What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wastewater Residuals Operator 1 / 2 position at City of Eugene?
Application Deadline: Friday, March 14, 2025 - 5:00 PST
Accepting Online Applications Only
The Wastewater Residuals Operator performs a variety of operational and maintenance duties at the Biosolids Management Facilities, Biocycle Farm, and Beneficial Reuse Site with a focus on in-the-field activities; including coordinating biosolids and recycled water applications; Belt Filter Press operation; facultative lagoon operation; process control activities; equipment maintenance and light repairs; monitoring and controlling irrigation practices; heavy and light equipment operation; record keeping; and report generation. May be required to: rotate on safety committee, EMS committee, or other roles dealing with safety and welfare of the Wastewater Division; to work overtime on an assigned basis or as deemed necessary by the City during an emergency situation; work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, or holidays.
Department/Division: Public Works Department / Maintenance Division
Salary Range: Depending on the knowledge, skills, and abilities possessed by the successful applicant, this position may be filled as either a:
Wastewater Operator 1: $29.13 - $36.32 / hourly; $60,590.40 - $75,545.60 / annually
Wastewater Operator 2: $31.80 - $39.67 / hourly; $66,144.00 - $82,513.60 / annually
The City of Eugene determines starting pay within the range based on relevant education and experience as provided by the applicant in their application materials. This process is consistent with the Oregon Equal Pay Act (OEPA). You can learn more about our process at our How to Apply page.
Benefits: Please click the Benefits Tab to view the City of Eugene’s competitive package options.
Supervisor: Robert Murray, 541 682-8660
Location: 29689 Awbrey Lane, Eugene
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.Performs operations, maintenance, and inspection of biosolids and recycled water processing and land application sites and facilities.
Responsible for assigned areas; makes necessary equipment adjustments as established by operations and maintenance procedures; interprets process data and makes adjustments to meet targets set by process guidelines; makes recommendations to Residuals Supervisor for process changes.
Contributes equally to work load; works under direction with initiative and high standards of quality and productivity.
In absence of Residuals Supervisor or Agricultural Coordinator, makes decisions regarding site operations, biosolids applications, irrigation scheduling, lagoon loading, emergency start-up and shut down of equipment, prioritizing work assignments, coordinating requests from other City and Wastewater Division work sections.
Under direction of Residuals Supervisor, may develop and/or modify operational procedures used in Residuals Management work section.
May assist in groundwater, soil, plant tissue, surface water, and lysimeter monitoring programs; collects samples from treatment processes for process control and permit monitoring; may assist in scheduling of sampling and monitoring programs.
Enters and retrieves data from personal computers and process work stations; utilizes various software applications to operate and monitor equipment and processes, interpret trends, monitor loading rates, and maintain biosolids and recycled water application records.
Operates laboratory instruments such as dissolved oxygen meters, pH meters, analytical balances, steam tables, and moisture balances; calibrates, maintains, and trouble shoots issues with instruments.
May be assigned special projects of a technical and complex nature including biosolids cost analysis, public relations activities, manpower evaluations, technical report writing, training modules, safety research, developing equipment specifications, and other related projects.
Performs preventive maintenance and minor repairs to equipment; troubleshoots and isolates problems in malfunctioning equipment as necessary; follows appropriate safety procedures when isolating equipment including tagging and lock-out requirements.
Maintains a positive working relationship with biosolids and recycled water customers, neighbors of application sites, and contract farmers.
May operate a variety of specialized equipment for recycled water and biosolids processing, distribution, and application such as; dredge, mixers, farm tractors, dump trucks, spreaders, loaders, center pivots, and hard hose reels.
May train Wastewater employees in operational techniques, equipment operation, and proper safety procedures used in Residuals Management work section.
May be assigned work in wet wells, manholes, or other confined spaces.
Cleans and maintains work areas as required; responsible for keeping equipment neat, clean, and properly stored; may be asked to perform minor custodial work as required.
Supports and respects diversity in the workplace.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferrable skills from a variety of sources and experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
When screening your application, the City will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to meet minimum qualifications for this position.
Education:
Associate's degree in Environmental Science or related field.
Operator 1:
One year experience in activated sludge process of wastewater treatment, or equivalent.
Ste of Oregon DEQ Wastewater Systems Operator Certificate, Grade I.
Operator 2:
Two years of experience in activated sludge process of wastewater treatment, or equivalent.
State of Oregon DEQ Wastewater Systems Operator Certification, Grade II.
License or Certificate:
Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain a valid Oregon State driver's license with appropriate classification or endorsement as determined by the equipment operated.
The Ideal Candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Knowledge of:
Effective operational methods needed to operate and maintain facultative lagoons, center pivot irrigation systems, hard hose reel irrigation systems, belt filter presses, pumps, sampling devices, and other related equipment.
Solids processing, including theory and operation of thickening, stabilization processes, dewatering, and recycling of final product.
Biosolids and recycled water land application methods and procedures.
Nutrient cycles in soils and crops as they relate to biosolids and recycled water land application programs.
General farm practices related to growing schedule and harvesting practices of pastures, seed, forage, hybrid poplars, and other farm crops.
Principles of chemistry and biology as applied to wastewater pollutants and their impacts of treatment processes and solids contamination.
Ability to:
Understand, interpret, and implement laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines, as defined in local, State, and Federal regulations.
Read and understand complex blueprints, piping, and schematics.
Plan, organize, and perform all routine process control tests currently performed in Residuals Management work section including all mathematical calculations related to the tests.
Accurately determine, through mathematical calculations, appropriate hydraulic and organic loading rates of biosolids and reclaimed water to land application sites, Biocycle Farm, and facultative lagoons.
Follow written, technically complex equipment operational procedures (such as operations and maintenance manuals); read and understand complex blueprints, piping, and schematics.
Make effective judgments and decisions regarding non-routine operational duties such as equipment breakdowns, changing priorities, and emergencies.
Instruct and train others in operation of equipment and process strategies and procedures.
Maintain technically complex records including log entries, laboratory data, flow data, daily monitoring reports, biosolids, and reclaimed water application records.
Communicate clearly and concisely on technical environmental issues as related to biosolids and recycled water processing, land application, groundwater monitoring, and agronomic loading in written and oral communication to a variety of audiences.
Evaluate problems with procedures, equipment, or operational systems and remedy situation using prior experience or problem solving techniques with minimal supervision.
Operate and maintain a variety of specialized equipment utilized in Residuals Management work section.
Prepare technically complex written reports.
BE AVAILABLE FOR EMERGENCY ALARM CALL-OUTS AND RESPOND TO WORK SITE WITHIN 45 MINUTES.
WORK OVERTIME, ROTATING SHIFTS, NIGHTS, WEEKENDS, AND HOLIDAYS.
PASS A CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECK
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions: Mostly outdoors in field environment with exposure to all typical weather conditions, including travel from site to site. Exposure to sharp objects, burns from hot materials, pinch points, moving objects/vehicles in right of way, dust/noise/vibration, working at heights, biological hazards from sewers, grease/smoke/ material fumes/gasses, cramped quarters, inclement weather conditions, slippery surfaces, electrical shock, toxic/caustic chemicals and animal/insect bites. Uses city vehicles, ladders, variety of hand/power tools, measuring and testing equipment, variety of specialized equipment associated with the wastewater and biosolids trades. Safety equipment used includes hard hat, safety glasses/goggles, steel-toed safety shoes, hearing protection, gloves, dust mask, respirator, SCBA as required, rubber boots, seat belts and other PPE as required. Assignments include working in confined spaces with exposure to raw sewage.
What to Expect from our Selection Process: Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. The selection process varies according to the position and can include such things as screening of supplemental questionnaires, written or skill tests, ability or fitness tests, interviews, and assessment processes. In addition, background investigations and records checks may be required. Some positions also require applicants to have a psychological evaluation and/or physical examination and a drug test prior to employment. Marijuana use is evaluated consistent with current state law regulations. PLEASE NOTE: Once the posting closes, the process can take 4-6 weeks to complete.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we desire to welcome, respect, and create a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce. Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at (541) 682-5061.
In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States.
Salary : $60,590 - $75,546
