Water System/Filtration Operator

The City of St. Helens is seeking qualified applicants to fill the position of Water System/Filtration Operator in our Public Works Department.  The Water Filtration Division provides safe and healthy drinking water through a state-of-the-art facility which uses a hollow micro-fiber filtration process. The staff of two keep the facility operating seven days a week, 365 days a year. The Filtration Facility 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 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.

Desired Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from high school education or GED equivalent, and
• Three (3) years of experience relating to water treatment, water distribution, or related similar field, and
• Training or experience in micro-fiber filtration facilities or processes, or
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Basic knowledge and ability to read equipment instruction and maintenance manuals, drawings, schematics and blueprints.
• Good working knowledge of math and chemistry and the specific applications of these in the plant and laboratory.
• Knowledge of modern water treatment methods, theories and practices.
• Knowledge of safe drinking water regulations.
• Ability to make rapid and sound decisions in the event of extraordinary situations such as equipment malfunctions, rapid deterioration of raw water quality, or power outages in order to insure the quality of finished water and protect public health. May be required to exercise this judgment while unsupervised.
• Ability to give and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to learn to perform a variety of clerical functions, including typing correspondence, making legible and orderly entries in logs and work order reports, and maintaining files.
• Being comfortable with routine and repetitive work.
• Possess or have the ability to obtain CPR/First Aid Certification.

Special Requirements

• Must possess and maintain Oregon certification as a Water Treatment Plant Operator II at a minimum.
• Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Oregon State driver’s license.
• Oregon certification as Water Distribution Operator II may be required.
• Oregon State CDL may be required.
• Must be able to apply basic knowledge of water treatment to the existing systems, equipment and facilities.
• 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.
• Must be trained in confined space procedures and use and containment of all hazardous chemicals used. Must be trained in the use of all safety equipment, oxygen detection meter, blower, respirator, etc.
• Must be able to use basic spreadsheet and word processing computer programs to enter data and prepare correspondence. Must be able to learn to operate programmable logic controllers (PLC’s) to monitor and maintain operations.

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

Terms of Employment:

• Salary:  $4,333 (Step 1) to $5,263 (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 with a cover letter and detailed resume to the following address:

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, sign it, and include a cover letter and resume, you will not be considered for employment.

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

If you have any questions, please contact City Recorder Kathy Payne at 503-366-8217 or by email at kathy@ci.st-helens.or.us.

Position is open until filled.

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