Water Reclamation Operator I

The City of Bend is accepting applications for one (1) regular, full-time Water Reclamation Operator I 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 vacancies. Please review the entire job posting, including application requirements, before applying.

A Water Reclamation Operator I plays a hands-on role in protecting public health and the environment by helping ensure wastewater is treated safely and effectively before being returned to the environment. A typical day may include monitoring treatment processes, collecting samples, conducting laboratory testing, recording operational data, inspecting equipment, and making operational adjustments to keep the facility running efficiently. Operators also perform routine maintenance, troubleshoot equipment issues, and help maintain a safe, clean, and reliable treatment facility.

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to major facility improvement projects, rehabilitation and replacement efforts, process optimization initiatives, and ongoing investments in operational efficiency. Operators work with a wide range of treatment technologies and equipment while building technical expertise and gaining experience toward higher levels of certification and advancement within the utility.If you enjoy a blend of science, mechanics, problem-solving, and outdoor work, this may be the opportunity for you. Water Reclamation Operators are an essential part of the City's One Water approach, helping ensure reliable wastewater treatment, environmental stewardship, regulatory compliance, and protection of public health for everyone who lives, works, and visits Bend.

Classification Framework: Water Reclamation Operator I

What You'll Do

The following duties are examples of major responsibilities performed in this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list:

• Monitor wastewater treatment systems and facility equipment to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Collect samples and perform laboratory testing to verify treatment performance and regulatory compliance.
• Perform routine maintenance, cleaning, and minor repairs on plant equipment, facilities, and grounds.
• Inspect pumps, motors, valves, analyzers, and other treatment equipment to identify operational issues.
• Record operational data, meter readings, and maintenance activities using computerized systems.
• Respond to operational alarms, equipment malfunctions, and emergency situations as needed.
• Calibrate instruments and monitoring equipment to support accurate process control.
• Assist with biosolids handling and other treatment process activities.
• Support facility improvement projects and implementation of new technologies.
• Promote and follow safe work practices while working independently and as part of a team.

Ideal Candidate

We're looking for someone who is safety-focused, dependable, and eager to learn. The successful candidate takes pride in their work, communicates effectively, and enjoys solving problems in a hands-on environment. They are comfortable working both independently and collaboratively while adapting to changing operational needs.

Highly qualified candidates will have working knowledge of wastewater treatment operations, safe work practices, mechanical equipment commonly found in treatment facilities, and computer-based data entry systems. They will bring strong attention to detail, sound judgment, troubleshooting skills, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

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 regarding your education, work experience, and applicable licenses and certifications. Avoid referencing your resume in response to job duty questions within the application.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• At least one (1) year of experience in wastewater treatment plant operations, industrial process operations, utility operations, mechanical maintenance, laboratory operations, or a closely related field.
• OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.

Required Licenses & Certifications

• Oregon Level I Wastewater Operator Certificate;
• Ability to obtain and maintain valid Oregon Class "B" Commercial Driver's License within six months of hire.

Desired (but not required) Attributes

• Previous experience working in a wastewater treatment facility.
• Experience operating pumps, motors, valves, instrumentation, or industrial process equipment.
• Vocational, technical, or college coursework related to wastewater treatment, environmental science, biology, chemistry, mechanical systems, or a related field

What to Know Before Applying

Application Deadline: Applications must be received by Monday, November 2, 12:00 PM (noon) Pacific Time to be considered for this selection process.

Application Requirements: To be considered for an interview, applicants must complete an online application including the following attachments (failure to include required attachments may result in disqualification):

• Cover Letter
• Resume

NOTE: To ensure full consideration, please include all relevant work experience, education, certifications, and qualifications in your application. Resumes, cover letters, and other attachments may not be considered during the initial application review.

Veterans’ Preference: Applicants seeking Veterans’ Preference as a qualified veteran or disabled veteran must attach appropriate documentation to their application.

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 Dependents

for 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.

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:

Employee

Employee & Dependents

Full-time Employees

$71.48

$178.70

Part-time 1 Employees (30-39 hours per week)

$178.72

$446.77

Part-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 Employees

HRA (Comp – A)

Coinsurance (Med – G)

$2,000

$1,250

$4,000

$1,250

Part-time 1 Employees (30-39 hours per week)

HRA (Comp – A)

Coinsurance (Med – G)

$1,500

$937.50

$3,000

$1,335.75

Part-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 http://www.oregon.gov/pers

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 benefit programs which are elective and funded through payroll deduction:

• AFLAC Supplemental Insurance (various plans are offered)
• MASA ground and air ambulance membership
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plans sponsored by Nationwide Retirement Solutions & Mission Square Retirement

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Temporary Medical Only Benefit's:

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, Prescription coverage

Underwritten by PacificSource Health Plans

Full-time, temporary employee(s) currently pay 10% of the total employee(s) monthly premium. Full-time, temporary employees are eligible for employee-only medical coverage. However, there is family coverage available should the employee choose to enroll and assume financial responsibility for the difference of premium.

Employee composite monthly premium:

Employee

Employee & Dependents

Full-time Employees

$71.48

$1,143.69

Deductible

$2,000

$4,000

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.

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 http://www.oregon.gov/pers

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 benefit programs which are elective and funded through payroll deduction:

• MASA ground and air ambulance membership
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plans sponsored by Nationwide Retirement Solutions and Mission Square Retirement

If you have Federal student loan debt, (private student loans not included), or are considering going back to school, you may benefit from the Student Loan Forgiveness Program.

• If you make 120 qualifying payments on your Federal student loan while working full-time for a qualifying employer, your Federal student loan debt may be forgiven.

Always check the loan servicer and type of loan you have to ensure you qualify.