Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III

Willow Lake is the primary treatment facility for the City with a dry weather secondary treatment capacity of 65 million gallons per day (mgd), a wet weather secondary treatment capacity of 105 mgd, and a peak wet weather capacity of 155 mgd. The River Road Peak Wet Weather Treatment Facility is a high-rate, physical-chemical ballasted flocculation facility with ultra-violet disinfection, operated only when flows at the Willow Lake Facility exceed 95 mgd to prevent sanitary sewer overflows during wet weather. A staff of 53 employees provides Operations, Maintenance, Laboratory, Biosolids, and Administrative Services for both facilities.

About the role

The successful candidate will work a schedule that varies biannually based on a seniority-based bidding system, potentially including day, swing, or night shifts, weekends, and holidays. This lead-level position involves operating and maintaining a wastewater treatment plant on an assigned shift, serving alternately as a team member and shift lead. Work is performed independently, consistent with Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Class III certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team effectively and independently.
• Make accurate gauge and meter readings and maintain operational records.
• Diagnose equipment malfunctions and take corrective action.
• Perform mathematical computations related to plant operations.
• Comprehend technical written materials and explain plant operations both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other departments, employees, and the public.
• Meet City driving standards and consistently adhere to work schedules.
• Work in all weather conditions.
• Respect, understand, and value individual differences to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• Mentor and train less experienced personnel.
• Collect representative samples and perform treatment process control.
• Collect and evaluate plant operating data.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Current Oregon Class C Driver’s License and meet the City of Salem’s driving standards.
• Grade III or IV Oregon Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification (out-of-state candidates must obtain Oregon certification within six months of hire).
• Must pass a pre-employment background check.
• Knowledge of and experience with team leadership principles, wastewater treatment processes, equipment, distributed control systems (DCS), and wastewater treatment hazards and safety protocols.

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

The City of Salem offers a comprehensive and equitable base salary within the listed range based on your experience, skills, and education.

Schedule

The schedule varies biannually based on a seniority-based work schedule bidding system. The successful candidate may work day, swing, or night shifts, as well as weekends and holidays.

About Us

The City of Salem is the second-largest city in Oregon, serving as the state capital with a population of over 180,000. Located in the Willamette Valley, Salem is centrally positioned 47 miles south of Portland, an hour from the Cascade Mountains, and an hour from the ocean beaches. The Public Works Department values professional development, collaboration, and environmental stewardship, promoting a healthy work-life balance while maintaining dedication to community health, safety, and welfare.