What are the responsibilities and job description for the Water Treatment Plant Operator I - IV (Union) position at Medford Water Commission?
Salary : $61,164.00 - $85,464.00 Annually
Location : Duff Treatment Plant - White City, OR
Job Type : Full-Time
Job Number : 2025003
Department : Water Treatment
Opening Date : 02 / 21 / 2025
Closing Date : 3 / 10 / 2025 8 : 00 AM Pacific
FLSA : Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit : LiUNA Local #737
Description and Essential Duties
Medford Water is seeking a skilled Water Treatment Plant Operator to join our team. Recruiting Water Treatment Plant Operator Levels I - IV; only one position to be hired.
Level I (IA / IB) Compensation : $61,164 - $65,820
Level II (IIA / IIB) Compensation : $69,324 - $72,780
Level III (IIIA / IIIB) Compensation : $76,272 - $79,728
Level IV (IVA / IVB) Compensation : $83,376 - $85,464
- Currently involved in union negotiations; any increases are effective as of 7 / 1 / 2025.
LEVEL I :
The Water Treatment Plant Operator I-A / I-B position is responsible for performing various entry-level duties related to the operation and maintenance of water treatment facilities and water quality programs.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Basic duties and semi-skilled work in the operation and maintenance of water treatment plant equipment and related facilities; performs routine laboratory analysis; collects water samples; collects and records data; maintains records; and participates in other operation and maintenance programs as assigned. Active Communication and Respectfulness of co-workers and the public are skills required for this position, as are incorporating Medford Water Commission Values into daily activities.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
Knowledge of basic principles and practices involved in water treatment, distribution, chemistry and math. Knowledgeable and capable of servicing requirements for mechanical equipment. Skill in operation of various hand and power tools, inspection of mechanical equipment, performing general maintenance, and communications, sufficient to exchange or convey information and receive and follow work direction. Ability to accurately read and record operations data, perform laboratory analysis, understand and follow oral and written instructions, follow safety procedures, establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff and the public.
COMPETENCIES
Communication Proficiency, Technical Capacity, Decision Making, Teamwork / Collaboration, Time Management and Ethical Conduct
TRAINING, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSING REQUIRED
High School Diploma or G.E.D.; or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities sufficient to perform the essential duties of the class.
I-A : Oregon Water Treatment Operator Level 1 Certification required within 12 months of hire; Must demonstrate knowledge tasks of WTP I-A qualifications.
I-B : Oregon Water Treatment Operator Level 1 Certification; Must demonstrate knowledge tasks of WTP I-B qualifications.
Valid Oregon Driver's license and acceptable driving record.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Work performed at water treatment facilities may involve exposure to dirt, noise, hazardous materials, confined spaces, and adverse weather conditions. Employees frequently work alone and may be assigned irregular or rotating shifts, including nights and weekends, and must be available for work assignments 7 days per week.
Positions in this class typically require kneeling and crouching, repetitive motions, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing and seeing. Medium work : exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and / or 20 pounds of force frequently, and / or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, poor ventilation, chemicals, noise and extreme temperatures.
LEVEL II :
The Water Treatment Plant Operator II-A / II-B position is responsible for performing various semi-skilled and skilled duties related to the operation and maintenance of water treatment facilities and water quality programs.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Assists in the planning and implementation of a variety of activities encountered in water treatment facility operations. Operates and maintains water treatment facilities and equipment, performs routine laboratory analysis, collects water samples, collects and records data, maintains records, and participates in other operation and maintenance activities as assigned. Works closely with Commission staff to ensure compliance with water quality goals. May provide direction to staff in subordinate classifications. Active Communication and Respectfulness of co-workers and the public are skills required for this position, as are incorporating Medford Water Commission Values into daily activities.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
Knowledge of the principles and practices involved in the treatment and distribution of potable water, including water treatment process fundamentals, basic chemistry and math, basic servicing requirements for mechanical equipment, laboratory testing, and applicable regulatory requirements, rules and guidelines. Skill in using a computer and related software applications; preparing and maintaining records and reports, operating various equipment including hand and power tools, performing general maintenance, and communications, sufficient to exchange or convey information and receive work direction, establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff and the public. Ability to plan, organize and implement various water treatment plant operation and maintenance activities, establish and maintain accurate records, supervise and direct subordinate staff, respond to emergency or staff shortage situations, follow safety procedures, understand and follow oral and written instructions, establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the public.
COMPETENCIES
Communication Proficiency, Technical Capacity, Decision Making, Teamwork / Collaboration, Time Management and Ethical Conduct
TRAINING, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSING REQUIRED
High School Diploma or G.E.D. and three years of experience in water treatment or distribution; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient as determined by Medford Water Commission (MWC) to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
II-A : Oregon Water Treatment Operator Level 2 Certification; Must demonstrate knowledge tasks of WTP II-A qualifications.
II-B : Oregon Water Treatment Operator Level 2 Certification; Filter Endorsement; Must demonstrate knowledge tasks of WTP II-B qualifications.
A valid Oregon Driver's License (or ability to obtain) and acceptable driving record.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Work performed at water treatment facilities may involve exposure to dirt, noise, hazardous materials, confined spaces and adverse weather conditions. Employees frequently work alone and may be assigned irregular or rotating shifts, including nights and weekends, and must be available for work assignments seven (7) days per week. Positions in this class typically require kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Medium work : exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and / or 20 pounds of force frequently, and / or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical and electrical parts.
LEVEL III :
The Water Treatment Plant Operator III-A / III-B position is responsible for performing various skilled duties related to the operation and maintenance of water treatment and water quality programs.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Operates and maintains water treatment facilities and equipment, performs routine laboratory analysis, collects water samples, collects and records data, maintain records, routinely works independently and participates in other operation and maintenance activities as assigned. Works closely with Commission staff to ensure compliance with water quality goals. Assists in the planning and implementation of various programs to optimize water production and water quality. May provide supervision to staff in subordinate classification. Active Communication and Respectfulness of co-workers and the public are skills required for this position, as are incorporating Medford Water Commission Values into daily activities.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
Knowledge of the principles and practices involved in the treatment and distribution of potable water; including water treatment process fundamentals, basic chemistry and math, laboratory testing, and applicable regulatory requirements, rules and guidelines. Skill in using a computer and related software applications; preparing and maintaining records and reports, operating various equipment including hand and power tools, performing general maintenance, and communications, sufficient to exchange or convey information and receive work direction. Ability to independently plan, organize and implement various water quality and facility management programs, establish and maintain accurate records; supervise and direct subordinate staff; respond to emergency or staff shortage situations; follow safety procedures unique to hazardous materials and laboratory chemicals; establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the public.
COMPETENCIES
Communication Proficiency, Technical Capacity, Decision Making, Teamwork / Collaboration, Time Management and Ethical Conduct
TRAINING, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSING REQUIRED
Two-year degree in Water Quality Technology and five years experience in water treatment and / or distribution operations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience providing knowledge, skills and abilities sufficient to perform the essential duties of the class.
III-A : Oregon Water Treatment Operator Level 3 Certification, Filter Endorsement; Must demonstrate knowledge tasks of WTP III-A qualifications.
III-B : Oregon Water Treatment Operator Level 3 Certification; Filter Endorsement; Must demonstrate knowledge tasks of WTP III-B qualifications.
Valid Oregon Driver's license and acceptable driving record.
PHYISCAL REQUIREMENTS
Work performed includes a combination of office, treatment plant and local field activities which may involve exposure to dirt, noise, hazardous materials, confined spaces, and adverse weather conditions. Employees frequently work alone and may be assigned irregular or rotating shifts, including nights and weekends, and must be available for work assignments 7 days per week. Positions in this class typically require kneeling and crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Medium work : exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and / or 20 pounds of force frequently, and / or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, poor ventilation, chemicals, and extreme temperatures.
LEVEL IV :
The Water Treatment Plant Operator IV-A / IV-B position is responsible for performing various skilled duties related to the operation and maintenance of water treatment facilities and related programs.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Plans and implements various activities and programs related to treatment facility operations and maintenance. Take ownership of plant needs and demonstrate follow-thru with respect to getting tasks accomplished. Coordinates and participates in other operation and maintenance programs within the Water Quality Division as assigned. Works closely with Commission staff and the public to ensure compliance with water quality goals. Active Communication and Respectfulness of co-workers and the public are skills required for this position, as are incorporating Medford Water Commission Values into daily activities.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
Knowledge of the principles and practices involved in the treatment and distribution of potable water; including water treatment process fundamentals, basic chemistry and math, laboratory testing, and applicable regulatory requirements, rules and guidelines. Skill in decision making and the use of independent judgment, using a computer and related software applications; preparing and maintaining records and reports, operating various equipment including hand and power tools, performing general maintenance, and communicating effectively both verbally and in writing. Ability to independently plan, organize and implement various facility operations and maintenance programs, establish and maintain accurate records; supervise and direct subordinate staff; respond to emergency or staff shortage situations; follow safety procedures unique to hazardous materials and laboratory chemicals; establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the public; represent the water commission in industry organizations.
COMPETENCIES
Communication Proficiency, Technical Capacity, Decision Making / Problem Solving, Teamwork and Collaboration, Time Management and Ethical Conduct
TRAINING, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSING REQUIRED
Two-year degree in Water Quality Technology and seven years' experience in water treatment plant operations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities sufficient to perform the essential duties of the class.
IV-A : Oregon Water Treatment Operator Level 4 Certification; Filter Endorsement; Must demonstrate knowledge tasks of WTP IV-A qualifications.
IV-B : Oregon Water Treatment Operator Level 4 Certification; Filter Endorsement; Must demonstrate knowledge tasks of WTP IV-B qualifications.
Valid Oregon driver license and acceptable driving record.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :
Work performed includes a combination of office, treatment plant and local field activities which may involve exposure to dirt, noise, hazardous materials, confined spaces, and adverse weather conditions. Employees frequently work alone and may be assigned irregular or rotating shifts, including nights and weekends, and must be available for work assignments 7 days per week. Positions in this class typically require kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Medium work : exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and / or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, poor ventilation, chemicals, and extreme temperatures.
Medford Water offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees.
The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal.
Do you have a High School diploma or GED?
How many years of Water Treatment experience do you have?
What Water Treatment Certifications do you hold? And from which State were they awarded?
Which of the following describes your highest level of Microsoft office (Microsoft word, Excel, Powerpoint) proficiency?
Are you available for on-call employment?
Are you able to work a flexible work schedule that includes nights, weekends, holidays, and includes varying shifts?
Required Question
Salary : $61,164 - $85,464
