Entry Level Water Operator Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country's largest private water operator and technology provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Veolia has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across North America.

Position Purpose: 

The O&M Technician I performs a variety of operation and maintenance functions at water production and related facilities. This is an entry-level position that performs basic operational duties under the direction of a certified operator, performs maintenance tasks, and performs janitorial and laborer duties. Days and hours of duty may vary as required to fill other O&M Technician shift schedule, or under unusual circumstances.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Operates equipment manually and through instrumentation panels, computer terminals and programmable logic control units following process control procedures. Monitors and observes operating conditions, records observations and data in shift log. Diagnoses basic operational problems and takes corrective action per procedure;
• Performs routine CLAIR (cleaning, lubrication, adjustment, inspection and minor repair) on machines and related equipment which may include pumps, engines, centrifuges, generators, valves, gates, mixers, conveyors blowers, dryers, chemical feed, odor control, disinfection equipment, vacuum filters and belt presses. Reports and documents results of work performed and enters into appropriate database. Promptly reports any operational problems with machines or equipment to Lead or Supervisor;
• Collects water, wastewater, industrial waste, groundwater, sludge, residuals and/or gas samples according to schedule. Performs field tests (chemical, physical and biological) in order to pace chemical dosages for process and odor control units. Prepares chemical solutions, monitors supplies and recommends reorder;
• Performs routine lab tests and prepares reports per procedure;
• Performs routine instrument calibration for portable meters including, but not limited to, dissolved oxygen, pH, H2S, percent oxygen, lower explosive limit;
• Learns to inspect and becomes proficient at mechanical troubleshooting to determine repairs needed. Dismantles equipment to gain access to and repairs defective parts using hand tools, power tools and precision measuring and testing devices. Re-assembles and tests equipment ensuring safe and efficient operating condition is restored. Learns to troubleshoot hydraulic, pneumatic and electronic equipment and instrumentation;
• Performs manual labor including cleaning equipment, facilities and grounds as required and properly disposes of waste according to safety and environmental policies. Operates vehicles, mobile equipment and material handling equipment for operational and maintenance purposes.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Work Environment:

• Requires working in outside and inside environments with noise and all temperatures and climatic conditions and must be able to work under adverse weather conditions for extended periods of time.
• Spends 100% of the time in operations environment.

Education/Experience/Background: 

• High School Diploma/GED is required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

• Requires good reading, math, writing, scientific, and verbal communication skills; a mechanical aptitude; and the ability to read, interpret, and record data from meters, gauges, scales, panels, computer consoles, and other equipment;

Required Certification/Licenses/Training: 

• Minimum water/wastewater license as required by regulatory agencies at site.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license with a safe driving record in conjunction with policies and procedures.

Physical Requirements:

• Amount of time spent - Standing 25%, Walking 75% for as many as five miles per shift.
• Requires close visual and hearing observation to detect non-conformance and machine malfunction.
• Constantly uses hands to finger, handle or feel and frequently reaches with hands and arms.
• Works in various positions; works on ladders, catwalks, and supports at heights of 50 feet above the ground; and works with hands extended above and below head and body up to 40 minutes using hand tools weighing up to 15 pounds.
• Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds (occasionally 60 pounds) distances of 10 feet.
• Occasional stooping, bending or kneeling and entering confined spaces.

Benefits: Veolia's comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off policies, as well as health, dental, vision, life insurance, savings accounts, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteering and more. In addition, employees are also entitled to participate in an employer sponsored 401(k) plan, to save for retirement.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.