Water System Operator II

The City of St. Helens is seeking qualified applicants to fill the position of Water System Operator II in our Public Works Department.  The Water Division provides safe and healthy drinking water through a state-of-the-art facility which uses a hollow micro-fiber filtration process. This facility operates seven days a week, 365 days a year and is designed to produce up to six million gallons of water per day and on average produces approximately 1.3 million gallons of filtered drinking water each day. This position may also perform work at the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant as needed.  The Plant treats an average of 3-4MGD of domestic and industrial waste in a 40-acre Aerated Stabilization Basin.  Testing is done daily to meet the requirements of the NPDES permit.

Applies knowledge, experience, and skills in the field of water distribution and treatment to perform both regular and non-routine tasks in the operation and maintenance of water filtration, water collection, and water distribution facilities. Performs activities to operate a water supply system, to monitor processes and computers, to conduct lab and clerical work, and to maintain equipment, facilities, structures, and grounds.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Graduation from high school education or GED equivalent, supplemented by three (3) years post-secondary college or technical training in biology, environmental science, chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Six (6) years of combined experience relating to water treatment, water distribution, wastewater treatment and collections; or
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of equipment, facilities, materials, methods, and procedures used in Wastewater Treatment Plant maintenance and operation activities, working knowledge of laboratory procedures and practices.
• Skill in operation of some of the listed tools and equipment.
• Ability to perform process control calculations; ability to work safely; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments, and the public.
• Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

REQUIRED

• Must possess a valid state driver’s license.
• Certification as an Oregon Water Treatment Plant Operator II at a minimum, or the ability to obtain one within six (6) months of hire.
• Certification as an Oregon Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III (preferred), or the ability to obtain one in a reasonable time as determined by the Supervisor.
• Certification as an Oregon Wastewater Collection Operator II (preferred), or the ability to obtain one in a reasonable time as determined by the Supervisor.
• Must be able to use basic spreadsheet and word processing computer programs to enter data and prepare correspondence.

PREFERRED

• Trained in confined space procedures and use and containment of hazardous chemicals used. 
• Trained in the use of all safety equipment, oxygen detection meter, blower, respirator, etc.
• Possess skills or have the ability to learn to operate Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) equipment and software.
• Must have a strong basic knowledge of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic theory and application, and be able to use manuals and other resources to apply that knowledge in water treatment operations and other diverse requirements of the job.
• Training in micro-fiber filtration facilities or processes is a plus.

Please see job description for a complete list of duties, qualifications, and requirements.

Terms of Employment:

• Salary:  $4,548 (Step 1) to $5,584 (Step 5).
• Excellent benefits package.
• This is a union covered position.

To apply, candidates must complete a City application form available below and mail it to or drop it off at the following address, with a cover letter and resume:

City of St. Helens
Attn:  City Recorder
265 Strand Street
St. Helens, OR  97051

If you are a veteran and would like veterans' preference points, please complete that form available below and attach it with the required documentation.

Incomplete application packets received will not be considered for employment.  If you do not complete the entire application and sign it, you will not be considered for employment.

The successful candidate will be required to pass an extensive background check and drug test. 

If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources Coordinator/City Recorder Kathy Payne at 503-366-8217 or by email at kpayne@sthelensoregon.gov.

Position is open until filled.

The City of St. Helens is an equal opportunity employer.