Wastewater Operator II Open Continuous

Wastewater Operator II

The Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) is seeking a qualified Wastewater Operator II to join our dynamic team of highly qualified people to perform journey-level work in the operation and routine maintenance of a large, activated sludge, wastewater treatment plant. The Wastewater Operator II maintains established water quality standards through the effective operation of all equipment involved in the treatment process including operating, monitoring and controlling a vast network of pumps, conveyers, air and chemical systems; makes operational decisions including pumping rates and dosage adjustments, while working in one of six work units, which provide 24-hour coverage, 7-days per week. The Wastewater Operator II maintains accurate records, performs standard laboratory tests and identifies equipment failures and maintenance needs.

This position requires shift work and assignments, including days off, which are based on accrued seniority within a represented workforce.

What you will get to do:

• Ensures proper operation and control of assigned process area; operates equipment of the wastewater treatment plant such as pumps, bar screens, clarifiers, boilers, digesters, sludge pumps, blowers, aerators, disinfection/dechlorination systems, control panels, sludge thickening and sludge de-watering equipment; monitors equipment controls and takes corrective action to ensure effective equipment operation.
• Operates, monitors and controls a vast network of pumps, bar screens, conveyers, grit, air and chemical systems. Makes operational decisions including pumping rates and dosage adjustments, and whether to bring equipment on-line or take it off-line. Trouble shoots equipment failures and identifies maintenance needs with use of a CMMS. Coordinates maintenance and repairs with other work groups.
• Operates, monitors and controls primary and secondary digesters, classifiers and transfer pumps, including gas boilers.
• Operates and monitors plant processes using a SCADA network, which includes remote monitoring and communication, as well as communications with and between the Tryon Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, the City of Portland's collection system, headworks, secondary and influent flows, peak-flow gates, offsite dechlorination facility, sewage pumps, aeration basins, and aeration blowers; and provides constant monitoring of disinfection dosing and oxygen levels.
• Operates, monitors, controls, and adjusts dewatering and thickening equipment; performs lab tests on biosolids and makes adjustments for efficient output and chemical polymer use; keeps and maintains accurate records of process and lab results to ensure sample protocol and regulatory requirements.
• Operates, monitors, controls, and determines flow rates and process strategies; performs mixed liquor and total suspended solids content tests and monitors temperatures, pH levels, and aeration needs of the system.
• Operates, monitors, controls, and adjusts digester feed pump station, diesel dredges and an internal recycle pump station; oversees lagoon system including ground and dredge maintenance.
• Responds to and handles emergency situations; provides essential services for treatment plant weather related or other emergencies. This could include overtime to accomplish work, which at times, may be mandatory/compulsory.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Operator II: is the experienced/journey level class in the series, fully competent to independently perform duties of the job.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities of Operator II

• Knowledge of: processes, techniques and all applicable safety practices, tools, and materials used in wastewater treatment equivalent to that required for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II certification. Process control equipment and process troubleshooting techniques; processes and chemicals used in testing and treating; pumps and pumping equipment; wastewater laboratory, sampling and testing procedures; SCADA computer data for high level monitoring of process equipment.
• Ability to: maintain operational processes and procedures independently.
• Skills in: use of tools, power equipment, and specialized process related equipment; providing lead direction to staff, including assisting and reviewing work.

At BES, we value our customers and partners; Portlanders' sense of connection to their waterways; conscientious stewardship of our watersheds, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and financial resources; a diverse, collaborative, healthy, and engaged workforce; leadership among our employees and in our City and community; equity in our workplace, business practices, and service delivery; clear communication and transparency; innovative, sustainable, and resilient solutions. BES is seeking talented individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds with knowledge, ability, and experience working with a broad range of individuals and communities; and that desire to work collaboratively and creatively to broaden the variety of innovative ways to partner with and serve all Portland communities.