Water Operator Jobs in Bend, OR (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $74,830.91 - $95,505.70 Annually
Location : Water Reclamation Facility - 22395 McGrath Rd, Bend, OR
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 20260094
Department: Water Services
Division: 8415
Opening Date: 08/12/2026
Closing Date: 8/26/2026 12:00 PM Pacific
About the Role
The City of Bend is accepting applications for one (1) regular, full-time Water Reclamation Operator II in the Water Reclamation division of the Water Services Department. This is an hourly, non-exempt (overtime eligible) position represented by the City of Bend Employee Association (COBEA). The City may use this recruitment to establish an eligibility list for future hiring purposes. Please review the entire job posting, including the application requirements at the end.
The Water Reclamation Operator II helps keep Bend's wastewater treatment system running safely, efficiently, and reliably every day. This role is responsible for monitoring treatment processes, operating plant equipment, collecting and reviewing laboratory data, performing maintenance activities, and responding to operational needs that support essential public services. The work is hands-on, collaborative, and critical to protecting public health and the environment.
A typical day may include monitoring gauges and control systems, adjusting treatment processes based on plant conditions and laboratory results, troubleshooting equipment issues, completing maintenance tasks, documenting operational data, and coordinating with fellow operators to ensure treatment systems are functioning at their best. Operators work both indoors and outdoors and play an important role in maintaining regulatory compliance and operational excellence.
This is a fully experienced operator position ideal for someone who enjoys problem-solving, working with complex equipment, and contributing to a high-performing team. In addition to operating plant systems, the Operator II helps train and guide less experienced staff and may serve as a crew lead when needed. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the community while continuing to grow your expertise in a complex utility environment.
Classification Framework:
What You'll Do
The following duties are a sample of major duties performed in this role and are not intended to be an exhaustive list.

• Operate and monitor wastewater treatment equipment, pumps, valves, meters, gauges, and control systems.
• Evaluate plant performance and make process adjustments based on operating conditions, laboratory results, and established procedures.
• Perform routine wastewater laboratory testing and accurately document results.
• Conduct plant cleaning, preventive maintenance, and minor repairs to equipment, buildings, and grounds.
• Operate City vehicles and heavy equipment, including loaders and backhoes.
• Maintain operational logs, records, and data used for regulatory and operational reporting.
• Respond to after-hours callouts, on-call assignments, and emergency situations as required.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and communicate equipment or process issues in a timely manner.
• Support and train less experienced operators and assist with crew leadership responsibilities when assigned.

Ideal Candidate
We're looking for someone who is dependable, safety-minded, and comfortable working in an active wastewater treatment environment. The successful candidate takes ownership of their work, communicates effectively with coworkers and supervisors, pays close attention to operational details, and remains calm and effective when plant conditions change. They understand the importance of reliable wastewater treatment services and take pride in supporting the team and the community. The ideal candidate is also comfortable working independently during on-call assignments, responding to operational issues after hours when needed, and supporting weekend operations as part of a team that provides essential services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Highly qualified candidates will have working knowledge of wastewater treatment operations, activated sludge processes, laboratory procedures, safe work practices, heavy equipment operation, and equipment maintenance. They will bring strong troubleshooting skills, the ability to recognize and respond to changing process conditions, experience maintaining accurate records, and proficiency using computers and operational software systems.
Candidates who meet the listed minimum qualifications, including an equivalent combination of education and experience, will be considered for an interview. Please ensure your application includes information about your education, relevant paid and unpaid work experience, and applicable licenses and certifications. Avoid referencing your resume in the job duties section of the application.
Minimum Qualifications

• One year of specialized or technical training beyond high school in water quality and wastewater treatment and,
• At least three years of experience as an Operator I; or,
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Required Licenses & Certifications

• Oregon Level II Wastewater Operator Certificate;
• Valid Oregon commercial driver's license within six months of hire.

Desired (But Not Required) Attributes

• Demonstrated experience with wastewater process control, including troubleshooting settling trends and making process adjustments.
• Experience independently responding to operational issues, equipment failures, alarms, on-call events, or emergency situations.
• Experience training, mentoring, or providing work guidance to less experienced operators.
• Experience working in an activated sludge treatment facility.
• Additional wastewater treatment certifications beyond minimum requirements.

What to Know Before Applying
Application Deadline
Applications must be received by August 26, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Pacific Time to be considered for review.
Application Requirements
To be considered for an interview, applicants must complete an online application and attach:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Failure to include required attachments may result in disqualification.
Veterans' Preference
Applicants seeking Veterans' Preference as a qualified veteran or disabled veteran must attach appropriate documentation to their application. For more information, please visit the City's Veterans' Preference information page.
Equity Statement
The City of Bend remains committed to building a workforce that advances diversity and inclusion within our community and all we do. We recognize that not everyone starts from the same place, and that gender, race, ability, sexual orientation, and other identities face different barriers. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating an inclusive, safe, and respectful workplace where employees can thrive without these barriers. A more extended version of the City of Bend's Organizational Equity Statement is available upon request.
Benefits
The City of Bend offers an excellent competitive benefits package for employees and eligible dependents, including health and dental coverage, retirement benefits, and a robust paid leave program. Details are available on the Benefits tab of the job posting.
Starting Compensation
Starting compensation is determined based on a pay equity analysis considering the candidate's education, applicable work experience, and internal equity. Please include all relevant information on your application.
Diversity & Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The City of Bend is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. At the City of Bend, we don't just accept differences; we value them. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and support the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA) and the Oregon Equal Pay Act.
Employee Benefit Overview
August 1, 2025 - July 31, 2026
Regular Full Time Benefits:
Coverage is effective on the first day of the month, coinciding with or following date of hire.
(If the first day of work is on the first calendar day of the month, coverage is effective that day.)
High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
Medical, Vision and Prescription Coverage
Underwritten by PacificSource Health Plans
Full-time employees currently pay 10% of the total monthly premium. Benefit-eligible part-time employee premiums are pro-rated according to their regularly-scheduled hours, either at 50% (employees working 20-29 hours per week) or 75% (employees working 30-39 hours per week) of the full monthly premium.
Employee monthly premium:EmployeeEmployee & DependentsFull-time Employees$71.48$178.70Part-time 1 Employees (30-39 hours per week)$178.72$446.77Part-time 2 Employees (20-29 hours per week)$357.43$893.54
Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
Third Party Administrator -- PacificSource Administrators (PSA)
This is an employer-funded account designed to reimburse employees for IRS-qualified medical expenses. Reimbursements are tax-free, and any unused HRA Comp-A fund amounts at the end of the plan year are transferred to the employee's VEBA account following first full year of employment (see below for VEBA account information). Coinsurance (Med-G) funding remaining at plan year end is forfeited and does not roll to the VEBA.
Employee monthly premium portion:
Employee
Employee & Dependents
Full-time EmployeesHRA (Comp - A)
Coinsurance (Med - G)$2,000
$1,250$4,000
$1,250Part-time 1 Employees (30-39 hours per week)HRA (Comp - A)
Coinsurance (Med - G)$1,500
$937.50$3,000
$1,335.75Part-time 2 Employees (20-29 hours per week)HRA (Comp - A)
Coinsurance (Med - G)$1,000
$625$2,000
$890.50
Employees also have the option to self-fund a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for unreimbursed medical expenses to offset potential out-of-pocket liability under the medical/dental plans and potentially shelter their HRA Comp-A account to allow for larger rollover to their VEBA account at plan year end.
First Stop Health - Telemedicine: The City of Bend provides First Stop Health (FSH) telemedicine benefits for FREE to all medical-enrolled employees and up to seven (7) of their immediate family members.
Dental Plan
Underwritten by MODA
$2,000 calendar year benefit maximum per covered individual includes $1,000 one-time orthodontia benefit.
Full-time employees currently pay 10% of the total composite monthly premium.
Part-time benefit-eligible employee premiums are pro-rated according to their regularly scheduled work hours (50% for employees working 20-29 hours per week; 75% for those working 30-39 hours per week).
Employee composite monthly premium:
Employee with/without Dependents
Full-time Employees$15.40
Part-time 1 Employees (30-39 hours per week)$38.53
Part-time 2 Employees (20-29 hours per week)$77.05
VEBA Plan
Administered by HRA VEBA
Individual employee account that receives tax-free rollover amounts from the City-funded HRA Comp-A account remaining at the end of each plan year. The account belongs to the employee and may be invested in mutual funds similar to deferred compensation. The account can grow, tax free, and be used for future medical expenses and can be used either while still employed or after separation/retirement.
Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)
Administered by PacificSource Administrators (PSA)
Participation in the City of Bend's Flexible Spending Plan is voluntary and allows employees to pay for IRS-approved health care-related expenses and dependent care through pre-tax payroll deduction.
Life, Personal Accident (AD&D) & Long-Term Disability Plans
Underwritten by New York Life
Group Basic Term Life Insurance: Benefit-eligible employees working at least 20 hours per week are eligible for a coverage amount of one times the employees annual salary, to a maximum benefit of $150,000, with a minimum benefit of $50,000. Coverage includes person accident coverage for loss of life and/or limb, per scheduled benefit package amounts.
Group Long-term Disability Insurance:Benefit-eligible employees working at least 20 hours per week are eligible for a a benefit of up to 66.67% of employee's covered earnings to a maximum of $9,000 per month.
Voluntary Life and AD&D: Active, full time employees of the City of Bend regularly working a minimum of 20 hours per week are eligible for additional voluntary coverage for the employee, spouse/domestic partner and dependent children.
Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
The City of Bend participates in the PERS Retirement System. Employees become PERS members after working six full calendar months in a qualifying position requiring at least 600 hours worked per 12-month period. Contributions on the employee's behalf begin following completion of the six-month waiting period. The City makes "employer" contribution based on the employee's Tier I, II or OPSRP member status. The City also makes the "employee" member contribution of 6% of salary. For complete PERS program details, visit the website
Employee Assistance Program
Underwritten by Canopy
This City-provided, confidential service helps employees privately solve problems that may interfere with work, family and life in general. Services are free to employees, their dependents and household members.
The City of Bend also offers the following voluntary ben