April 15, 2026
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Water Treatment Certified Operator
City of The Dalles
First Review of Applications: April 29, 2026
Help Protect the Community's Most Essential Resource - Join Us as a Water Treatment Operator
Pay: $60,113.40 - $84,524.25- depending on skills, experience, and certification level
Department: Public Works Department - Wicks Water Treatment Plant
Status: Full-time, Union eligible position
*This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies*
Make A Real Impact Every Day
As a Water Treatment Certified Operator, you'll play a key role in the safety, sustainability, and resilience of our water system. Clean, dependable water touches every home, business, and visitor. In this hands‑on, problem‑solving role, your work has a direct daily impact. If you meet the minimum qualifications, we're ready to invest in your growth with paid on‑the‑job training and support you towards required certifications. This position offers a path for advancement up to Level IV (4) certification. Applicants who already hold higher‑level certifications are encouraged to apply.
What We Offer
- Competitive wages
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits
- FSA and HRA‑VEBA
- Long‑term disability, AD&D, and Employee Assistance Program
- City‑paid retirement contributions (13.5% after one year of service)
- Paid training opportunities and support toward required certifications
What Does A Water Treatment Certified Operator Do?
Laboratory and Water Quality
• Conduct laboratory analyses using standard instruments and methods.
• Perform chemical, mathematical, and hydraulic calculations to support treatment processes.
• Interpret laboratory data and maintain accurate logs, reports, and documentation.
Operations and Equipment Maintenance
• Operate and maintain plant equipment, including pumps, motors, feeders, meters, instrumentation, telemetry, and chemical feed systems.
• Perform routine inspections, adjustments, calibrations, cleaning, and general preventive maintenance.
• Manage water treatment chemicals by filling hoppers, preparing solutions, and monitoring chemical systems.
Facility and Safety Support
• Complete facility upkeep, grounds maintenance, and inventory of supplies and chemicals.
• Participate in City-wide and site safety activities and follow all department policies, including the beardless requirements of the Respiratory Protection Program.
• Operate City vehicles and equipment such as forklifts, tractors, and pressure‑pumping equipment and use vehicles to reach treatment facilities during inclement or hazardous weather conditions.
Additional Responsibilities
• Provide instruction and guidance to trainees and new employees.
• Complete special projects of an investigatory nature in water quality control and/or laboratory analyses in the Municipal Watershed, Treatment Processes, and the Water Distribution System.
• Perform other related duties as needed.
Your Working Environment
You'll divide your time between office work and on-site inspection outdoors at the Wicks Water Treatment Plant during all four annual seasons. The City provides all necessary personal protective equipment. This position supports a 24/7 operation and includes a combination of 8 and 12‑hour shifts, including some holidays and weekends. Shifts may be assigned during daytime, evening, or overnight hours.
The position is not on‑call, but overtime opportunities may arise -and may be voluntary or assigned- to support coverage for sick leave, vacations, or open shifts.
What You Bring:
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Work independently with minimal supervision in both field and plant environments.
- Apply sound judgment in operational decision‑making to ensure compliance with all regulatory and water quality standards.
- Strong report‑writing skills for documenting operations, water quality findings, and regulatory compliance activities.
- Follow established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and contribute to continuous improvement of processes.
- Demonstrate strong problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills related to equipment, processes, and water quality issues.
Water Treatment & Analytical Knowledge
- Applied mathematics (algebra) for hydraulic calculations, chemical dosing, flow characteristics, and interpreting laboratory data.
- Water and solutions chemistry, including wet chemistry techniques, colorimetric testing, and spectrophotometric methods.
- Operation, calibration, and routine maintenance of laboratory, field, and online instrumentation, including QA/QC practices.
- Understanding of mechanical and hydraulic systems, including pumps, valves, meters, chemical feed systems, plumbing, and piping.
- Proficiency with spreadsheets and documentation tools
Regulatory and Safety Knowledge
- Understanding of State/Federal water treatment regulations
- Ability to meet OSHA physical requirements for respirator use.
- Ascend and descend stairs and ladders safely.
- Lift and carry up to 80 pounds safely
Minimum Qualifications:
- High School diploma or equivalent.
- At least one (1) year of experience in operational decision‑making, water operations, laboratory testing, wastewater services, water system maintenance, or related field.
- At least one (1) year of experience using Microsoft Excel or other spreadsheet‑based software for data entry, analysis, or reporting
- At least one (1) year of experience producing clear written and verbal communication in a workplace or organizational setting and following written and verbal instructions accurately.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across departments.
Preferred (but not required) Qualifications:
Associate degree in math, science, chemistry, or a related field-or equivalent coursework in Water Treatment Technology, Chemistry, Biology, or environmental fields
- Oregon Level I Water Treatment certification
Oregon Level II, III, or IV Water Treatment Operator certification, or reciprocal equivalents
- Additional training in mechanical operations and maintenance of pumps and other equipment used in water treatment
Required Licenses & Certifications
- Valid Driver's License
- Must obtain Oregon Class I Water Treatment Operator certification within eighteen (18) months of hire.
- Must obtain Oregon Class II Water Treatment Operator certification within thirty-seven (37) months of hire.
About The Dalles:
- Join a Welcoming Community - Experience the warmth of a small-town spirit where local events, farmers' markets, and festivals bring people together and create lasting connections.
- Thrive in a Growing Economy - Be part of a diverse and stable economy fueled by agriculture, technology, healthcare, government, and tourism. Your career can grow here.
- Embrace the Outdoors - With over 300 days of sunshine, enjoy easy access to the Columbia River Gorge for hiking, biking, fishing, and water sports - plus winter adventures are just an hour away at Mt. Hood.
- Balance Work and Life - Live surrounded by stunning riverfront parks, scenic trails, and a city that values thoughtful growth and a strong industrial and technology presence.
- Affordable and Accessible - Benefit from affordable housing, quality schools, and healthcare - all just 80 miles from Portland, combining small-town charm with metropolitan convenience.
- Be Part of Something Bigger - Join close-knit neighborhoods where community support is real and your contributions matter'
The City of The Dalles is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Veterans and Spanish-speaking candidates are highly encouraged to apply.
EEO/AA EMPLOYER
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