Water Reclamation Operator I

City of Bend, OR; Bend (OR); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental coverage

Retirement benefits

Paid leave

Job summary

The City of Bend seeks a Water Reclamation Operator I to join the Water Reclamation Division of the Water Services Department. This regular, full-time, hourly, non-exempt position supports safe wastewater treatment and environmental compliance.

You will monitor treatment systems, collect samples, run tests, perform routine maintenance, and respond to alarms while contributing to facility improvement projects and One Water initiatives.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or equivalent
• At least one year of experience in wastewater treatment plant operations or related field
• Oregon Level I Wastewater Operator Certificate
• Ability to obtain Oregon Class "B" Commercial Driver's License within six months of hire

Responsibilities

• Monitor wastewater treatment systems and facility equipment to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Collect samples and perform laboratory testing to verify treatment performance and regulatory compliance.
• Perform routine maintenance, cleaning, and minor repairs on plant equipment, facilities, and grounds.
• Inspect pumps, motors, valves, analyzers, and other treatment equipment to identify operational issues.
• Record operational data, meter readings, and maintenance activities using computerized systems.
• Respond to operational alarms, equipment malfunctions, and emergency situations as needed.
• Calibrate instruments and monitoring equipment to support accurate process control.
• Assist with biosolids handling and other treatment process activities.
• Support facility improvement projects and implementation of new technologies.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Job description

The City of Bend is accepting applications for one (1) regular, full-time Water Reclamation Operator I in the Water Reclamation Division of the Water Services Department. This is an hourly, non-exempt (overtime eligible) position represented by the City of Bend Employee Association (COBEA). The City may use this recruitment to establish an eligibility list for future vacancies. Please review the entire job posting, including application requirements, before applying.

A Water Reclamation Operator I plays a hands-on role in protecting public health and the environment by helping ensure wastewater is treated safely and effectively before being returned to the environment. A typical day may include monitoring treatment processes, collecting samples, conducting laboratory testing, recording operational data, inspecting equipment, and making operational adjustments to keep the facility running efficiently. Operators also perform routine maintenance, troubleshoot equipment issues, and help maintain a safe, clean, and reliable treatment facility.

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to major facility improvement projects, rehabilitation and replacement efforts, process optimization initiatives, and ongoing investments in operational efficiency. Operators work with a wide range of treatment technologies and equipment while building technical expertise and gaining experience toward higher levels of certification and advancement within the utility.

If you enjoy a blend of science, mechanics, problem-solving, and outdoor work, this may be the opportunity for you. Water Reclamation Operators are an essential part of the City's One Water approach, helping ensure reliable wastewater treatment, environmental stewardship, regulatory compliance, and protection of public health for everyone who lives, works, and visits Bend.

Classification Framework: Water Reclamation Operator I

• Monitor wastewater treatment systems and facility equipment to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Collect samples and perform laboratory testing to verify treatment performance and regulatory compliance.
• Perform routine maintenance, cleaning, and minor repairs on plant equipment, facilities, and grounds.
• Inspect pumps, motors, valves, analyzers, and other treatment equipment to identify operational issues.
• Record operational data, meter readings, and maintenance activities using computerized systems.
• Respond to operational alarms, equipment malfunctions, and emergency situations as needed.
• Calibrate instruments and monitoring equipment to support accurate process control.
• Assist with biosolids handling and other treatment process activities.
• Support facility improvement projects and implementation of new technologies.
• Promote and follow safe work practices while working independently and as part of a team.

We're looking for someone who is safety-focused, dependable, and eager to learn. The successful candidate takes pride in their work, communicates effectively, and enjoys solving problems in a hands-on environment. They are comfortable working both independently and collaboratively while adapting to changing operational needs.

Highly qualified candidates will have working knowledge of wastewater treatment operations, safe work practices, mechanical equipment commonly found in treatment facilities, and computer-based data entry systems. They will bring strong attention to detail, sound judgment, troubleshooting skills, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

Candidates who meet the listed minimum qualifications, including an equivalent combination of education and experience, will be considered for an interview. Please ensure your application includes information regarding your education, work experience, and applicable licenses and certifications.

Avoid referencing your resume in response to job duty questions within the application.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• At least one (1) year of experience in wastewater treatment plant operations, industrial process operations, utility operations, mechanical maintenance, laboratory operations, or a closely related field.
• OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.

Required Licenses & Certifications

• Oregon Level I Wastewater Operator Certificate;
• Ability to obtain and maintain valid Oregon Class "B" Commercial Driver's License within six months of hire.

Desired (but not required) Attributes

• Previous experience working in a wastewater treatment facility.
• Experience operating pumps, motors, valves, instrumentation, or industrial process equipment.
• Vocational, technical, or college coursework related to wastewater treatment, environmental science, biology, chemistry, mechanical systems, or a related field

Veterans’ Preference:

Applicants seeking Veterans’ Preference as a qualified veteran or disabled veteran must attach appropriate documentation to their application. For more information click here.

Equity Statement:

The City of Bend remains committed to building a workforce that advances diversity and inclusion within our community and all we do. We recognize that not everyone starts from the same place, and that gender, race, ability, sexual orientation, and other identities face different barriers. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating an inclusive, safe, and respectful workplace where employees can thrive without these barriers. A more extended version of the City of Bend’s Organizational Equity Statement is available upon request.

Benefits:

The City of Bend offers an excellent competitive benefits package for Employees and Dependents for health and dental coverage, retirement benefits, and a robust paid leave program. Details are available on the benefits tab of the job posting.

Starting Compensation:

Starting compensation is determined based on a pay equity analysis considering the candidate’s education, applicable work experience, and internal equity. Please include all relevant information on your application.