Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator 1, 2, Operator in Training

This recruitment is open to multiple classifications including Operator II, Operator I, and Operator-In-Training (OIT). For OIT candidates, Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I certification must be obtained within 15 months of employment.

About the role

Willow Lake is the primary treatment facility for the City with a dry weather secondary treatment capacity of 65 mgd, a wet weather secondary treatment capacity of 105 mgd, and a peak wet weather capacity of 155 mgd. It can be operated in trickling filter/activated sludge, conventional air activated sludge, and in a combination of both processes plus selective treatment based on flow and load fluctuations.

The River Road Peak Wet Weather Treatment Facility is a high rate, physical chemical ballasted flocculation facility with ultra-violet disinfection. This facility is operated only when flows at the Willow Lake Facility are above 95 mgd. Operation of this remote facility is permitted for use to prevent sanitary sewer overflows associated with wet weather.

The City's treatment facilities serve a population of 256,000 within a three-city area. The facility staff of 53 employees provide Operations, Maintenance, Laboratory, Biosolids, and Administrative Services for both facilities.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain wastewater treatment processes at Willow Lake and River Road facilities.
• Monitor and adjust treatment processes based on flow and load fluctuations.
• Operate remote facilities during peak wet weather conditions to prevent sanitary sewer overflows.

Requirements

• High school graduate or GED.
• 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, or the ability to obtain an Oregon license within 30 days of residency and meet the City of Salem's driving standards.
• Candidates with out-of-state licenses will be required to obtain Oregon certification within six months of hire.

Qualifications

Operator-In-Training (OIT)

• Must meet state requirements and timelines to obtain Grade I certification by the end of 15 months.
• Must complete a DEQ-approved training program, apply for, and successfully pass the certification examination to receive certification within specified timelines:
  • By 150 days: Complete DEQ-approved training (California State University, Sacramento’s courses or Water Environment Federation’s courses).
  • By 210 days: Apply for and receive DEQ approval to take the Grade I Wastewater Treatment Operator examination.
  • By 270 days: Take the Grade I examination.
  • By 365 days: Successfully pass the Grade I examination.
  • By 450 days: Receive Grade I Wastewater Treatment System Operator Certification.
• Up to 90 hours of paid time to complete DEQ-approved training will be provided during the first 150 days.
• Failure to meet any required criteria will result in separation of employment.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I

• Experience working in wastewater treatment plant operations in a plant using activated sludge treatment.
• Grade I Wastewater Treatment System Operator Certification.
• Candidates with out-of-state licenses will be required to obtain Oregon certification within six months of hire.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II

• Three years of experience at a wastewater treatment plant, or two years of experience and one year of post-high school education sufficient to meet the requirements for the Oregon DEQ Grade II certification.
• Grade II Wastewater Treatment System Operator Certification.
• Candidates with out-of-state licenses will be required to obtain Oregon certification within six months of hire.

Preferred experience includes working with pumps and industrial equipment, a background in industrial equipment, mechanics (engine repair), irrigation, millwright, or a degree in environmental science or a related field.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies.
• 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.

Pay

• Operator-In-Training: $32.46 hourly.
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I: $32.46 - $39.49 hourly.
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II: $36.60 - $44.52 hourly.

Schedule

Work hours and days are determined through a seniority-based bidding process. The Willow Lake facility is staffed 24/7/365.