Chemical Plant Operator jobs in Salem, OR

The City of Newport is seeking a professional and hard-working individual to fill the position of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator. Under the supervision of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor, the Plant Operator position in the Wastewater Treatment Division primarily ensures that wastewater effluent standards are met through the operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant and pump stations. The Wastewater Treatment Division is part of the Public Works Department.

Placement in the job classification and salary range will be based on the knowledge, skills, abilities, training, education, experience, and certifications of the person hired.

DISTINGUISHING CAREER FEATURES

The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator is a three-tiered career ladder encompassing increasingly higher levels of knowledge, skill, experience and responsibility.  The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I is designed as an introductory position for candidates with limited experience or breadth of skill.  Incumbents are expected to expand their skills to advance to Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator II which requires greater breadth of skill and experience.  The Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III requires more direct subject matter knowledge, experience, and performing at an expert skill level.  

Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the duties as described.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be: 

Plant Operator I 

• High School Diploma or equivalent, and
• Associates Degree in Wastewater Treatment or related field or equivalent combination of experience and education. 
• Minimum 1-year experience in related field
• Oregon Wastewater Treatment Level I certification within 18 months of hire.

Plant Operator II  

• Minimum 2 years’ experience as a Plant Operator I in wastewater treatment. (3 years’ total experience)
• Oregon Wastewater Treatment Level II certification.
• 2 CEU or equivalent classroom hours in wastewater collections and/or treatment operation and/or maintenance within the last 2 years

Plant Operator III 

• 4 years’ experience as a Plant Operator II (7 years’ total experience)
  1. Credit for up to 2 years of experience for equivalent time of education at college, trade or technical school in related subject.
• 2 CEU or equivalent classroom hours in wastewater collections and/or treatment operation and/or maintenance within the last 2 years
• Oregon Wastewater Treatment Level III certification.

KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of general principles in wastewater treatment. Knowledge of occupational hazard and effective/proper safety standards, practices and procedures related to equipment operation, heavy labor, and the use of hand and power tools and equipment.  Familiarity with the operations, materials, methods, techniques, and the Federal and State guidelines used in wastewater collections and treatment. Knowledge of field installation of underground utilities; construction; and maintenance and repair of heavy equipment. Demonstrated knowledge of personal protective equipment (PPE) application, use, and care.

SKILLS:  Skill in the use of personal computers, various related software programs, standard office equipment, heavy equipment, and hand and power tools. Proficiency in routine vehicle maintenance, service, and refueling. Proficiency in identifying and working with and around utility locates (call in, identify markings). Understanding and proficiency of radio communication protocol. Strong time management, analytical, organization, and prioritization skills. Customer Service orientation and skills.  Exceptional interpersonal skills, strong oral and written communications skills with a variety of audiences; ability to communicate complex material in a simple, understandable manner; Strong reasoning, analysis, and problem solving skills combined with excellent judgment and professionalism. 

ABILITIES:  Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with City management, employees, Council members, other entities, and the general public.   Ability to write work reports and maintain records and logs; read and interpret technical manuals, work orders, blueprints, diagrams, and sketches; Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals and groups.  Ability to operate heavy equipment and hand/power tools used in public works operations.  Physical ability to perform the essential job functions. Computer and SCADA proficiency. Consistent availability and response to after-hours emergency call-back

Special Requirements/Licenses

• Possession of a valid Oregon driver’s license at time of hire.
• Possession of a valid Oregon Commercial Class A Driver’s License (CDL) with N endorsement within 6 months of hire.
• Forklift training within six months of hire.
• First Aid/CPR within six months of hire.
• Competent Person training within 6 months of hire.
• Confined Space training within 6 months of hire. 
• Work Zone Traffic Control (flagger) training within 6 months of hire. 
• Lock-Out – Tag-Out training within 6 months of hire.
• Occupational Noise Exposure training at time of hire. 
• Other certifications as required by position classification.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, stand, bend, kneel, stoop, communicate, reach, and manipulate objects.  The position requires mobility including the ability to frequently lift or move materials up to 30 pounds and occasionally lift or move materials up to 90 pounds.   The position requires the ability to operate a motorized vehicle.  Manual dexterity and coordination are required about 90% of the work period while operating equipment such as computers, keyboards, telephones, standard office equipment, maintenance equipment, and motorized vehicles.   Physical exertion may be required to move heavy objects, crawl through tight spaces, and kneel in confined areas.   Physical effort may be required to perform heavy manual labor in confined and cramped spaces and uncomfortable conditions, climb ladders, bend, reach, and stand for long periods of time. Sensory requirements include; speaking, hearing, vision, color discrimination, touch, smell, and balance.

WORKING CONDITIONS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work location is primarily indoors (65 % of time) where most of work period occurs under plant conditions at the lab or operations building and may involve exposure to loud noise, offensive smell, dust, heavy machinery, chemicals, and fumes.   Employees in this position are exposed to the risk of physical harm from hazards, including excessive noise, raw sewage, chemicals, fumes, heavy equipment, and hand and power tools. Sensory requirements include; speaking, hearing, vision, color discrimination, touch, smell, and balance.

Subject to 24-hour call back for emergencies. Consistent availability and response to after-hours emergency call-back

All applications for this position must be submitted via our online application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofnewport. Only complete applications will be considered and application review will continue until position is filled. 

Please do not fax, mail or e-mail any documentation. You will receive a confirmation email when your application has been successfully submitted.  

The City of Newport is an EEO employer and veteran's preference provider. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under state, federal, or local law. 

The City of Newport follows Oregon law regarding Veterans’ Preference in Public Employment. If you are requesting Veterans’ Preference, you must complete the Veteran’s Preference Form and attach a copy of your DD214 / DD215. If you are a disabled veteran, you must also include a copy of your Veteran's Administration benefit summary/award letter with your application.   

All offers of employment are subject to successful completion of a background check, reference checking, and in the case of safety sensitive positions, drug and alcohol testing.