Laboratory Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PAY AND FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT (FLSA) STATUS:

Pay Range:  511NE

Hourly Rate:  $28.08 - $42.87

FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt

The normal starting pay for this position is the minimum of the pay range listed above. A higher rate of pay may be considered, dependent on the qualifications and experience of the selected applicant and/or the City's step placement policy.

RESPIRATOR FIT/CARDIOPULMONARY TEST

All applicants considered for employment must be able to pass a respirator fit and cardiopulmonary test. Successful applicants must be able to utilize all safety equipment within its design capacities. (Examples: Fall protection/arrest systems, ladders/lifts, confined space entry gear, etc.). 

APPLICATION, HIRING, AND BACKGROUND

• When completing the application, applicants will be asked to respond to application questions.  These application questions are based on the Job Requirements for the position.  
• Completion of the application questions is required. 
• Applicant responses to the application questions must specifically answer the questions asked. 
• Responses to application questions must be supported by work history/information listed on the application/resume, sufficient to demonstrate qualifications for the position.  
• Applicants may upload only two attachments.  Attachments may include, but are not limited to a resume, cover letter, DD214 or NGB Form 22, transcripts, etc.  Applicants may also choose to combine documents into one field for upload.  
• Applications may not be reviewed if specific responses to application questions have not been provided.
• Each application submission is reviewed independently.  

For detailed information about the City's hiring and background processes, check out the: Quick Guide to Hiring and Background Checks

If you have questions, check out the: Frequently Asked Questions

TOTAL REWARDS

At the City of Oklahoma City, our Total Rewards package is designed to honor your service, fuel your growth, and support every part of your life.  We offer:

• Competitive pay
• An average of $22,000 annually contributed toward your benefits and retirement
• A comprehensive package designed to support your health and wellness, financial security, work-life balance, and personal and professional growth and development

Explore all the ways we invest in you: City of Oklahoma City Total Rewards

POSITION DESIGNATION

This job classification has been designated as a safety sensitive job classification in accordance with the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act, 63 O.S., 427.1 et seq., (OSCN 2019), effective August 29, 2019.   This means employees in this job classification can be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination if they test positive for marijuana components or metabolites, even if they possess a medical marijuana license.

DEPARTMENTAL INFORMATION

The Water Quality Division has seven Plant Operator III positions on each twelve-hour shift at each water plant. These positions monitor assigned areas of water treatment processes, equipment, facilities, pumping, and employees while on shift. The hours are 9:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. or 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. For this vacancy, the division is seeking a candidate who holds the required Class B Oklahoma State Water Operator and Water Laboratory Operator certifications necessary for water treatment operations.

JOB SUMMARY

This position is located in the Water Quality Division of the Utilities Department within the City of Oklahoma City and is under the direction of a Utilities Shift Supervisor. The Plant Operator III acts as a shift supervisor and is primarily responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a treatment plant and/or pump station(s) and for inspecting and monitoring assigned areas of plant operations to ensure established procedures are followed in maintaining the treatment of water and/or wastewater processes in compliance with regulatory and department requirements. The job requires a thorough knowledge of water and/or wastewater treatment operations and an ability to supervise operations personnel engaged in maintaining and operating plant or pump station machinery and ensuring their safety. Essential job functions include: monitoring equipment; monitoring chemical feed rates; recording and compiling data for operating reports; training and supervising operations personnel; monitoring and ensuring laboratory tests are accurately recorded and in compliance with regulatory and department requirements; and ensuring chemicals used in the treatment process are within required standards at minimal cost. As it relates to water: delivering high quality, potable water to the distribution network consistent with health and environmental requirements required by federal, state, and department drinking water standards; managing water flow through the water plant processes so that the plant delivers potable water under adequate pressure to the distribution network and produces water treatment biosolids meeting department requirements; monitoring and managing water quality and flow throughout the distribution network, pumping station(s), and water storage facilities; and producing treatment biosolids that meet department standards.  As it relates to wastewater: producing effluents and biosolids that meet federal and state standards and monitoring and managing wastewater flow through the collection network. The Plant Operator III uses independent judgment in performing day-to-day tasks, with special written or verbal assignments received from an Operations Supervisor and collects and reports data requiring intermediate level mathematical calculations and computer skills. Work is subject to review through evaluation of operating logs, reports, and visual inspections. Due to direct occupational health, safety and environmental concerns associated with performing both routine and non-routine water and/or wastewater operations, maintenance, and production tasks, the Plant Operator III is a safety sensitive classification. Therefore, current and prospective employees are required to meet and maintain specific physical standards and guidelines. 

VETERANS PREFERENCE

Honorably discharged veterans of the United States Active Duty Armed Forces, National Guard, and Reserve Forces who are not currently employed full-time by the City of Oklahoma City and who meet the qualifications for the position shall be given preference. To receive preference, veterans must submit verification of honorable discharge from the United States military service (Department of Defense Form DD214 or NGB Form 22) prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge of and ability to demonstrate job and safety procedures.
• Knowledge of and skill in performing water and/or wastewater plant operations and processes.
• Skill in recording information accurately in written form using logs, spreadsheets, or other technology.
• Skill in utilizing computer software/technology and recordkeeping information tracking systems.
• Skill in communicating verbally, in writing, or by physical demonstration.
• Skill in supervising and coordinating activities of operations personnel.
• Ability to travel.
• Ability and willingness to make work-related decisions.
• Ability and willingness to meet and maintain physical health standards and guidelines for the work performed.
• Ability and willingness to exercise established environmental safety precautions for the work performed for self, co-workers, and the public.
• Willingness to assume responsibility for workers and equipment.
• Possession of a Class "B" Oklahoma State Water or Wastewater Operator license for water or wastewater processes (depending upon assignment).
• Possession of a Class "B" Oklahoma State Water Laboratory Operator license for drinking water or Oklahoma State Wastewater Laboratory Operator license for wastewater (depending upon assignment). 

COMPETENCIES

• One City, One Team (Teamwork/Team Oriented) (1) Recognizes, values, and leverages the ideas, opinions, and perspectives of others; (2) participates willingly and effectively as a team lead or team member; (3) builds consensus; fosters team commitment, spirit, pride, and trust; (4) collaborates with others to accomplish goals and objectives and achieve results; (5) expresses facts, ideas, messages, and information (technical and non-technical) to individuals or groups clearly, concisely, accurately, understandably, with honesty, tact, and diplomacy and in a manner that is appropriate for the intended audience; (6) actively listens, clarifies information as needed; (7) [Core Value One City, One Team] shares information, resources and solutions across departments; (8) [Core Value One City, One Team] asks for help early and offers it often; (9) [Core Value One City, One Team] collaborates across teams before decisions are made.
• Service First (Customer Centric) (1) Demonstrates commitment to public service; (2) serves and satisfies internal and external customers in a timely and effective manner; (3) establishes, commits to, and maintains high standards for producing quality work products and being responsive to customers; (4) supports the Department/City's mission; develops and executes strategies with the customer in mind; (5) [Core Value Service First] acts quickly and follows through until the job is complete; (6) [Core Value Service First] serves everyone with genuine respect, diligence and professionalism; (7) [Core Value Service First] makes decisions with the people we serve in mind.
• Respect Always (Leads Through Influence) (1) Persuades others; builds consensus through give and take; (2) gains cooperation from others to obtain information and accomplish goals; (3) works with others towards achieving agreements that may involve exchanging resources or resolving differences; (4) understands the concepts, practices, and techniques used to identify, engage, influence, and monitor relationships with individuals and groups connected to a work effort including those actively involved; (5) leads through influence over the process and its results, and those who have a vested interest in the outcome (positive or negative). (6) [Core Value Respect Always] listens with curiosity and speaks with care; (7) [Core Value Respect Always] embraces different perspectives and lived experiences; (8) [Core Value Respect Always] gives feedback constructively and receives it openly. 
• Own the Outcome (Execution and Results) (1) Sets well-defined and realistic goals and high standards of performance for self or self and others; (2) displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment toward performing work; (3) completes assignments in a thorough, accurate, and timely manner, and delivers results; (4) works with minimal supervision, is motivated to achieve, and demonstrates responsible behavior; (5) demonstrates understanding of all aspects of the job and application of accrued knowledge in carrying out duties and responsibilities; technical knowledge; skill in the techniques, equipment, procedures, and work required; (6) recognizes opportunities and takes action for improvement to programs, policies, procedures, practices, and processes; (7) understands and is able to apply the principles, methods, and tools of quality improvement; (8) collects, examines, analyzes, and interprets data from a variety of sources; (9) makes data-driven recommendations/decisions and achieves results; (10) effectively achieves results through others to achieve the Department or City's mission; (11) [Core Value Own the Outcome] takes initiative to fix it or escalates issues; (12) [Core Value Own the Outcome] follows through on commitments; (13) [Core Value Own the Outcome] speaks up when accountability is missing.
• Keep Getting Better (Commitment to Continuous Improvement) (1) Recognizes opportunities for improvement with regard to programs, policies, procedures, practices, and processes; (2) understands and is able to apply the principles, methods, and tools of quality improvement; (3) collects, examines, analyzes, and interprets data from a variety of sources; (4) makes data-driven recommendations/decisions and achieves results; (5) [Core Value Keep Getting Better] takes time to reflect and act on what is working and what is not; (6) [Core Value Keep Getting Better] learns from mistakes without blaming; (7) [Core Value Keep Getting Better] supports self and other's development and growth. 
• Empathetic Leadership (1) Fosters a workplace where employees are engaged; (2) seeks to know and learn about, and respects the values, attitudes, and beliefs of others; (3) welcomes varied ideas, perspectives, and thoughts when carrying out the work of the organization and making decisions; (4) builds trust through transparency, open communication, feedback, consistency, and humility; (5) seeks to build high performing teams through practices that demonstrate a commitment to hiring the most qualified candidates; promotes advancement opportunities for all (e.g., coaching, mentoring, providing personal and professional development opportunities); (6) resolves conflict and maintains effective working relationships with others through open dialogue, collaboration, empathy, active listening, understanding, tact, diplomacy, and professionalism; (7) treats others with fairness and dignity; (8) demonstrates emotional maturity; and (9) recognizes contributions and celebrates accomplishments.  Note:  This competency is not applicable for employees who are not supervisors. 
• Judgment (1) Plans, coordinates, and executes business functions efficiently, effectively, and in a fiscally responsible manner; (2) identifies risks and develops and implements measures to avoid, mitigate, or minimize those risks; (3) makes effective, timely, well-informed, objective, and transparent work-related decisions; (4) exhibits emotional maturity and stability, effectively manages conflict, and remains optimistic and calm during stressful situations; (5) uses resources effectively to achieve results aligned with organizational priorities; (6) applies understanding of financial man...