Wastewater Operator 1 - Public Works

Marion County; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Marion County is seeking a dedicated Operator to operate and maintain county sewage collection, treatment facilities, and water systems. The role requires hands-on work with STEP and gravity collection systems, monitoring pumps, repairing lines, taking samples, and ensuring compliance with drinking water and wastewater standards.

You'll perform emergency call outs, meter readings, and possibly lead small teams or contractors; overtime and flexible hours may apply.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Six months of experience at a Class 1 or higher wastewater plant or collection system, or equivalent experience.
• Any satisfactory combination of work, education, training or experience relevant to the position, as determined by Marion County.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain two sewer collection systems, one treatment plant, one small municipal drinking water system and other small water systems.
• Repair live pressure sewer lines and water lines.
• Perform emergency call outs during/after normal hours; inspect new connections per engineering specs.
• Record meter readings for drinking water and wastewater systems; perform utility locates.
• Collect samples for laboratory analysis as per drinking water and wastewater standards.
• Provide system oversight as Designated Operator in Responsible Charge (DRC) for Public Works drinking water systems and perform related duties.
• May participate in incident command drills and support ECC activities; overtime and weekend work may be required.

Skills

Wastewater operations

Electrical troubleshooting

Flow meters

Repair of water/wastewater systems

Report writing

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Operate and maintain county sewage collection, treatment facilities, water systems and equipment.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the direction of a supervisor who establishes goals, assigns general areas of responsibility, and maintains the degree of control necessary to successfully accomplish the work.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Supervision of other employees is not a responsibility of positions in this classification; however, lead responsibility may be assigned over employees, or contractors.

• Responsible for operations and maintenance of 2 sewer collection systems, 1 treatment plant, 1 small municipal drinking water system and other small water systems. There are 2 types of sewer collections systems: a Septic Tank Effluent Pumping (STEP) system which requires float, pump, and control panel maintenance and a gravity collection system and pump station to pressure line which requires monitoring for restrictions, pump performance, infiltration, and inflow.

• Ability to repair live pressure sewer lines and water lines.

• Perform emergency call outs during and after normal work hours. Inspect new connection according to engineering specifications.

• Record meter readings for drinking water and wastewater systems.

• Perform utility locates.

• Collect samples for laboratory analysis as per requirements of drinking water and wastewater standards and regulations.

• Other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

• As Designated Operator in Responsible Charge (DRC) provides system oversight, collects/delivers samples, fulfills reporting requirements, and performs all related duties for Public Works drinking water systems. Performs inspections, records, and correction of found deficiencies on Public Works campuses and Districts infrastructure. Uses ladders of various sizes and other manual and power tools. May take part in chemical hazard cleanups, according to training given, for incidents on roads and road-related properties.

• May participate in basic incident command training and drills to maintain proficiency in supporting ECC activities, including carrying out field work in connection with ECC operations. May be assigned clerical/support, incident liaison, or other duties at any location within or near the county. Emergency Management duties may require working long hours outside normal business hours, weekend/holiday work, and may occur with little or no advance notice.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

1. Graduation from high school, or equivalent; AND
2. Six months of experience at a Class 1 or higher wastewater treatment plant or collection system; OR
3. Any satisfactory combination of work, education, training, or experience relevant to the position, as determined by Marion County.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Obtain an Oregon Department of Human Services Small Water System Operator certification within six months of appointment.
• Obtain a Class 1 wastewater treatment certificate within one year of appointment.
• Obtain a Class 1 wastewater collection certificate within one year of appointment.
• Must possess a current driver's license in the applicant's state of residence and an acceptable driving history. Marion County will obtain a copy of the driving record for all qualified applicants from Driver and Motor Vehicle Services and review the driving record according to the Marion County policy and procedure for Driving on County Business. The policy can be found at: http://apps.co.marion.or.us/APAP/
• This is a safety sensitive/special needs position. Final candidates selected for this position will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen, including testing for marijuana. The Marion County Drug and Alcohol Use and Testing Policy can be found at: http://apps.co.marion.or.us/APAP/policy.aspx?p=policy&pid=518
• The finalist for this position will be required to pass a criminal history background check; however, conviction of a crime may not necessarily disqualify an individual for this position.
• This assignment is represented by a union.
• This is a full-time position, which is eligible for overtime.
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. with flexibility depending upon the needs of the department.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of wastewater collection and treatment operations. Preferred skills/knowledge include: knowledge of septic tank effluent pumping (STEP) system, septic tank construction and installation, flow meter installation; materials, methods and equipment commonly employed in repair, renovation or reconstruction of wastewater systems, state laws pertaining to operation of wastewater collection and treatment operations, electrical pump motor maintenance and electrical troubleshooting techniques, and safety practices and methods to perform efficiently above ground or below ground in wastewater facilities.

Skills and abilities to operate computer software including e-mail, word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs to maintain assets; troubleshoot and repair water, wastewater and facilities equipment and related systems; develop clear and concise reports. Effectively communicate in both oral and written form; establish and maintain professional and collaborative working relationships with the public, contractors, vendors, and other employees; develop clear and concise reports; perform manual work under hazardous conditions out of doors, under adverse weather conditions; lead the work of others; troubleshoot and repair wastewater equipment and machinery.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Drives a motor vehicle and maintains an acceptable driving history; sees using depth perception; stands; sits; moves about the work area; bends forward; stoops; climbs 1 flight of stairs; may crawl on hands and knees; reaches overhead; lifts, pushes, pulls and carries up to 50 lbs. for up to 50 feet; operates a keyboard; rapid mental/hand/eye coordination; speaks clearly and audibly; reads a 12 pt. font; distinguishes colors and shades; hears a normal and whispered speech level; works safely around traffic; exposure to all weather conditions including heat, cold, humidity, dust, and smoke; exposure to vibration (need to feel through hands and feet) and noise; traverses wet and uneven areas; may use ladders and scaffolding; high exposure to OSHA Blood/Body Fluid and chemicals.