The PositionJob Appointment: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7 am-3:30 pm.
Work Location: 5001 N COLUMBIA BLVD, PORTLAND OR 97203-2098
Benefits: Please check our benefits tab for an overview of the benefits of this position.
Union Representation: Portland City Laborers 483 (PCL). Please visit the Current City Labor Agreements page to view current and future labor agreements.
Application Material: Please click APPLY to submit your application via the City of Portland’s online portal. You will need to respond to the supplemental questions and attach a resume addressing the minimum qualifications.
Program & Position Summary A career in wastewater operations is in high demand, offering excellent employment benefits and job security. Qualified operators are needed in communities all around the country. This growing field presents many opportunities for career advancement and contributes to protecting public health and the environment. Without qualified knowledge and experience, it can be difficult to enter the wastewater industry. The Wastewater Operator-In-Training (OIT) program is designed to provide two years of wastewater operational training and experience to individuals with no industrial, wastewater, or other relevant work experience.
The OIT positions will reside within the Operations Support Team (OST), reporting to the OIT Program Coordinator. The two-year-long Operator-in-Training program is split into two parts: Wastewater Academy and On-the-Job Training. The Wastewater Academy is a six-month, immersive learning experience involving classroom and in-the-field learning. On-the-Job Training is an 18-month program designed to provide operators-in-training with real experience working various shifts at Oregon's largest wastewater treatment facility, the Columbia Boulevard Wastewater Treatment Plant.
By successfully completing the OIT Program Training Plan, participants will be able to:
- Have knowledge of wastewater treatment plant equipment and processes.
- Gain experience operating and troubleshooting complex treatment systems.
- Obtain professional certification through the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.
- Be promoted to the Journey-Level Wastewater Operator classification.
To learn more about the OIT Program, visit Wastewater Operator-In-Training Program | Portland.gov
Interested in applying? Consider the following questions:
- Are you interested in becoming a wastewater professional?
- Are you a people person with experience working with diverse and dynamic teams?
- Are you able to successfully learn and retain new information and skills?
- Do you want to work at a beautiful campus with amazing people?
If so, the Wastewater Operator-In-Training could be the perfect position for you at our beautiful campus in North Portland!
What you’ll get to do: Learn how wastewater is collected, treated, and beneficially reused. Learn how to monitor, control, and operate wastewater treatment plant equipment. Participate in industrial safety training needed to perform work safely. Learn the importance of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits and how operators have a direct impact on meeting permit limits.Review and follow Standard Operating Procedures to ensure work is performed safely.Learn to use communication software; analyze data, identify gaps, and coordinate work to resolve issues. Become an Oregon-certified Wastewater Operator.
About the Bureau of Environmental Services This is an exciting time to join the Bureau of Environmental Services (BES). Together we are reimagining the work we do to ensure it aligns with Our Values:
- We implement equity in our workplace, business practices, and service delivery.
- We value our customers and partners.
- We carefully manage our watersheds, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and financial resources.
- We encourage leadership among our employees both in our City and community.
- We support a diverse, collaborative, healthy, and engaged workforce.
- We demonstrate respectful communication and transparency.
- We advance innovative, sustainable, and resilient solutions.
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 who 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: About Environmental Services | Portland.gov
Our BES 10-Year Strategic Plan can be found here: download (portland.gov)
Questions?:
Terrol Johnson
Senior Recruiter
terrol.johnson@portlandoregon.gov To QualifyTo be considered for this recruitment,
applicants must specifically address and demonstrate in response to the supplemental questions how their education, training, and/or experience meet each of the following minimum qualifications: Experience identifying issues and proposing solutions.Ability to safely lift, pull, push, and carry 45 lbs. Experience following instructions accurately.Experience learning new information.Knowledge of basic math principles.
Required Education/Certifications/Licenses- High school diploma or equivalent.
- A valid state driver’s license and an acceptable driving record at the time of hire.
- Selected candidate(s) will be required to pass a Physical Capacity Test (PCT) and a basic math test.
Desired Qualifications/Education/Certification/License- Experience using hand and power tools.
- Work experience in plumbing, sanitation, and/or chemicals.
Associate degree or two years of post-high school education
The Recruitment ProcessSTEP 1: Apply online between September 23, 2024 - September 30, 2024 Required Application Materials: - Answer ten (8) Supplemental Questions (click on the Questions tab to preview the questions)
Optional Application Materials: - Veteran documents to request for Veteran Preference (ex, DD214-Member 4, VA Benefit Letter, etc.)
Information Session & Plant Tour:- An information session and plant tour will be held at 5001 N. Columbia Blvd, Portland OR, 97023 on Thursday, September 26, 5:30 pm - 7 pm.
Application Tips:- Your answers to the Supplemental Questions should include details describing your education, training and/or experience, and how/where obtained, which clearly reflects your qualifications for each of the numbered items in the "To Qualify" section of this announcement.
- 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 materials not requested.
- All completed applications for this position must be submitted no later than on the closing date and time of this recruitment.
- All applications must be submitted via the City's online application process. E-mailed and/or faxed applications will not be accepted.
STEP 2: Minimum Qualification Evaluation: Week of September 30, 2024 - An evaluation of each applicant's training and paid and unpaid experience, as demonstrated in their responses to the Supplemental Question, weighted 100%.
- Your responses to the Supplemental Questions 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 like to review and discuss your evaluation result. Please read the City of Portland Administrative Rule 3.01 for complete information.
- Additional evaluation may be required prior to establishment of the eligible list and/or final selection.
Step 3: Written Exam: Week of September 30, 2024 - Candidates will be asked to complete an in-person written exam to demonstrate basic math, problem solving, and logic/reasoning knowledge and skills. The written exam will be scheduled for 20 minutes.
Step 4: Establishment of Eligible List: Week of October 7, 2024- Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and pass the written exam with a score of 70% or greater will be placed on the eligible list.
Step 5: Selection (Interview): Week of October 14, 2024 - Hiring bureau will review and select candidates to interview from the eligible list.
- Please note, the selection process may take up to 90 days from the notification of being placed on the eligible list.
Step 6: Offer of Employment: TBD Step 7: Start Date: TBD- A start date will be determined after all conditions of employment have been met.
*Timeline is approximate and subject to change* Additional InformationAdditional Information Click here for additional information regarding the following:- Veteran Preference
- ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations
- Work Status
- Equal Employment Opportunity
A Career with the City of Portland offers many Employee BenefitsWe 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), includingcontributions 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 .
Closing Date/Time: 9/30/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
