The Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) is seeking a Wastewater Operations Supervisor (Supervisor II) to join our Wastewater Operations Division to oversee the supervision of the State of Oregon's largest activated sludge wastewater treatment plant, as well as the support and management of the personnel directly involved in the treatment process. The position requires physical presence at the treatment facility, and the schedule is: The candidate selected for this position will work M-F, five days/week, 8 hours/day from 07:00 am to 15:30 pm during onboarding and orientation. The final schedule will be determined and agreed upon, including options for compressed work week opportunities, by the incumbent and manager.
This position performs a highly specialized role in offering guidance, planning, support, and completion of technical tasks in support of the BES O&M Group, Operations Division. Additionally, the focus of each Supervisory position will be on the optimization and coordination of operational practice and control of conventional activated sludge wastewater treatment plants as well as the support and management of the personnel directly involved in the treatment process. Work unit supervisory support will include a collaborative approach in supporting all operational work units. Other activities performed by this role are varied, are assigned, and include a rotational on-call coordinator requirement.
Appointees are responsible for formulating and developing work unit goals and objectives, providing input for budgetary needs/considerations, and supervising assigned personnel while directing day-to-day activities. Work results are reviewed through inspection and analysis of records, reports, and plant performance.
Essential duties and responsibilities include: Planning, supporting, supervising, and evaluating the work of assigned staff; with staff, developing, implementing, and monitoring work plans to achieve division mission, goals, and performance measures. Planning and evaluating the performance of assigned staff. Performing project management support and may include contract management components. Working with assigned staff to ensure the proper, safe, and efficient operation of large, state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plants and the CSO system. Providing technical assistance and advice to ensure regulatory requirements are met. Ensuring proper training of staff in work methods, use of tools and equipment, and relevant safety precautions. Responding to emergency situations as necessary. Participating in the creation and long-term planning of division budgets. Researching new operational methods, techniques, and equipment and recommending their application. Performing On Call Coordinator rotational duties.
The Operations Division is organized into the following work units: CBWTP Liquids Treatment, CBWTP Solids Treatment, CBWTP Special Operations, TCWTP Operations, and Biosolids Land Application.
To qualify, applicants must specifically address and demonstrate in their supplemental question responses and resume/work history how their education, training, and/or experience meet each of the following minimum qualifications: Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes, including the operation of process control equipment, troubleshooting techniques, and laboratory procedures. 8 years of demonstrated experience in municipal or industrial wastewater treatment, with an increasing level of responsibility, with a preferred 3 years of supervisory experience. In-depth understanding of the biological treatment process and the ability to recognize and navigate process upsets are required. Knowledge of municipal contract management, including negotiating with vendors for cost-effective solutions and outcomes. Ability to plan, prioritize, and schedule work while leading a team of professional operators in adhering to safety and compliance requirements. Skills to effectively communicate with, lead, support, and coach high-functioning operators within a work unit. Ability to be a human-centered leader who will incorporate equity into the decision-making process. Applicants must also possess: A valid state driver's license and acceptable driving record at the time of hire. The ability to obtain Oregon DEQ Wastewater Treatment Grade III certification or higher within 12 months.
The recruitment process includes: Applying online between September 8, 2025, and September 22, 2025. Minimum qualification evaluation week of September 22, 2025. Establishment of eligible list week of September 29, 2025. Selection (interview) to be determined. Offer of employment to be determined. Start date to be determined.
A career with the City of Portland offers many employee benefits, including health care, wellness benefits, life insurance, long-term disability coverage, employee assistance plan, flexible spending accounts, retirement, family medical leave, and city paid parental leave, among others.