Wastewater Operations Specialist - Open Continuous

Job Appointment:  Full-Time
Work Schedule: Mon-Fri. 7 am to 3:30 pm
Work Location: 5001 N COLUMBIA BLVD, PORTLAND, OR 97203
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) Operations & Maintenance Group (O&MG) is seeking a Wastewater Operations Specialist to join our dynamic team of highly qualified people to assist in process areas, planning and carrying out lockout/tag-out procedures, assist with producing standard operating procedures (SOP's) and procedural documents for Operations staff, and many other Operations-related activities. This position may assist with or provide training and coordination of process area-specific work for the 44 wastewater operators within the O&MG Operations Division. All work is carried out under general supervision with a heavy emphasis on coordination with all plant staff.

This is a journey-level position, and it is desired that the applicant will be able to demonstrate 5+ years of increasing responsibility in the field of Wastewater Treatment.  It is also desired that the applicant possess an Oregon Level III or above Wastewater Treatment System Operation certification.   The successful applicant must have the ability to quickly familiarize themselves with plant processes and act as a system expert within the Operations Division, and promote an equitable workplace that demonstrates an environment reflective of living and working in a multicultural society.

Duties and responsibilities include: 

This position performs a variety of specialized technical tasks in support of Operations staff within the O&MG. Work involves the gathering of data from shift reports collected from the treatment facilities and processing that data into a variety of regulatory and operational reports. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, performance of process control functions, NPDES spreadsheet summaries, plant operations records, periodic reports, and personnel schedules. 

Wastewater Operations Specialists work on the following within the Operations Division:

• Participate in long and short-term projects 
• Conduct and oversee process experiments 
• Carry out product testing 
• Solve complex operating issues
• Support other crafts in performing and preparing for maintenance tasks 
• Assists with the collection and/or compilation of data for regulatory reporting purposes
• Researching new technologies 
• Collaborate with engineering, construction services and maintenance crafts

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

1. Knowledge and experience in the operation of a wastewater treatment facility, including treatment technology, process control, process performance parameters, laboratory sampling and analysis, and control system logic. 
2. Skill using computer software, including MS Office and wastewater treatment facility maintenance management programs. 
3. Skills in oral and written communications, including report writing. 
4. Ability to maintain databases and manage software with special attention to regulatory requirements. 
5. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and to work constructively as a team.
6. Demonstrate a commitment to team-based communication and interactions while approaching scenarios with the intent to find solutions through problem-solving

Applicants must also possess:

• A valid state driver's 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.
• 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.

This is an open, continuous recruitment. Open Continuous recruitments have multiple review periods (outlined below) and can be opened 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 duplicate applications. 
• 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 January 26, 2026, and March 23, 2026
 
Required Application Materials:

• Resume
• Answers to Supplemental Questions

• 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 on the closing date and time of this recruitment.   

• An evaluation of each applicant's 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 prior to establishment of the eligible list and/or final selection.

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

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

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