Job Summary

The City of Salem is looking for a full-time Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II or Operator I. The successful candidate must have either a Grade I or II Wastewater Treatment Operator certificate.

Make An Impact

The Public Works Department of the City of Salem is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (II or I) in the Willow Lake Treatment Facility. Willow Lake provides wastewater treatment service to 256,000 residents. It is the primary treatment facility for the City with a dry weather secondary treatment capacity of 65 mgd, a wet weather secondary treatment capacity of 105 mgd, and a peak wet weather capacity of 155 mgd. It can be operated in trickling filter/activated sludge, conventional air activated sludge and in a combination of both processes plus selective treatment based on flow and load fluctuations.

The River Road Peak Wet Weather Treatment Facility is a high rate, physical chemical ballasted flocculation facility with ultra-violet disinfection. This facility is operated only when flows at the Willow Lake Facility are above 95 mgd. Operation of this remote facility is permitted for use to prevent sanitary sewer overflows associated with wet weather. If you are someone that takes pride in collaborating on innovative ideas, proactively responding to community needs, and being a good environmental and financial steward, we look forward to meeting you!

Learn And Grow

We have a diverse team of tenured and newer employees working together to support each other and our community. The Public Works Department promotes a healthy work life balance, while maintaining the utmost dedication to the health, safety, and welfare of our community, including our team. We value our employees and their professional development. We invite you to develop your Wastewater Treatment Operator career with us!

What You Will Do

This position is open to two classifications including: Wastewater Treatment Plant (WTP) Operator II and Wastewater Treatment Plant (WTP) Operator I. The successful candidate’s work schedule will vary biannually depending on the results of a seniority-based work schedule bidding system. The successful candidate may work day, swing, or night shift, as well as weekends and holidays. In addition, the successful candidate may be assigned a rover position, where they are required work other schedules and shifts on a temporary basis.

What can we offer you for all your hard work?

Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies.
Competitive pay.
Employer-paid PERS contribution of 6%.
Opportunity for voluntary pre-tax contributions to a 457b account.
Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Voluntary long-term care.
Employee wellness program.
Employee assistance program.
Employee health clinic.

The City of Salem offers a comprehensive and equitable base salary within the listed range based on your experience, skills, and education. We encourage you to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Learn more about Equal Pay.

What are the minimum qualifications?

High school graduate or GED; and demonstrated work experience at a wastewater or water treatment plant and/or education as defined by operator certification level.
Must pass the pre-employment background check.
Must have an Oregon Driver license and meet the City of Salem's driving standards.
Must have Grade I or Grade II wastewater treatment operator certificate.
Candidates with out-of-state licenses will be required to obtain Oregon certification within six months of hire.

Wastewater Treatment Plant (WTP) Operator I

Must pass a physical abilities exam.
Experience working in wastewater treatment plant operations in a plant using activated sludge treatment.
Grade I Wastewater Treatment System Operator Certification. Candidates with out-of-state licenses will be required to obtain Oregon certification within six months of hire.

Wastewater Treatment Plant (WTP) Operator II :

Must pass a physical abilities exam.
Three years of experience at a wastewater treatment plant, or two years of experience and one year of post high school experience sufficient to have met the requirements for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Grade II certification.
Grade II Wastewater Treatment System Operator Certification. Candidates with out of state licenses will be required to obtain Oregon certification within six months of hire.

Wastewater Treatment Plant (WTP) Operator I wage: $31.21 - $37.97 Hourly

Wastewater Treatment Plant (WTP) Operator II wage: $35.19 - $42.81 Hourly

About Us

The City of Salem is the second largest City in the State of Oregon, located in the heart of Willamette Valley, and is the capital city of Oregon with a population over 170,000. Centrally located, Salem is 47 miles south of Portland and an hour from the Cascade Mountains to the east and an hour from the ocean beaches to the west. Salem is an exceptional community for living and working with exciting new and comfortable well-established neighborhoods and carefully preserved historic buildings.

A Full-service City, Salem Has Eight Primary Departments

Community Services, Finance, Fire, Enterprise Services, Legal, Police, Public Works, and Community and Urban Development. Several departments also have functional divisions within their department. The City has five labor unions and employs roughly 1,350 talented and dedicated staff members. The Urban Renewal Agency and the Salem Housing Authority are separate municipal corporations. The Agency contracts with the City for services and the Authority is led by the Housing Administrator within the Urban Development department.

Where can I find out more about the position?

Go to menu option for Class Specifications and search for the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WTP) Operator I or II where the class specifications are posted in its entirety, or view by clicking here: WTP Operator I or WTP Operator II .

How can I apply?

The City of Salem invites individuals of all diverse communities and backgrounds to apply for our available job opportunities as we strive to provide the best service to everyone. The City of Salem is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all and has a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that by welcoming differences, encouraging new ideas and views, listening to, and learning from each other, we are better able to serve the community.

To apply, click on the green “Apply” button to complete your application. Make sure that you specify how you meet the qualifications outlined in the class specification and complete the application.

Applicants that meet the minimum qualifications as outlined above but not selected for this position may be placed on an eligibility list, and candidates may be hired from the list. Eligibility lists are valid for six months. The City will send email notifications to eligible candidates about potential hiring opportunities so please ensure your email settings accept our system generated email notifications.

You may subscribe for automatic notification of job openings at the City through the Job Interest Cards – sign up today!

For more information about employment at the City of Salem, please visit our website at www.cityofsalem.net/jobs .

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Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator (I/II)