Potable Water Treatment Plant Operator

General Position Summary: Port of Morrow is looking for a dedicated Potable Water Treatment Plant Operator to join our team in Boardman, Oregon.  This position plays a vital role in safeguarding public health and the environment by ensuring the continuous production and delivery of safe, high-quality drinking water in strict adherence to Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. 

Essential Functions/major responsibilities

• Plant Operation: Monitor and adjust plant processes and equipment to ensure optimal treatment efficiency and regulatory compliance.


• Water Quality Monitoring: Collect water samples (raw, intermediate, finished, distribution) and perform laboratory testing to ensure compliance with water quality standards.


• Process Control: Utilize SCADA and DCS systems to analyze trends, monitor plant operations, adjust chemical dosages, and calibrate chemical feeders for proper treatment.


• Maintenance: Perform routine and preventative maintenance on plant equipment, buildings, and grounds.


• Emergency Response: Respond to plant and off-site facility alarms and callouts, including after-hours emergencies and variable shifts, to address issues like equipment malfunctions or power outages.


• Data Management & Reporting: Maintain accurate records and reports using computer software, including Microsoft Office Suite, and report results to regulatory agencies as required.


• Safety & Compliance: Adhere to all safety protocols, including safe handling of chemicals, and ensure compliance with all applicable OHA and EPA regulations.


• Collaboration: Work effectively with colleagues and other agencies.
  

Secondary Functions

• Assist contractors, regulators, and others Port departments in support of plant operations.


• Respond appropriately to customer complaints, problems and/or emergencies.


• Assist in water division operations when needed.

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Specific Job Skills:

• Operation and correlation of production, treatment, quality, transmission, distribution, and storage as it relates to potable water.


• Industry best practices regarding the operation and maintenance of surface water treatment plants and distribution system facilities and equipment.


• Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, directives, procedures, and safety regulations.


• Mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles.


• Water sampling techniques and chemical analysis procedures.


• Accurately read, interpret, and record data from sources, including, but not limited to meters, gauges, dials, and SCADA equipment.


• Write legibly, read with comprehension, and perform algebraic and arithmetic calculations accurately.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• High school diploma or G.E.D. required.


• Must possess a valid Driver’s License


• Must be able to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen.


• Must obtain a level I treatment certification within 2 years of hire. 

Preferred Qualifications

• One year or more experience working at a Class II -IV potable water treatment plant.


• Possess a valid OHA Drinking Water Level I or higher distribution certification.


• Possess a valid OHA Level I or higher treatment systems certification.

Job Conditions

• Work is performed inside the water treatment plant and outside and may require working in confined spaces.


• Exposure to physical hazards from extreme conditions while gathering samples, wet slippery work environments, confined spaces, loud noises, operating machinery and electrical systems, sewage, gases, fumes, and chemicals.


• Some heavy lifting up to 50 pounds, standing, walking, bending, and climbing.


• The position may require working nights, weekends, holidays and being on-call.