Water Treatment Operator

Position

Join to apply for the Water Treatment Operator I role at City of Portland
.

Full‑time appointment. The position is a current night shift, with 12‑hour shifts and alternating weekends off. Training includes multiple shifts. Shift patterns example: 19:45‑08:00 Fri‑Sun; 01:30‑08:00 Wed‑Fri; 19:45‑08:00 Mon‑Tue.

Lusted Hill Treatment Facility, 6704 SE Cottrell Road, Gresham, OR 97080, and Headworks Treatment Facility, 50105 SE Rock Cut Road, Cottrell, OR 97019, with frequent service visits to nearby locations.

Please check the benefit tab for an overview of benefits for this position.

American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, AFSCME 189.

Click APPLY to submit your application via the City of Portland’s online portal. Respond to supplemental questions and attach a resume.

The Water Treatment Operator I is in the Operations Group of the Portland Water Bureau. The role assists in operating and maintaining potable water treatment facilities and associated infrastructure under federal, state, and local requirements. The position also helps with inspections and sampling for the Bull Run Supply Habitat Conservation Plan and Treatment Variance.

Work under general supervision, performing technical and mechanical duties. The WT I is a training position; it works with and assists WT II’s. Upon gaining the required skills and certification, the operator moves to WT II classification.

• Collect water samples and analyze for physical/chemical dosages; calculate and adjust chemical dosages.
• Monitor the system through electronic/computerized tools; adjust water flow and chemical rates.
• Respond to emergency alarms, isolate issues, and take corrective action.
• Test emergency equipment on schedule.
• Maintain operational integrity through daily inspection and maintenance.
• Perform preventive and general maintenance on equipment and instrumentation (valves, pumps, analyzers, meters, generators, etc.).
• Use technology to record and transmit sample data.
• Work emergencies as required.

Entry: $34.31 per hour; after six months: $35.93; after one year: $37.71.

The Portland Water Bureau serves almost a million people, employing over 600 people. Learn more at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Tami Larison, Recruiter
Bureau of Human Resources
tamara.larison

• Knowledge of mechanical processes.
• Knowledge of state and federal drinking water regulations.
• Ability to learn water system functions and operations.
• Ability to perform accurate mathematical equations.
• Ability to diagnose and correct equipment problems.

• Valid state driver’s license with acceptable record.
• Pass Prehire Evaluation (medical exam, screenings, physical capacities test).
• Pass routine respiratory protection test within 6 months of appointment.
• Obtain Water Treatment Certificate of Competency – Level 1 within 24 months.

STEP 1:
Apply online 12 Jan – 26 Jan 2026. Required materials: resume, supplemental questions. Optional: veteran preference documents.

STEP 2:
Minimum Qualification Evaluation – Week of 2 Feb 2026.

STEP 3:
Eligible List – Week of 9 Feb 2026.

STEP 4:
Selection (Interview) – Late Feb to Early Mar 2026.

STEP 5:
Offer – March 2026.

STEP 6:
Prehire Evaluation – To Be Determined.

STEP 7:
Start Date – March to April 2026.

• City of Portland Core Values
• Recruitment Process – Work Status
• Equal Employment Opportunity
• Veteran Preference
• ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations