Wastewater Operator 1 / 2

City of Eugene; Eugene (OR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Union AFSCME

Shift differential $0.80/hr

Job summary

The City of Eugene is seeking a Wastewater Operator to manage operations at a complex activated sludge facility. The role requires working with minimal supervision and rotating swing shifts, with a differential for swing or graveyard hours.

From duties including monitoring equipment, performing lab analyses, and ensuring safe, compliant operations, the ideal candidate will have an associate degree in environmental science or related field and relevant certifications.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in environmental science or related field.
• State or ability to obtain Oregon DEQ Wastewater Operator Certification.
• Background check and drug test may be required.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and adjust plant equipment to maximize efficiency.
• Operate lab instruments and perform process control testing.
• Train other Wastewater Operators in procedures and safety.
• Respond to alarms and systemic issues to safeguard operations.

Skills

Safety procedures

Alarm handling

Laboratory data interpretation

Process optimization

Team training

Equipment operation

Education

Associate's degree in environmental science or related field

Tools

Maximo

WIMS

Excel

Access

Outlook

Word

Job description

The Wastewater Operator position performs duties in all phases of resource recovery at a complex activated sludge treatment facility. The successful candidate is expected to assume the Operator role with minimal instruction and supervision. This position will be a swing shift position. Lead role responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

THIS POSITION IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED

The first review of applications will take place: Friday, August 28 ,2026

Classification: Wastewater Operator 1, Wastewater Operator 2

Salary:

WW Operator 1 - $31.31 - $39.03 / hourly - $65,124.80 - $81,182.40 / annually
WW Operator 2 - $34.21 - $42.62 / hourly - $71,156.80 - $88,649.60 / annually

The City of Eugene determines starting pay within the range based on relevant education and experience provided by the applicant in their application materials. This process is consistent with the Oregon Equal Pay Act (OEPA).

Department, Division: Public Works Department / Wastewater Division

Union Representation: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)

Work Location: 410 River Ave, Eugene, OR 97404, USA

Schedule: Day shift for training purposes then rotate to Swing shift after 6 months. 3:30pm --2:00 am. Positions designated to work a Swing shift or Graveyard shift receive an $0.80 per hour shift differential.

Benefits: The City of Eugene offers robust and competitive benefits. For more information, select the Benefits Tab, or view benefits summaries as well as see information about all employee benefits.

Living & Working in Eugene: Information about living in Eugene, how the City of Eugene operates, and more can be found on our website.

• Performs routine inspections for proper equipment operation. Monitors instruments, gauges, and other equipment indicators. Starts and stops process equipment and monitors a variety of process areas for maximum efficiency.
• Operates centrifugal blowers, pumps, methane-fired electrical generators, grit collection system, clarifiers, chemical feed pumps, calibrates instruments, gravity belt thickeners, and anaerobic digesters. Troubleshoots and isolates problems in malfunctioning equipment as necessary.
• Performs corrective and preventive maintenance of plant equipment as necessary.
• Makes necessary equipment adjustments as established by Operations and Maintenance procedures and guidelines.
• Operates the distributive control system (DCS) alarm console to interpret and respond to a wide variety of situations and alarm conditions including: chemical leak, fire, collection system and pump stations, power failures, starting and stopping of equipment, opening and closing of gates, and the potential of 2600 other alarm conditions.
• Enters, retrieves, and manipulates data from networked personal computer system files. Uses software such as Excel, Access, Outlook, electronic log, Maximo, WIMS, and Word as necessary.
• Performs process laboratory analysis testing for effective management of different stages of process treatment.
• Operates laboratory and online instruments such as dissolved oxygen meter, chemical analyzers, centrifuge, moisture balance, gas monitors, and pH meters.
• Calibrates, maintains, and completes minor repair of instruments.
• Collects samples from treatment plant processes for both process control and main permit laboratories.
• Interprets process control laboratory data; analysis includes use of phase contrast microscope and microbial identification. Makes adjustments to meet targets set by process control guidelines.
• Analyzes process conditions and makes recommendations to Operations Supervisor or Operator 3 for process mode changes.
• Under direction of Operations Supervisor or Operator 3, may develop and/or modify operational procedures used in the Wastewater Division.
• Follows safety procedures when isolating equipment including information tagging and lock-out requirements.
• Performs safety inspections, completes reports, and identifies and/or performs required corrective action.
• Trains other Wastewater Operators in operational techniques, equipment operation, and proper safety procedures used in the Wastewater Division.
• May be required to rotate on safety committee and other active roles dealing with the safety and welfare of the Wastewater Division.
• Cleans spills of oil, sludge, and other materials found in the work area responsible for keeping equipment neat, clean, and properly stored.
• Initiates direct response and reporting for emergency calls for spills, overflows, and abnormal industrial influent problems.
• Performs hazardous material first responder operation duties in response to releases of hazardous material.
• Expected to take responsibility to contribute equally to the operations workload and work independently, with initiative and high standards of quality and productivity.
• Respectfully interacts with the public, provides tours, responds to citizen complaints for odor and other issues. Documents and takes appropriate corrective action.
• May be required to work overtime on an assigned basis as deemed necessary by the City during an emergency situation.
• Supports and respects diversity in the workplace.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

To view detailed information on the duties, knowledge, and abilities that may be expected for this position, please see the classification: Wastewater Operator 1, Wastewater Operator 2.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Associate's degree in environmental science or related field.

Experience

Wastewater Operator 1:
One (1) year experience in wastewater treatment, water treatment, or equivalent.
Wastewater Operator 2:
Two (2) years of experience in wastewater treatment, water treatment, or equivalent.

Background

Must pass a background check.

Physical

Must pass a physical assessment and drug test.

Licenses and Certifications

Wastewater Operator 1:
Ability to obtain within probationary period, or possession of, a State of Oregon DEQ Wastewater Systems Operator Certification, Grade I.
Wastewater Operator 2:
State of Oregon DEQ Wastewater Systems Operator Certification, Grade II, Grade III or IV highly preferred. Incumbent must obtain Grade III Certification prior to advancing to Salary Step 5 on the six-step salary range
Valid Oregon driver’s license (or the ability to obtain by date of hire); must pass driving records check and, if hired, maintain a driving record that meets the City’s standard. Oregon law requires that an out-of-state license holder must obtain a valid Oregon license within 30 days of becoming domiciled in the state (ORS 803.355).Commercial Driver’s License

The ideal candidate will have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities

Knowledge

• Principles of activated sludge processes including aeration system, secondary clarification, return flow rate control, and wasting strategies; biological, carbon, ammonia, and phosphorous removal.
• National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) discharge permit, Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) air quality permit, and stormwater permit.
• Solids processing to include theory and operation of gravity belt thickening and anaerobic digestion.
• Principles of sample collection and preservation.
• Wastewater chemistry, biology, instrumentation, and automated control.
• Disinfection process using sodium hypochlorite and sodium bisulfite for dechlorination purposes.
• Proper safe handling techniques when using sodium hypochlorite and bi-sulfite.

Skills and Abilities

• Understand, and follow, safety procedures.
• Understand, and follow, safe working practices based on safety data sheets (SDS).
• Develop detailed understanding of plant flow process configurations, and piping and valving functions and locations.
• Understand and comply with the Environmental Management System.
• Plan, organize, and perform all the routine process control laboratory tests currently performed at the Wastewater Division process laboratory including all mathematical calculations related to the laboratory tests.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and perform minor maintenance on plant equipment such as blowers, pumps, chlorinators, boilers, controllers, process laboratory instruments, and field instrumentation.
• Ability to evaluate distributive control system alarms, prioritize multiple alarms, troubleshoot control loop issues, and take appropriate timely actions.
• Follow written, and technically complex, equipment operations procedures and manuals; read and understand complex blueprints and piping schematics.
• Develop training and instruct others in operation of Wastewater Division equipment, safety, and process laboratory procedures.
• Evaluate problems with procedures, equipment, or operational system and remedy the situation using prior experience or problem solving techniques with minimal supervision.
• Make judgments regarding non-routine operational duties such as high flows, equipment failures, and alarms.
• Maintain computerized Wastewater Division records such as log entries, laboratory data, and flow data.
• Communicate well, both orally and in writing, in the technical language appropriate to activated sludge and Wastewater Division operations work.
• Perform in inclement weather conditions.
• Work in direct contact with sewage.
• Lift up to 50 pounds, climb stairs and ladders, work above and below ground at various heights/depths.
• Withdraw information from databases, spreadsheets, and technical publications; prepare written reports or procedures using computer software.
• Work rotating shifts that include days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Provide and wear personal protective equipment as required.

Working Conditions

Frequent standing in combination with walking throughout work shift. Sitting occasionally. Frequently lifts 1-25 lbs and occasionally up to 50 lbs. Frequent pushing/pulling up to 10-45 lbs and occasionally up to 75-125+ lbs. force turning valves & pulling chains to open/close overhead valves. Frequent climbing of steps/stairs, metal grates/walkways, and stationary ladders. Requires sense of balance and agility. Frequently bending/twisting at waist/knees/neck. Occasional kneeling/crouching/crawling. Constant use of both hands/arms in reaching/handling/power grasping/gripping. Constant use of sight required. Color vision and depth perception required along with hand eye coordination. Constant communication with coworkers, listening for malfunctions and in maintaining safe work environment. Must be able to work in a confined space environment. Constant mental alertness while monitoring plant activity.
Hazards include exposure to biological waste, hazardous and infectious waste, noise, electrical hazards, inclement weather, moving objects/vehicles, sharp objects, pinch points, trip/overhead obstacles, odors/fumes/gases, chemical spills/exposures, dust, and slippery surfaces. Equipment used includes hand/power tools, measuring devices, lab equipment, ladders, computer, general office equipment and motorized carts. Necessary safety equipment includes hardhat, hearing and eye protection, safety shoes, gloves, masks, respirators, and other as required.

What to Expect from our Selection Process

Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. The selection process varies according to the position and can include such things as screening of supplemental questionnaires, written or skill tests, ability or fitness tests, interviews, and assessment processes. In addition, background investigations and records checks may be required. Some positions also require applicants to have a psychological evaluation and/or physical examination and a drug test prior to employment. Marijuana use is evaluated consistent with current state law regulations. PLEASE NOTE: Once the posting closes, the process can take 4-6 weeks to complete.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we desire to welcome, respect, and create a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce. Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at [phone].

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States. NOTE: The City of Eugene does not participate in the E-Verify program; therefore, candidates requiring E-Verify for employment authorization will not be eligible for employment with the City.