Description
Apply online: www.ci.oswego.or.us/jobs
Note: There is only one job vacancy. Depending upon the individual’s qualifications, a candidate may be hired at any level after meeting the necessary job requirements. Operator shifts are on a 4/10 schedule but may be subject to change in the future. Shift work is required.
Monthly Salary:
Operator 1: $4,841 to $6,181
Operator 2: $5,195 to $6,630
Operator 3: $5,796 to $7,389
Operator 4: $6,274 to $8,013
The Position: The City of Lake Oswego is seeking a Water Treatment Plant Operator to operate, monitor and maintain mechanical, chemical, instrumentation and process control systems as necessary to ensure the Water Treatment Facility is operated in a manner which maximizes the protection of the public’s health and the return on the public’s investment in the City’s water system. This position is represented by the Lake Oswego Municipal Employees Association (LOMEA)/ American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).
Background: The City of Lake Oswego, in partnership with the City of Tigard, operates a state of the art Water Treatment Plant which was completed in 2017. It is the responsibility of the Operations staff at the WTP to operate and maintain the facilities and equipment and provide safe reliable drinking water to the Cities of Lake Oswego and Tigard, population 100,000. For details about the facilities, go to https://www.lotigardwater.org/.
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Operates the WTP facility as required, maintaining water quality by ensuring compliance with State and Federal drinking water standards.
- Shift work including work on weekends, evenings, nights, and holidays is required.
- Monitors and controls water treatment and distribution system using Computer control system.
- Makes operational decisions in emergency situations.
- Maintains pumps, instrumentation and chemical feed equipment for the WTP and river intake.
- Troubleshoots operational problems, equipment and control system failures.
- Performs chemical tests and determines chemical dosage for water treatment.
- Collects water quality samples for chemical and microbial analysis from WTP and distribution system.
- Receives and assists in unloading and storage of chemicals used in the treatment of water.
- Writes reports, maintains records & performs mathematical computations of chemical consumption, water production, water quality and weather conditions.
- Responsible for “Operational Decision Making” that affects public health.
- Serves periodically as the Standby Operator on-call, which requires the ability to respond in a timely manner to after-hours emergencies.
- Knowledge of OR-OSHA safety rules relating to maintenance and repair of equipment and handling and storage of chemicals used in the water treatment industry.
- Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.
Education and Qualifications: A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Water Environment Technology, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering Technology or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job. Candidates must be able to communicate with the public and City employees in a clear, tactful and courteous manner. Qualification for each Grade level is dependent on possession on date of hire the Oregon Health Authority Drinking Water Operator License as follows:
- Operator 1: Requires a minimum of an Oregon State Water Treatment Level 1
- Operator 2: Requires a minimum of an Oregon State Water Treatment Level 2. Filtration Endorsement may be required in lieu of prior experience working at a filtration plant.
- Operator 3: Requires a minimum of an Oregon State Water Treatment Level 3. Filtration Endorsement may be required in lieu of prior experience working at a filtration plant.
- Operator 4: Requires a minimum of an Oregon State Water Treatment Level 4. Filtration Endorsement may be required in lieu of prior experience working at a filtration plant.
- Applicants with certifications from other states will be expected to acquire, by reciprocity, State of Oregon certifications within 6-months of hire for the grades identified above.
For a complete list of the essential duties, knowledge, skills and abilities required, and physical and mental demands please review the complete job descriptions for Water Plant Operator I, II, III and Water Plant Operator IV.
Application Process: You may visit our web site at www.ci.oswego.or.us to access the online application process. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed job application. This position is open continuous, with first review scheduled for Monday, October 9, 2023.