Wastewater Residuals Technician 1 / 2

Full Job Description

Application Deadline: Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 5 p.m. P.T.
Accepting Online Applications only through the City of Eugene Website

Information on How to Apply

Classification: Wastewater Operator 1 (Sun-Sat) or Wastewater Operator 2 (Sun-Sat)

Department/Division: Public Works Department / Wastewater Division

Salary Range: Depending on the knowledge, skills, and abilities possessed by the successful applicant, this position may be filled as either a:

Residuals Technician 1 (Wastewater Operator 1): $31.31 - $39.03 Hourly / $65,124.80 - $81,182.40 Annually

Residuals Technician 2 (Wastewater Operator 2): $34.21 - $42.62 Hourly / $71,156.80 - $88,649.60 Annually

The City of Eugene determines starting pay within the range based on relevant education and experience as provided by the applicant in their application materials. This process is consistent with the Oregon Equal Pay Act (OEPA).
Union Representation: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
Work Location: 29689 Awbrey Ln, Eugene
Benefits: The City of Eugene offers robust and competitive benefits. For more information, select the Benefits Tab, or view benefits summaries as well as see information about all employee benefits.
Living & Working in Eugene: Information about living in Eugene, how the City of Eugene operates, and more can be found on our website.

Requirements

Performs operations, maintenance, and inspection of biosolids and recycled water processing and land application sites and facilities.

Responsible for assigned areas; makes necessary equipment adjustments as established by operations and maintenance procedures; interprets process data and makes adjustments to meet targets set by process guidelines; makes recommendations to Residuals Supervisor for process changes.

Contributes equally to work load; works under direction with initiative and high standards of quality and productivity.

In absence of Residuals Supervisor or Agricultural Coordinator, makes decisions regarding site operations, biosolids applications, irrigation scheduling, lagoon loading, emergency start-up and shut down of equipment, prioritizing work assignments, coordinating requests from other City and Wastewater Division work sections.

Under direction of Residuals Supervisor, may develop and/or modify operational procedures used in Residuals Management work section.

May assist in groundwater, soil, plant tissue, surface water, and lysimeter monitoring programs; collects samples from treatment processes for process control and permit monitoring; may assist in scheduling of sampling and monitoring programs.

Enters and retrieves data from personal computers and process workstations; utilizes various software applications to operate and monitor equipment and processes, interpret trends, monitor loading rates, and maintain biosolids and recycled water application records.

Operates laboratory instruments such as dissolved oxygen meters, pH meters, analytical balances, steam tables, andmoisture balances; calibrates, maintains, and trouble shoots issues with instruments.

May be assigned special projects of a technical and complex nature including biosolids cost analysis, public relations activities, manpower evaluations, technical report writing, training modules, safety research, developing equipment specifications, and other related projects.

Performs preventive maintenance and minor repairs to equipment; troubleshoots and isolates problems in malfunctioning equipment as necessary; follows appropriate safety procedures when isolating equipment including tagging and lock-out requirements.

Maintains a positive working relationship with biosolids and recycled water customers, neighbors of application sites, and contract farmers.

May operate a variety of specialized equipment for recycled water and biosolids processing, distribution, and application such as: dredge, mixers, farm tractors, dump trucks, spreaders, loaders, center pivots, and hard hose reels.

May train Wastewater employees in operational techniques, equipment operation, and proper safety procedures used in Residuals Management work section.

May be assigned work in wet wells, manholes, or other confined spaces.

Cleans and maintains work areas as required; responsible for keeping equipment neat, clean, and properly stored; maybe asked to perform minor custodial work as required.

Supports and respects diversity in the workplace.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferable skills from a variety of sources and experiences.

If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

When screening your application, the City will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to meet minimum qualifications for this position.

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Minimum Qualifications:

Training:
Associate's degree in environmental science or related field.

Experience:
Technician 1 (Wastewater Operator 1):
One (1) year experience in activated sludge process of wastewater treatment, or equivalent.
Technician 2 (Wastewater Operator 2):
Two (2) years of experience in activated sludge process of wastewater treatment, or equivalent.

Licenses and Certifications:

Technician 1 (Wastewater Operator 1): State of Oregon DEQ Wastewater Systems Operator Certification, Grade I.
Technician 2 (Wastewater Operator 2): State of Oregon DEQ Wastewater Systems Operator Certification, Grade II.

State of Oregon DEQ Wastewater Systems Operator Certification, Grade II to flex to the Wastewater Operator 2 within two years preferred.

Background

Must pass a background check.

Physical

Must pass a physical assessment and drug test.

License

Valid Oregon driver’s license (or the ability to obtain by date of hire); must pass driving records check and, if hired, maintain a driving record that meets the City’s standard.

Oregon law requires that an out-of-state license holder must obtain a valid Oregon license (with appropriate endorsements) within 30 days of becoming domiciled in the state (ORS 803.355).

The ideal candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

Knowledge of:
Effective operational methods needed to operate and maintain facultative lagoons, center pivot irrigation systems, hardhose reel irrigation systems, belt filter presses, pumps, sampling devices, and other related equipment.

Solids processing, including theory and operation of thickening, stabilization processes, dewatering, and recycling of finalproduct.
Biosolids and recycled water land application methods and procedures.

Nutrient cycles in soils and crops as they relate to biosolids and recycled water land application programs.

General farm practices related to growing schedule and harvesting practices of pastures, seed, forage, hybrid poplars,and other farm crops.

Principles of chemistry and biology as applied to wastewater pollutants and their impacts of treatment processes andsolids contamination.

Ability to:
Understand, interpret, and implement laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines, as defined in local, State, and Federalregulations.
Read and understand complex blueprints, piping, and schematics.

Plan, organize, and perform all routine process control tests currently performed in Residuals Management work sectionincluding all mathematical calculations related to the tests.

Accurately determine, through mathematical calculations, appropriate hydraulic and organic loading rates of biosolidsand reclaimed water to land application sites, Biocycle Farm, and facultative lagoons.

Follow written, technically complex equipment operational procedures (such as operations and maintenance manuals);read and understand complex blueprints, piping, and schematics.

Make effective judgments and decisions regarding non-routine operational duties such as equipment breakdowns,changing priorities, and emergencies.

Instruct and train others in operation of equipment and process strategies and procedures.

Maintain technically complex records including log entries, laboratory data, flow data, daily monitoring reports, biosolids,and reclaimed water application records.

Communicate clearly and concisely on technical environmental issues as related to biosolids and recycled waterprocessing, land application, groundwater monitoring, and agronomic loading in written and oral communication to avariety of audiences.

Evaluate problems with procedures, equipment, or operational systems and remedy situation using prior experience orproblem solving techniques with minimal supervision.

Operate and maintain a variety of specialized equipment utilized in Residuals Management work section.

Prepare technically complex written reports.

Perform other duties as assigned.

BE AVAILABLE FOR EMERGENCY ALARM CALL-OUTS AND RESPOND TO WORK SITE WITHIN 45 MINUTES.

WORK OVERTIME, ROTATING SHIFTS, NIGHTS, WEEKENDS, AND HOLIDAYS.

Additional Information

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions
Mostly outdoors in field environment with exposure to all typical weather conditions, including travel from site to site. Exposure to sharp objects, burns from hot materials, pinch points, moving objects/vehicles in right of way, dust/noise/vibration, working at heights, biological hazards from sewers, grease/smoke/ material fumes/gasses, cramped quarters, inclement weather conditions, slippery surfaces, electrical shock, toxic/caustic chemicals and animal/insect bites. Uses city vehicles, ladders, variety of hand/power tools, measuring and testing equipment, variety of specialized equipment associated with the wastewater and biosolids trades. Safety equipment used includes hard hat, safety glasses/goggles, steel-toed safety shoes, hearing protection, gloves, dust mask, respirator, SCBA as required, rubber boots, seat belts and other PPE as required. Assignments include working in confined spaces with exposure to raw sewage.

What to Expect from our Selection Process

Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training.

The selection process varies according to the position and can include such things as screening of supplemental questionnaires, written or skill tests, ability or fitness tests, interviews, and assessment processes.

In addition, background investigations and records checks may be required.

Some positions also require applicants to have a psychological evaluation and/or physical examination and a drug test prior to employment.

Marijuana use is evaluated consistent with current state law regulations. PLEASE NOTE: Once the posting closes, the process can take 4-6 weeks to complete.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee.

We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community.

As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we desire to welcome, respect, and create a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce.

Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at (541) 682-5061.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States.

NOTE: The City of Eugene does not participate in the E-Verify program; therefore, candidates requiring E-Verify for employment authorization will not be eligible for employment with the City.