Medford Water is seeking a skilled Water Treatment Plant Operator to join our team. Recruiting Water Treatment Plant Operator Levels I - IV; only one position to be hired.


*Currently involved in union negotiations; any increases are effective as of 7/1/2025.

LEVEL I:
The Water Treatment Plant Operator I-A/I-B position is responsible for performing various entry-level duties related to the operation and maintenance of water treatment facilities and water quality programs.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Basic duties and semi-skilled work in the operation and maintenance of water treatment plant equipment and related facilities; performs routine laboratory analysis; collects water samples; collects and records data; maintains records; and participates in other operation and maintenance programs as assigned. Active Communication and Respectfulness of co-workers and the public are skills required for this position, as are incorporating Medford Water Commission Values into daily activities.

• Monitors and records facility operations data from charts, indicators, and analyzers
• Assists with the operation and maintenance of a variety of water system equipment including valves, chemical feeders, pumps, buildings and grounds
• Collects water samples and performs routine laboratory analysis
• Assists with other programs and activities as needed
• Other relative duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
Knowledge of basic principles and practices involved in water treatment, distribution, chemistry and math. Knowledgeable and capable of servicing requirements for mechanical equipment. Skill in operation of various hand and power tools, inspection of mechanical equipment, performing general maintenance, and communications, sufficient to exchange or convey information and receive and follow work direction. Ability to accurately read and record operations data, perform laboratory analysis, understand and follow oral and written instructions, follow safety procedures, establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff and the public.
COMPETENCIES
Communication Proficiency, Technical Capacity, Decision Making, Teamwork/Collaboration, Time Management and Ethical Conduct
TRAINING, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSING REQUIRED
High School Diploma or G.E.D.; or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities sufficient to perform the essential duties of the class.
I-A: Oregon Water Treatment Operator Level 1 Certification required within 12 months of hire; Must demonstrate knowledge tasks of WTP I-A qualifications.
I-B: Oregon Water Treatment Operator Level 1 Certification; Must demonstrate knowledge tasks of WTP I-B qualifications.
Valid Oregon Driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Work performed at water treatment facilities may involve exposure to dirt, noise, hazardous materials, confined spaces, and adverse weather conditions. Employees frequently work alone and may be assigned irregular or rotating shifts, including nights and weekends, and must be available for work assignments 7 days per week.
Positions in this class typically require kneeling and crouching, repetitive motions, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing and seeing. Medium work: exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, poor ventilation, chemicals, noise and extreme temperatures.
LEVEL II:
The Water Treatment Plant Operator II-A/II-B position is responsible for performing various semi-skilled and skilled duties related to the operation and maintenance of water treatment facilities and water quality programs.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Assists in the planning and implementation of a variety of activities encountered in water treatment facility operations. Operates and maintains water treatment facilities and equipment, performs routine laboratory analysis, collects water samples, collects and records data, maintains records, and participates in other operation and maintenance activities as assigned. Works closely with Commission staff to ensure compliance with water quality goals. May provide direction to staff in subordinate classifications. Active Communication and Respectfulness of co-workers and the public are skills required for this position, as are incorporating Medford Water Commission Values into daily activities.

• Performs routine water plant operation duties such as treatment process control monitoring, data collection and recording, laboratory analysis, equipment calibration, and facility maintenance
• Monitors water treatment processes and adjusts chemicals based on established guidelines
• Performs preventative maintenance on equipment and instruments to ensure proper operation and accuracy
• Forecasts production needs on a day-by-day basis and appropriately implements those changes
• Assists with other programs and activities as needed

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
Knowledge of the principles and practices involved in the treatment and distribution of potable water, including water treatment process fundamentals, basic chemistry and math, basic servicing requirements for mechanical equipment, laboratory testing, and applicable regulatory requirements, rules and guidelines. Skill in using a computer and related software applications; preparing and maintaining records and reports, operating various equipment including hand and power tools, performing general maintenance, and communications, sufficient to exchange or convey information and receive work direction, establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff and the public. Ability to plan, organize and implement various water treatment plant operation and maintenance activities, establish and maintain accurate records, supervise and direct subordinate staff, respond to emergency or staff shortage situations, follow safety procedures, understand and follow oral and written instructions, establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the public.
COMPETENCIES
Communication Proficiency, Technical Capacity, Decision Making, Teamwork/Collaboration, Time Management and Ethical Conduct
TRAINING, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSING REQUIRED
High School Diploma or G.E.D. and three years of experience in water treatment or distribution; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient as determined by Medford Water Commission (MWC) to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
II-A: Oregon Water Treatment Operator Level 2 Certification; Must demonstrate knowledge tasks of WTP II-A qualifications.
II-B: Oregon Water Treatment Operator Level 2 Certification; Filter Endorsement; Must demonstrate knowledge tasks of WTP II-B qualifications.
A valid Oregon Driver's License (or ability to obtain) and acceptable driving record.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Work performed at water treatment facilities may involve exposure to dirt, noise, hazardous materials, confined spaces and adverse weather conditions. Employees frequently work alone and may be assigned irregular or rotating shifts, including nights and weekends, and must be available for work assignments seven (7) days per week. Positions in this class typically require kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Medium work: exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical and electrical parts.

LEVEL III:
The Water Treatment Plant Operator III-A/III-B position is responsible for performing various skilled duties related to the operation and maintenance of water treatment and water quality programs.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Participates in developing strategies to maintain and optimize water quality and ensure compliance with regulations; maintains knowledge of current regulatory requirements and issues
• Observe and appropriately process variations in operating conditions by interpreting available data to make treatment changes
• Assists in planning and participates in routine water plant operation duties such as treatment process control monitoring, data collection and recording, laboratory analysis, facility maintenance management, risk management, equipment calibration and repair, and general facility maintenance
• Coordinate various maintenance activities
• Prepares technical, statistical, and regulatory compliance reports for staff and/or public relations purposes as necessary
• Forecast production needs on a day by day basis and appropriately implement those changes
• Participates in other programs as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIREDCOMPETENCIES
Communication Proficiency, Technical Capacity, Decision Making, Teamwork/Collaboration, Time Management and Ethical Conduct
TRAINING, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSING REQUIRED
Two-year degree in Water Quality Technology and five years experience in water treatment and/or distribution operations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience providing knowledge, skills and abilities sufficient to perform the essential duties of the class.
III-A: Oregon Water Treatment Operator Level 3 Certification, Filter Endorsement; Must demonstrate knowledge tasks of WTP III-A qualifications.
III-B: Oregon Water Treatment Operator Level 3 Certification; Filter Endorsement; Must demonstrate knowledge tasks of WTP III-B qualifications.
Valid Oregon Driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
PHYISCAL REQUIREMENTS
Work performed includes a combination of office, treatment plant and local field activities which may involve exposure to dirt, noise, hazardous materials, confined spaces, and adverse weather conditions. Employees frequently work alone and may be assigned irregular or rotating shifts, including nights and weekends, and must be available for work assignments 7 days per week. Positions in this class typically require kneeling and crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Medium work: exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, poor ventilation, chemicals, and extreme temperatures.

LEVEL IV:
The Water Treatment Plant Operator IV-A/IV-B position is responsible for performing various skilled duties related to the operation and maintenance of water treatment facilities and related programs.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Plans and implements various activities and programs related to treatment facility operations and maintenance. Take ownership of plant needs and demonstrate follow-thru with respect to getting tasks accomplished. Coordinates and participates in other operation and maintenance programs within the Water Quality Division as assigned. Works closely with Commission staff and the public to ensure compliance with water quality goals. Active Communication and Respectfulness of co-workers and the public are skills required for this position, as are incorporating Medford Water Commission Values into daily activities.

• Participates and helps in routine water plant operation duties such as treatment process control monitoring, data collection and recording, laboratory analysis, facility maintenance management, project management, risk management, equipment calibration and repair, and training
• Provides feedback to help develop strategies to maintain optimum water quality and ensure compliance with regulations; maintains knowledge of current regulatory requirements and issues
• Assists in preparing technical and statistical reports for staff and/or public relations purposes as necessary, maintains detailed records, and communicates effectively with staff, other agencies, contractors, and the public
• Monitors and maintains plant inventory levels; coordinates purchasing of materials and services, prepares bid documents and assists with preparation of budget and expenditure estimates
• Performs water treatment plant laboratory analysis; interprets and applies process control data accordingly to optimize plant performance
• May assist with planning and supervision of related water quality department programs including conducting routine and investigative water quality monitoring, investigating and documenting water quality complaints, and maintaining various records and reports
• Participates in other related programs and duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
Knowledge of the principles and practices involved in the treatment and distribution of potable water; including water treatment process fundamentals, basic chemistry and math, laboratory testing, and applicable regulatory requirements, rules and guidelines. Skill in decision making and the use of independent judgment, using a computer and related software applications; preparing and maintaining records and reports, operating various equipment including hand and power tools, performing general maintenance, and communicating effectively both verbally and in writing. Ability to independently plan, organize and implement various facility operations and maintenance programs, establish and maintain accurate records; supervise and direct subordinate staff; respond to emergency or staff shortage situations; follow safety procedures unique to hazardous materials and laboratory chemicals; establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the public; represent the water commission in industry organizations.
COMPETENCIES
Communication Proficiency, Technical Capacity, Decision Making/Problem Solving, Teamwork and Collaboration, Time Management and Ethical Conduct
TRAINING, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSING REQUIRED
Two-year degree in Water Quality Technology and seven years’ experience in water treatment plant operations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities sufficient to perform the essential duties of the class.
IV-A: Oregon Water Treatment Operator Level 4 Certification; Filter Endorsement; Must demonstrate knowledge tasks of WTP IV-A qualifications.
IV-B: Oregon Water Treatment Operator Level 4 Certification; Filter Endorsement; Must demonstrate knowledge tasks of WTP IV-B qualifications.
Valid Oregon driver license and acceptable driving record.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Work performed includes a combination of office, treatment plant and local field activities which may involve exposure to dirt, noise, hazardous materials, confined spaces, and adverse weather conditions. Employees frequently work alone and may be assigned irregular or rotating shifts, including nights and weekends, and must be available for work assignments 7 days per week. Positions in this class typically require kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Medium work: exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, poor ventilation, chemicals, and extreme temperatures.