Wastewater Operator 1 - Public Works

Marion County, Oregon

Salem (OR)

On-site

USD 65,000 - 90,000

Full time

11 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Overtime eligibility

Union representation

Job summary

Marion County is seeking a skilled operator to manage and maintain its wastewater collection and treatment facilities and water systems. The role requires operating and preserving multiple sewer and water assets, performing emergency calls, recording meter readings, and coordinating with supervision and contractors.

A Class 1 or higher wastewater certification timeline is required, along with a valid driver’s license, and the position is represented by a union.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

Operate and maintain two sewer collection systems, one treatment plant, and water systems.
Repair live sewer and water lines.
Perform emergency call outs and inspect new connections.
Record water and wastewater meter readings.
Perform utility locates and collect samples for lab analysis.
Lead in designated oversight roles and participate in ECC/incident drills.

Skills

Wastewater operations

Water system maintenance

Operations & maintenance

Emergency response

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Driving license

Field instruments

Job description

Marion County requires on-site work. Remote work is not available.

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.

Typical Duties - Duties include, but are not limited to the following

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.

Requirements for the Position

Experience And Training

Graduation from high school, or equivalent; AND
Six months of experience at a Class 1 or higher wastewater treatment plant or collection system; OR
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.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS

Marion County is a qualifying public employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, full-time employees working at the County may qualify for forgiveness of the remaining balance on Direct Student Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan. Questions about your student loan eligibility should be directed to your loan servicer or the US Department of Education.

VISA SPONSORSHIP

Marion County does not offer VISA sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. Marion County is an E-Verify employer and will use E-Verify to confirm that hires are authorized to work in the United States.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE

Applicants are eligible to use Veterans’ Preference when applying with Marion County in accordance with ORS 408.225, 408.230, and 408.235 and OAR 105-040-0010 and 105-040-0015. Preference will be awarded only if the applicant meets the minimum requirements of the position and attaches the required documentation at the time of application.

Documents Required For Veterans’ Preference

One of the following:
- MEMBER COPY 4 of the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214 or 215); OR
- Letter from the US Department of Veterans Affairs indicating receipt of a non-service connected pension; OR
- Certification that discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions will take place not later than 120 days after the submission of the certificate.

In addition to one of the above documents, Disabled Veterans must also submit one of the following:
- A copy of their Veterans disability preference letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs; OR
- Certification that medical separation from active duty under honorable conditions will take place not later than 120 days after the submission of the certificate.

You can request copies of your military service record through the National Archives website at http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/

Marion County is an Equal Opportunity, Affiant ...?

Applicants with a disability may request reasonable accommodation, through Human Resources, in any step of the process to assist them in demonstrating their qualifications to perform the duties of the position for which they are applying. Please e-mail Human Resources if you wish to request an accommodation.

Marion County offers a generous benefits package to regular employees working 50% or more of the regularly scheduled work week and their eligible dependents. Temporary employees and part-time regular employees working less than 50% of the regularly scheduled work week are not eligible for benefits.

Most regular positions in this classification are represented by Marion County Employees Association (MCEA). For a summary of benefits, click here. For a complete and detailed overview of the MCEA benefits package, click here, and select MCEA Benefits from the left menu or Marion County Employees Association (MCEA) from the page links. Regular and temporary employees are represented by MCEA.

Salary and benefits are subject to union contract negotiations and may change as a result.

Less than 6 months
6 months to less than 24 months
24 months or more
None of the above

Less than 6 months
6 months to less than 24 months
24 months or more
None of the above

Specify the place(s) of employment where you gained the work experience listed in the previous 2 questions. Write NA in the box if this question does not apply to you. Experience listed in this answer must be supported by the education and/or work experience in your application. "See resume" is not an acceptable answer.

Describe any experience in operating or knowledge you have of wastewater collections, wastewater treatment, or drinking water systems.

Describe your experience meter reading, sampling, monitoring, and/or reporting.

Describe any additional experience, skills, or relevant work history that would support your qualifications for this position.