Wastewater Operator II - Open Continuous

Wastewater Operator II - Open Continuous

Salary

$38.12 - $47.52 Hourly

Location

Columbia Boulevard Plant, 5001 N Columbia Blvd., OR

Job Type

Regular

Job Number

2026-00414

Bureau

Bureau of Environmental Services

Opening Date

05/25/2026

Closing Date

8/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The Position

Job Appointment: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri. 8 am - 4:30 pm. An alternate schedule may be available.

Work Location: The position works at either the Columbia Blvd. Wastewater Treatment Plant located at 5001 N Columbia Blvd. in Portland, OR, or the Tryon Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant located at 195 Foothills Rd. in Lake Oswego, OR dependent on the annual Wastewater Operator seniority bid results.

Benefits: Please check our benefits tab for an overview of benefits for this position

Union Representation: Portland City Laborers 483 (PCL). To view labor agreements, current and future, please click here.

Application Material: Please click APPLY to submit your application via the City of Portland's online portal. You will need to attach a resume and answer supplemental questions.

The Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) is seeking a qualified Wastewater Operator II to join our dynamic team of highly qualified people to perform journey-level work in the operation and routine maintenance of a large, activated sludge, wastewater treatment plant. The Wastewater Operator II maintains established water quality standards through the effective operation of all equipment involved in the treatment process including operating, monitoring and controlling a vast network of pumps, conveyers, air and chemical systems; makes operational decisions including pumping rates and dosage adjustments, while working in one of six work units, which provide 24-hour coverage, 7-days per week. The Wastewater Operator II maintains accurate records, performs standard laboratory tests and identifies equipment failures and maintenance needs.

This position requires shift work and assignments, including days off, which are based on accrued seniority within a represented workforce.

What you will get to do:

• Ensures proper operation and control of assigned process area; operates equipment of the wastewater treatment plant such as pumps, bar screens, clarifiers, boilers, digesters, sludge pumps, blowers, aerators, disinfection/dechlorination systems, control panels, sludge thickening and sludge de-watering equipment; monitors equipment controls and takes corrective action to ensure effective equipment operation.

• Operates, monitors and controls a vast network of pumps, bar screens, conveyers, grit, air and chemical systems. Makes operational decisions including pumping rates and dosage adjustments, and whether to bring equipment on-line or take it off-line. Trouble shoots equipment failures and identifies maintenance needs with use of a CMMS. Coordinates maintenance and repairs with other work groups.

• Operates, monitors and controls primary and secondary digesters, classifiers and transfer pumps, including gas boilers.

• Operates and monitors plant processes using a SCADA network, which includes remote monitoring and communication, as well as communications with and between the Tryon Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, the City of Portlands collection system, headworks, secondary and influent flows, peak-flow gates, offsite dechlorination facility, sewage pumps, aeration basins, and aeration blowers; and provides constant monitoring of disinfection dosing and oxygen levels.

• Operates, monitors, controls, and adjusts dewatering and thickening equipment; performs lab tests on biosolids and makes adjustments for efficient output and chemical polymer use; keeps and maintains accurate records of process and lab results to ensure sample protocol and regulatory requirements.

• Operates, monitors, controls, and determines flow rates and process strategies; performs mixed liquor and total suspended solids content tests and monitors temperatures, pH levels, and aeration needs of the system.

• Operates, monitors, controls, and adjusts digester feed pump station, diesel dredges and an internal recycle pump station; oversees lagoon system including ground and dredge maintenance.

• Responds to and handles emergency situations; provides essential services for treatment plant weather related or other emergencies.

• This could include overtime to accomplish work, which at times, may be mandatory/compulsory.

• Communicate professionally and effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Operator II: is the experienced/journey level class in the series, fully competent to independently perform duties of the job.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities of Operator II

• Knowledge of: processes, techniques and all applicable safety practices, tools, and materials used in wastewater treatment equivalent to that required for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II certification. Process control equipment and process troubleshooting techniques; processes and chemicals used in testing and treating; pumps and pumping equipment; wastewater laboratory, sampling and testing procedures; SCADA computer data for high level monitoring of process equipment.
• Ability to: maintain operational processes and procedures independently.
• Skills in: use of tools, power equipment, and specialized process related equipment; providing lead direction to staff, including assisting and reviewing work.

At BES, we value our customers and partners; Portlanders' sense of connection to their waterways; conscientious stewardship of our watersheds, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and financial resources; a diverse, collaborative, healthy, and engaged workforce; leadership among our employees and in our City and community; equity in our workplace, business practices, and service delivery; clear communication and transparency; innovative, sustainable, and resilient solutions.

BES is seeking talented individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds with knowledge, ability, and experience working with a broad range of individuals and communities; and that desire to work collaboratively and creatively to broaden the variety of innovative ways to partner with and serve all Portland communities. To learn more about the work we do at BES, click on the link: www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/

Our BES 10-Year Strategic Plan can be found here: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/75720

To Qualify

Applicants must specifically address and demonstrate in their supplemental question responses and resume/work history how their education, training and/or experience, meets each of the following minimum qualifications

1. Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes including the operation of process control equipment, trouble-shooting techniques, and laboratory procedures.

2. Ability to maintain operational processes and procedures independently, or with general oversight from a Lead or Senior Operator.

3. Demonstrate a commitment to team-based communication and interactions while approaching scenarios with the intent to find solutions through problem-solving

4. Skill in the safe use of tools, power equipment, and specialized process related equipment.

Applicants must also possess:

• A valid state drivers license and acceptable driving record at the time of hire.
• Ability to obtain medical certification of respirator readiness and the absence of any physical characteristic that prevents rapid attainment of a tight seal between face and self-contained breathing apparatus requiring Wastewater Operators II to be clean-shaven.
• Ability to successfully pass a Physical Capacity Test (PCT) required before appointment to the position.

Desired Qualifications

• Possession of a valid Oregon Wastewater Operator Treatment Certification grade I, II, III, or IV, or the ability to apply for certification reciprocity with the state of Oregon.

The Recruitment Process

This is an open continuous recruitment: Open Continuous recruitment has multiple review periods (outlined below) and can be open for up to 3 months.

• If you apply and are notified you meet minimum qualifications/placed on the eligible list, please do not reapply. Any applications received after being placed on the eligible list will not be reviewed and will be rejected as a duplicate application.
• If you apply and are notified you do not meet qualifications and the recruitment is still open, you may reapply and update your materials.

STEP 1: Apply online between May 25, 2026, and August 17, 2026

Required Application Materials:

• Resume
• Answers to Supplemental Questions

Optional Application Materials:

• Veteran's Preference documents (e.g., DD214-Member 4, VA Benefit Letter) must be submitted by the closing date.
• Update: As of March 3, 2025, if you have already submitted veteran documents and qualified for preference, you do not need to resubmit them for future recruitments.
• To update or remove veteran preference for this recruitment or from your profile, contact the recruiter listed in the job announcement.

Application Tips:

• Your answers to the Supplemental Questions should include details describing your education, training, and/or experience, and where obtained, which clearly reflect your qualifications for each of the numbered items in the "To Qualify" section of this announcement.
• Your résumé should support the details described in your answers to the supplemental questions..
• Salary Range/Equity Pay Analysis: Please note per the Oregon State Pay Equity Law, your salary is determined based on the experience and education listed in your resume/application. It is strongly encouraged to include any transferable experience (paid or unpaid, regardless of how recent) to ensure your offer is reflective of all directly related and equivalent experience.
• Do not attach any additional documents.
• Please note that all completed applications for this position must be submitted no later than the closing date and time of this recruitment.

Step 2: Minimum Qualification Evaluation: Ongoing

• An evaluation of each applicants training, paid and unpaid experience, as demonstrated in their answers to supplemental questions and resume, weighted 100%.
• Your answers to the supplemental questions and résumé will be the basis for our evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Incomplete or inappropriate information may result in disqualification.
• You have 14 days from the notice of the minimum qualification evaluation results to let us know if you would like to review and discuss your evaluation results. Please read the City of Portland Administrative Rule 3.01for complete information.
• Additional evaluation may be required before establishment of the eligible list and/or final selection.

Step 3: Establishment of Eligible List: Week of June 8, 2026

Subsequent Eligible Lists every 2 weeks or as applicants qualify

• Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on the equally ranked eligible list.
• Please note that the selection process may take up to 90 days from the notification of being placed on the eligible list.

Step 4: Selection (Interview): TBD

• Hiring bureau will review and select candidates for an interview.
• Please note that the selection process may take up to 90 days from the notification of being placed on the eligible list.

Step 5: Offer of Employment: TBD

Step 6: Start Date:

• A start date will be determined after all conditions of employment have been met.
• Timeline is approximate and subject to change.

Additional Information

Click here for additional information regarding the following:

• City of Portland Core Values
• Recruitment Process - Work Status
• Equal Employment Opportunity
• Veteran Preference
• ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations

Did you know? The City of Portland has How to Apply Videos and offers How to Apply Classes once per month. If you have questions after watching the videos you are invited to contact the recruiter listed on the announcement.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

A Career with the City of Portland offers many Employee Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to

• Health Care (Medical, Vision and Dental)
• Carrot Fertility
• Wellness Benefits
• Life Insurance
• Long-term disability coverage to eligible employees and their families.
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Retirement
• Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), including contributions to the PERS IAP plan paid by employer
• Family Medical Leave
• City Paid Parental Leave

AND SO MANY MORE!

Benefits may vary depending on bargaining unit and employment status. Click here to review the many different benefits the City of Portland offers.

01

Thank you for considering joining the City of Portland. We sincerely value your time and hope to make your application experience as positive as possible.

The following supplemental questions are an important step in the examination and selection process to assist us in determining if you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in the posted vacancy.

A lack of a complete and thorough response to each of the supplemental questions in the space provided may result in disqualification from the examination. In addition, the selections you make and responses you provide in the questionnaire must accurately reflect what is documented in your resume.

Have you read and understood the information listed above?

• Yes
• No - If you have any questions, please contact the recruiter on the announcement.

02

Where did you first learn about this job opportunity? (If on a website or job board, please specify which one)

03

The City of Portland sometimes gets requests for public records. Please choose the response that best fits your preference:

(Your choice will not affect your application process.)

• I want my application to stay private. I understand that the City of Portland will keep my information confidential unless required to share it by law.
• I allow my application to be shared. I understand that by choosing this option, my information is no longer private.

04

Do you have knowledge of wastewater treatment processes including the operation of process control equipment, trouble-shooting techniques, and/or laboratory procedures?

• Yes
• No

05

Are you committed to teamwork and collaboration while seeking to problem solve?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have experience in the safe use of water treatment plant equipment, safety policies, and procedures?

• Yes
• No

07

Will you have a valid states drivers license and acceptable driving record at time of hire?

• Yes
• No

08

Will you have the ability to obtain medical certification of respirator readiness and the absence of any physical characteristic that prevents rapid attainment of a tight seal between face and self-contained breathing apparatus? (Requires Wastewater Operators II to be clean-shaven)

• Yes
• No

09

Do you hold a valid Wastewater Operator Treatment Certification in the State of Oregon or in another state that offers reciprocity?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Portland

Address 1120 SW 5th Ave, Room 987

Portland, Oregon, 97204

Website http://www.portlandoregon.gov/jobs