What are the responsibilities and job description for the Water Quality Treatment Operator position at The City of Coos Bay?
The City of Coos Bay is soliciting applications for the position of Water Quality Treatment Operator. The position can be filled as a Treatment Operator-in-Training, I, or II, depending upon qualifications of selected applications. To apply for the position, interested parties should submit a city application, resume, and letter of interest to the HR Office or by email to jspencer@coosbayor.gov. City applications are available from the City Manager’s Office, City Hall, 500 Central Avenue, Coos Bay, Oregon 97420, by email at jspencer@coosbayor.gov or on the City’s website at https://www.coosbayor.gov/government/job-openings
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: The Treatment Operator performs skilled and semi- skilled work in the operation, maintenance, and repairs of a variety of equipment in a wastewater treatment plant and related facilities; related work as required. Operate and maintain the Wastewater Treatment Plant and assure plant processes are in compliance with local, state and federal discharge limits; protect the health and safety of personnel, the public, and the environment. Applicants must have the certifications and experience to support the operator level for which they are applying. A Lead Treatment Operator will also perform supervisory duties. Please see the full job descriptions below for the requirements of each operator level.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general supervision of the Water Quality Administrator or their designee. The Treatment OIT may receive work direction from the Treatment Operator I or Treatment Operator II.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK: An employee in this classification may perform any of the following duties. The duties listed are intended only as illustrative examples of the various types of work that may be performed by individuals in this classification. Any of the following duties may be performed. These examples are not necessarily performed by all incumbents and do not include all specific essential functions and responsibilities the incumbent may be expected to perform.
- Uses computerized control system to regularly monitor and control plant processes, equipment, and instrument activities for the treatment plant operations including lift stations and/or reservoir pump stations, as applicable.
- Operates, repairs, and maintains specialized equipment and instruments used in the sampling, analysis, and processing of potable water and wastewater including but not limited to lab equipment, samplers, pumps, and other conveyance equipment. Inspects, monitors, and adjusts plant process equipment and instruments; performs preventive maintenance and minor repairs; may assist with major repairs, modifications, and installation and start-up of a variety of process equipment including biosolids application and pretreatment monitoring equipment.
- Perform laboratory analysis and sampling to support treatment plant operation. Monitor quality control and quality assurance of process control and NPDES permit testing.
- Evaluates operational data and information and effect necessary process control changes using a variety of manual and automation control systems.
- Uses computer applications to prepare reports, keep daily records, utilize spreadsheets, and submit equipment maintenance requests.
- Troubleshoots and responds to alarms and potential issues; evaluate situations to make initial assessment of potential problems and decide on the appropriate problem-solving solution.
- Responds to emergency calls during business hours and after hours. Must be able to respond to calls within 30 minutes. If the situation warrants it, must be able to respond on site within 60 minutes.
- Responds to plant alarms, pump station alarms and/or any related failure to collection system operated and maintained by the city.
- Be responsible to be on call after normal working hours, weekends, and holidays per the schedule assigned by their supervisor.
- May be assigned to work on the Collection Operator crews.
- Represents the City of Coos Bay by responding to the public, citizens, its employees, and others in a prompt, professional, and courteous manner while continuously maintaining a positive customer service demeanor. Regard everyone, internal and external, as a customer and deliver the best service possible in a respectful and patient manner.
- Serves as a member of various city committees as assigned.
- Assists other staff in the performance of their duties as assigned.
- Maintains regular job attendance and adherence to working hours.
- Operates a motor vehicle safely and legally.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY: It is anticipated that the Treatment Operator will have the minimum requirements under this section and “Experience and Training”.
Special Requirements:
- Must possess and maintain a valid Oregon driver’s license at time of appointment.
- Ability to wear hazard appropriate personal protective equipment.
- For Treatment Operator I, minimum of a Wastewater Treatment Level I Certificate issued by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.
- For Treatment Operator II, minimum of Wastewater Treatment Level II Certificate issued by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.
Ability to become trained and certified in First Aid and CPR, Confined Space Entry, Public Agency Work Zone Traffic Control Class and obtain Flagger Certification, Protection/Competent Person Training, and Forklift Operation.
Knowledge and skill in the application of wastewater management technical principles and practices. Skill in data interpretation, planning, safety awareness and work prioritization. Knowledge of biological processes related to wastewater treatment management. Skill in the operation and/or use of equipment, tools, and machinery. Knowledge and understanding of plumbing and hydraulics. Skill in making clear oral and written communications; dealing tactfully with the public and working harmoniously with other employees. Working knowledge of computers and software used in a treatment plant environment. Skill and ability to understand and implement Federal and State reporting requirements, OSHA guidelines and maintenance procedures. Must be able to work on a variety of tasks efficiently while dealing with interruptions and maintaining good public relations. Frequently requires interpersonal skills, problem analysis, math, independent judgment, and effective writing/understanding/speaking English.
This position is considered "Inclement Weather Standby" and depending upon conditions, may be designated as a "First Responder" which is considered essential personnel. Should this designation occur in the event city offices close due to inclement weather, etc., incumbent will be required to report to work for their scheduled shift, as well as any overtime or extra hours required. This position is subject to a rotating "on-call" schedule after training has been completed.
Independently, accurately, and effectively perform various assigned tasks and duties following the city’s established procedures and program policies. Meet and deal with the public, consultants, and other staff in a courteous, professional manner. Knowledge of equipment, facilities, materials, methods, and procedures used in sanitary sewer or storm water maintenance, construction, and repair activities. Skill in operation of listed tools and equipment used. Ability to perform heavy manual tasks for extended periods of time; work safely; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments, and the public; understand and carry out written and oral instructions; operate small office equipment, including tablets, copy machines or multi-line telephone systems; operate computers for data entry, word processing and/or accounting purposes; operate highly technical computer applications, such as GIS; operate medium equipment and machinery, such as vehicles or commercial mowers and operate complex machinery related to the wastewater plants.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: An employee in this position must have the ability to read and interpret regulations; to multi-task and complete work in a timely and accurate manner; to work independently; to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Must be able to develop and maintain positive cooperative team-oriented relationships with co-workers, supervisors, managers, and others they come in contact with.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING: The position requires a High School diploma or General Equivalency Degree (GED).
- For Treatment Operator I, one (1) year experience in wastewater plant operations; possession of an associate degree specializing in wastewater treatment; or any equivalent combination of experience and training.
- For Treatment Operator II, three (3) years’ experience in wastewater plant operations; possession of an associate degree specializing in wastewater treatment; or any equivalent combination of experience and training.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED: Operation of motor vehicles including trucks, crane truck, Vactor truck, forklift, wheel loader and utility vehicles is required, as well as operation of small tools, pumps, power equipment, etc. The use of personal protective equipment appropriate to the hazard will be required. The position requires skill in the use of phone, personal computer, and virtual desktop infrastructure environment (tablet), MS applications including word processing, spreadsheet, scheduling, and other software, SCADA systems, plant-specific computer applications, network- connected copy machine with scanning, and other office equipment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here (including lifting, mobility, movement, manual dexterity) are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. In the performance of job duties, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk, and hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, feel, and operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 70 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus. Manual dexterity and coordination are required to perform the work. This is used while operating equipment such as computer keyboards, calculators, and telephones.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and in outside weather conditions. The employee frequently works in high, precarious places and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to the risk of electrical shock and will work in a variety of locations with varying hazards. The employee will be provided with appropriate safety training and equipment. The employee will be exposed at various times to hot or cold temperatures, high humidity, fall hazards, rotating or moving machinery, common electrical hazards, biological and chemical hazards, laceration hazards and hazardous noise areas. In addition, there is the possibility of exposure of dirt, oil, grease, grass, and pollen. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. The use of personal protective equipment appropriate to the hazard will be required.
GUIDELINES: The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
Hiring Process: Applicants must complete and submit the required City application packet, resume, and letter of interest by 5:00 pm on Friday, December 20th, as specified in this job announcement. All applicants will be notified of the final status of their application via email.
Application Acceptance Period: ..................................................December 2nd – 20th
Review of Applications and Schedule Interviews: ....................December 23rd – 27th
First Round of Interviews with Selected Candidates: ..............December 30th – January 3rd
Second Round of Interviews as needed.....................................Week of January 6th
Probable Date for Offer of Employment: ..................................Week of January 13th
Projected Start Date…………….............................................………..January 20th – 27th
Note: The city reserves the right to conduct additional interviews, and this may affect the projected date for offer of employment.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: Employees work in a strong team-oriented environment and receive a generous employee benefit package which includes eleven paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, long term disability, medical, dental and vision insurance, and retirement through the Public Employees Retirement System. The City pays 90% of the medical and dental insurance premium for the employee and their family.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMMUNITY: Information about the City of Coos Bay and the Bay Area is available at www.coosbayOR.gov.
