Water Treatment Certified Operator

Thedalles; The Dalles (OR); On-site; USD 59,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Retirement contributions

Certification support

Paid training

Job summary

The City of The Dalles is seeking a Water Treatment Operator to ensure safe drinking water for the community. You will handle lab tests, operate treatment equipment, and manage chemical feeds, with on‑the‑job training and certification support. The role offers a path to advanced certification and pays competitively.

Shifts include 8‑ and 12‑hour schedules; overtime may occur. The position requires physical work, compliance with safety rules, and collaboration across departments at the Wicks

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• 1 year of experience in water operations, lab tests, or related field.
• 1 year of experience with Excel or spreadsheet software for data entry/analysis.
• 1 year of experience producing clear written and verbal communications and following instructions.

Responsibilities

• Perform standard lab tests, calculations, and data documentation.
• Operate, monitor, and maintain plant equipment and chemical feed systems.
• Complete inspections, adjustments, cleaning, and preventive maintenance.
• Maintain facility and grounds, including inventory and safety compliance.

Skills

Independent work

Clear communication

Troubleshooting

Data documentation

Plant operations

Education

High School diploma

Associate degree in Math/Science or related field

Oregon Level I Water Treatment certification

Oregon Level II/III/IV Water Treatment certification or reciprocal

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Water Treatment Certified Operator

City of The Dalles

First review of applications: September 09, 2026

Join the Team That Keeps Our Community's Water Clean and Reliable!

Compensation: $59,317.59 - $87,059.97 annually based on experience, skills, and certification level

Department: Public Works – Wicks Water Treatment Plant

Status: Full-time, union‑eligible

This recruitment may be used to fill current and future vacancies.

Make a Meaningful Contribution Every Day

The City of The Dalles is seeking a Water Treatment Operator to help maintain safe, reliable drinking water for our community. You'll work with specialized equipment and support daily treatment operations. We offer paid on‑the‑job training, certification support, and a growth path up to Level IV (4) certification. Applicants with existing certifications are strongly encouraged to apply.

What You'll Receive

• Competitive pay
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• FSA and HRA-VEBA options
• Long‑term disability, AD&D, and EAP benefits
• City‑funded retirement contributions after one year (13.5%)
• Paid training and certification support

What You'll Do

Water Quality & Laboratory

• Perform standard lab tests, calculations, and data documentation.

Operations & Maintenance

• Operate, monitor, and maintain plant equipment and chemical feed systems.
• Complete inspections, adjustments, cleaning, and preventive maintenance.

Facilities & Safety

• Maintain facility and grounds, including supply and chemical inventory.
• Follow all safety requirements, including respirator standards.
• Operate City vehicles and equipment, including in hazardous weather.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Work Environment

This position splits time between office tasks and outdoor work at the Wicks Water Treatment Plant throughout all seasons. The City provides all required personal protective equipment. The plant operates 24/7, and scheduling includes a mix of 8‑ and 12‑hour shifts, which may fall on holidays or weekends. Although the role is not on‑call, overtime may be required or offered depending on staffing needs.

What You Bring

Skills & Abilities

• Work independently and use sound judgment in plant and field operations.
• Communicate clearly, document accurately, and follow SOPs.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for equipment, processes, and water quality.
• Demonstrate strong problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills related to equipment, processes, and water quality issues.

Technical Knowledge

• Applied algebra for hydraulic calculations, chemical dosing, flow data, and lab results.
• Understanding of water chemistry, wet chemistry testing, colorimetric and spectrophotometric methods.
• Experience with routine operation, calibration, and maintenance of lab and field instruments, including QA/QC.
• Familiarity with pumps, valves, meters, chemical feed systems, and basic mechanical/hydraulic systems.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets for data entry, tracking, and reporting.

Regulatory & Safety Requirements

• Knowledge of state and federal water treatment regulations.
• Ability to meet OSHA respirator requirements.
• Ability to safely climb stairs/ladders and lift up to 80 pounds.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent.

• At least one (1) year of experience in operational decision‑making, water operations, laboratory testing, wastewater services, water system maintenance, or related field.
• At least one (1) year of experience using Microsoft Excel or other spreadsheet‑based software for data entry, analysis, or reporting.
• At least one (1) year of experience producing clear written and verbal communication in a workplace or organizational setting and following written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across departments.

Preferred (but not required) Qualifications:

• Written and/or oral Spanish language proficiency
• Two (2) years of experience working as a Water Treatment Operator or in a closely related water treatment role.

• Associate degree in math, science, chemistry, or a related field-or equivalent coursework in Water Treatment Technology, Chemistry, Biology, or environmental fields
• Oregon Level I Water Treatment certification
• Oregon Level II, III, or IV Water Treatment Operator certification, or reciprocal equivalents
• Additional training in mechanical operations and maintenance of pumps and other equipment used in water treatment

Required Licenses & Certifications

• Valid Driver's License
• Must obtain Oregon Class I Water Treatment Operator certification within eighteen (18) months of hire.
• Must obtain Oregon Class II Water Treatment Operator certification within thirty‑seven (37) months of hire.

About The Dalles:

• Join a Welcoming Community - Experience the warmth of a small‑town spirit where local events, farmers' markets, and festivals bring people together and create lasting connections.
• Thrive in a Growing Economy - Be part of a diverse and stable economy fueled by agriculture, technology, healthcare, government, and tourism. Your career can grow here.
• Embrace the Outdoors - With over 300 days of sunshine, enjoy easy access to the Columbia River Gorge for hiking, biking, fishing, and water sports - plus winter adventures are just an hour away at Mt. Hood.
• Balance Work and Life - Live surrounded by stunning riverfront parks, scenic trails, and a city that values thoughtful growth and a strong industrial and technology presence.
• Affordable and Accessible - Benefit from affordable housing, quality schools, and healthcare - all just 80 miles from Portland, combining small‑town charm with metropolitan convenience.
• Be Part of Something Bigger - Join close-knit neighborhoods where community support is real and your contributions matter

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification documentation upon hire. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship

The City of The Dalles is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Veterans and Spanish‑speaking candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

EEO/AA EMPLOYER

No background or drug test will be initiated until a signed tentative offer letter has been received. The final candidate selected for this position is subject to pre‑employment criminal history background check and pre‑employment drug testing. Only criminal history that would place an undue risk on the City or community will prohibit a candidate from being hired. This position is either classified as safety sensitive or requires a Commercial Driver's License. The final candidate is subject to pre‑employment drug testing. A positive drug test, including for marijuana, is grounds for rescinding a job offer. The person hired for this position will also be subject to random drug testing.