About The Role

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.