Posted: 8/1/25

Job Title: Wastewater Operator                                     

Department: Wastewater Department 

Reports To: Wastewater Supervisor                                                

Effective Date: July 11, 2025 

maintenance, laboratory, administrative work for the operations of a Class 3 activated sludge wastewater treatment plant with a tertiary filter, producing Class A reclaimed water meeting or exceeding slate and federal requirements. Duties are varied and require analyzing facts to determine the proper course of actions within limits of standard procedures. Malfunctions, if not detected, could cause serious damage to equipment or create an environmental and public health hazard. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

The job duties and responsibilities represented in this job description in no way imply that these are the only duties to be performed. Employees occupying the position will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by a supervisor. 

• Participates in the operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant and wastewater collection system, as provide for in ORS Chapter 448: Pool Facilities; Waler and Sewage Systems and OAR Chapter 340 Division 49: Regulations Pertaining to Certification of 

Wastewater System Operator Personnel. This position serves as a team member in operation and maintenance of the plant on a routine basis. Participates in a routine on-call rotation for emergency call-out. *

• Maintains computerized and manual records and prepares reports pertaining to the operation of the plant, creates and reviews daily reports of the plant operations and recommends changes as required lo meet legal requirements. * 
• Monitors plant, reclaimed water facilities and collections system (to include step/steg systems) performance for permit compliance, review industrial waste permits and monitors discharges from the plant. Prepares various reports for the City and other regulatory agencies. * 
• Reviews regulations and develops and administer procedures to meet legal requirements. * 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Desired: 

While requirements may be representative of desired levels of knowledge, skills and abilities, to perform this job successfully, the incumbent will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. 

• Basic knowledge of the processes and operations of an activated sludge wastewater treatment Plant, and the ability to apply such knowledge in the operation of the plant. 
• Basic knowledge of the theory and practices of plant processes and the ability to make routine tests and use algebraic and chemical equations in the solution of processing problems, including some hydraulics. 
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and necessary safety precautions in the operation of an activated sludge wastewater treatment plant. 
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in an emergency. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working  relationships  with employees,  other departments and the public. 
• Monitors sludge generated by the plant and handles testing, utilization and reporting requirements. *
• Oversee their own personal safety and that of assigned personnel by following and instructing proper safety procedures and monitoring' work in progress. * 
• Inspects and assists in the control, cost and use of supplies and equipment used in the operation, maintenance and laboratory of the treatment plant. * 
• Recommend any alterations, extensions and improvements to the plant, equipment and processes needed. *
• Completes all other duties as assigned by the Chief Wastewater Operator, including providing support to as city departments as requested. * 

* Note: These marked items are essential functions, which would require an acceptable alternative in reasonable accommodation. 

• Ability to maintain records and prepare reports and familiarity with using a computer for process monitoring and generating necessary records and reports. 
• Basic knowledge of laboratory procedures required for reporting and monitoring the operation of an activated sludge wastewater treatment plant. 

Working Conditions 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Appropriate safety equipment, clothing and training in its use is provided by the employer 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in both office and outside weather conditions, including occasionally severe weather. The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to freezing, wet and/or humid conditions and vibration. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of electric shock. The noise level is usually loud in field settings and moderately quiet in office settlings. 

Contacts and Relationships 

The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator receives work and planning directions from the Operator 3 and Senior Staff, and works cooperatively with other city departments. 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

• The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator must be able to see well enough to read fine print such as blueprints and detect subtle shades of color such as that of titration. 
• Ability to hear well enough to find and identify a single mechanical problem among a high volume of machinery noise. 
• Ability to wear respiratory equipment when required. 

The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator will have daily contact with employees of the City and occasional contact with the citizens of the community. In addition, he/she will be expected to present him/herself in a manner creditable to the City in all contacts with any individual, agency, or jurisdiction with which he/she may come in contact. 

Physical Requirements 

• Must possess enough body mobility to move from building to building during plant inspections  and able to ascend and descend ladders entering and leaving wastewater process tanks and other process areas. 
• Must have manual dexterity to draw smooth curved lines such as outlines of equipment tanks; 
• Must have strength to frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. 
• Must have tolerance to work under adverse conditions such as chemical atmosphere containing putrid materials and work within a toxic environment. 

Experience and Training 

Any combination of experience and training that provides the desired skills, knowledge and abilities. 

A Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator must have graduated from high school or an equivalent, possess a minimum of Grade I, State of Oregon Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator's Certification; and Collection Grade I or able obtain both within one year. The candidate must possess and maintain a valid Oregon State motor vehicle driver's license. The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator must have basic knowledge of the laboratory testing, and the process and operations of an advanced wastewater treatment plant. An Operator I must have an ability to apply such knowledge as directed in the operation of the plant. 

Requirements outlined in this job description may be subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified for employment in this position. However, some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.   

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Employer and employee and is subject to change as the needs of the Employer and requirements of the job change. This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be lawfully required by their supervisor.