driver's License.
• Must obtain Oregon Class I Water Treatment Operator certification within eighteen (18) months of hire.
• Must obtain Oregon Class II Water Treatment Operator certification within thirty‑seven (37) months of hire.

The City of The Dalles is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Veterans and Spanish‑speaking candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification documentation upon hire. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.