Wastewater Collection Certified Operator

Job Description

Job Description

March 03, 2026

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Wastewater Collection Certified Operator

City of The Dalles

Discover Your Future in The Dalles, Oregon as Wastewater Collection Certified Operator!

Department: Public Works, Wastewater and Stormwater Division

Compensation: $60,113.40 to 81,273.31 annually - depending on skills, experience, and certification level

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, HRA-VEBA, Long-Term Disability AD/D, and Employee Assistance Program. Retirement contributions start after one-year all paid by the City at 13.5% of base wage.

Status: Full-time, FLSA Non-Exempt, SEIU Represented

Closing Date: Open until filled. First review of applications March 17, 2026

About the Role:

As a Wastewater Collection Certified Operator with City of The Dalles, you'll be on the front lines of protecting public health, safeguarding the environment, and supporting daily life for thousands of community members.

The Wastewater Collection and Stormwater Division is responsible for the infrastructure that provides reliable sewage and industrial wastewater disposal for residential and business communities of City of The Dalles. The Division is responsible for operating and maintaining over 150 miles of sanitary sewer lines, interceptors, and 9 sewer lift stations.

This is more than a job – its meaningful work that keeps our community safe and sustainable. Whether you're experienced in utilities or looking to build a career in public service, we offer the training, tools, and support you need to succeed!

What does a Wastewater Collection Certified Operator do in a typical work day?

Daily assignments will vary, but duties include:

• Inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining sanitary sewer and stormwater collection systems to ensure proper flow and prevent blockages.
• Operating a variety of equipment such as dump trucks, backhoes, jet trucks, and rodding machines to clean or repair pipelines and manholes.
• Performs installation and repair work on sewer lines, manholes, and service connections.
• Responds to sewer backups, overflows, and emergency calls to restore service and protect public health.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is performed primarily outdoors in all weather conditions and seasons
• The Wastewater Collection Division operates 24/7, 365 days per year. Team members regularly work 8-12 hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and may work extended hours when coverage needs or emergencies arise
• Duties may involve working in confined spaces, trenches, or at heights, and around heavy equipment and traffic, including instances of pipeline construction and repair projects
• Must be able to lift at least 90 pounds and perform physically demanding tasks for extended periods
• Must be able to climb in and out of heavy equipment, ascend and descend stairs and ladders, and access/perform work in excavated utility ditches

Minimum Qualification Requirements

• Experience effectively communicating technical details verbally and in writing; ability to adapt messaging to meet audience needs with varying levels of technical expertise; and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Departmental managers, supervisors, employees, City boards, other agency staff, and the general public.

• Experience performing installation, preventative maintenance, service and repairs of wastewater collection infrastructure, including wastewater system pipelines, lift station pumps, pressure and gravity-flow pipelines, manholes, emergency generators, monitoring control and telemetry systems, water service renewals, service turn on/offs, repair of valves, pipeline connections, repair of utility street cuts, and construction duties necessary to provide for and maintain utilities services for the Department.

• Experience completing clear, detailed, definitive reports.

• Experience operating and maintaining construction and maintenance equipment including excavators, loaders/backhoe, dump trucks, jet rodders, pipe locating equipment, and power tools.

• Experience constructing, maintaining, and repairing sanitary storm-water collection systems, including line rodding, cleanouts, root removal, catch basin cleaning, and pipeline repair and installation.

• Minimum one (1) year of experience in underground utility construction and maintenance, including:
• laying water and sewer lines
• installing graded sewer and storm piping
• constructing manholes and/or catch basins
• performing underground utility maintenance and wastewater collection system construction

• Minimum one (1) year of experience operating an excavator

Preferred Qualifications:

• CDL driving experience
• Experience with lift station pumps
• Experience performing calculations for slopes, volumes, and cubic yards; and ability to perform calculations of fluid hydraulics and chemical calculations necessary in determining flow characteristics
• Experience using standard computer software and industry-specific programs required for implementation, operation, and record keeping of wastewater activities
• Two (2) years' experience in wastewater collection operations
• Additional training in wastewater/water technologies and wastewater system operations and maintenance

Additional Required Certifications and Requirements:

• Valid Driver's License
• Criminal Background Check
• Pre-Employment and Regular Drug Screening
• High School Graduate or Equivalent
• A valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with "Tanker" endorsement is required within twelve (12) months of hire
• Must pass a physical examination as required by OR-OSHA to wear respirator
• The employee is required to be certified within eighteen (18) months of hire at a minimum of Oregon Class I Wastewater Collection Operator.
• An Oregon Class II Wastewater Collection Operator or higher, or its reciprocal equivalent acceptable to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Certification Program, is desired.

Want to Learn More?

Attend the Informational Session to meet the Hiring Manager and ask questions.

Date: 03/12/2026

Time: 5:30pm

Location: Public Works Facility

1215 W First St.

The Dalles, OR

Please note : The informational session will also include information on the Water Distribution Certified Operator position. Information on Wastewater Collection will be provided first.

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 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.

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

EEO/AA

To apply, go to:

• Upload your resume
• Answer the supplemental questions

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.