Job Summary

The Public Works Department is hiring a Watershed Quality Technician! If you are looking for an opportunity to be part of an organization that provides a great family-work life balance, and a cooperative and friendly work environment, the City of Salem is an excellent place for you.

Make an impact:
The Watershed Quality Technician is responsible for collecting samples and conducting field water quality analyses in the North Santiam River Watershed and maintaining records of analytical results.

Learn and grow:

• Learn about municipal drinking water treatment and water distribution systems.
• Develop working relationships with key local, state, and federal agencies.
• Gain knowledge of Safe Drinking Water Act and Oregon Administrative Rules regulations.

What you will do:

• Calibrate and perform routine maintenance on water quality instrumentation and watershed sampling equipment.
• Coordinate sample collection and analysis efforts with contracted laboratories, shipment of samples to contracted laboratories, and preparation of sampling events.
• Field sampling in the North Santiam Watershed including Detroit Reservoir, Big Cliff Reservoir, and the North Santiam River.
• Participation in City outreach events to educate the community on Salem’s drinking water and watershed monitoring efforts.

What can we offer you for all your hard work?

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies.
• Competitive pay.
• Employer-paid PERS contribution of 6%.
• Opportunity for voluntary pre-tax contributions to a 457b account.
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Voluntary long-term care.
• Employee wellness program.
• Employee assistance program.
• Employee health clinic.
• Position schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm.

What are the minimum qualifications?

• Must pass the pre-employment background check
• Must have an Oregon Driver’s license and a driving record that meets the City of Salem's driving standards
• Must possess an Oregon Water Distribution System Operator I certification within six months from date of hire.
• Must possess or be able to obtain an Oregon Boaters Education Card within 3 months from date of hire.
• Completion of two years of college with major course work in chemistry, bacteriology, or related subjects and one-year experience collecting water samples, analyzing data, interpreting results; or any combination of experience and training that demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skill and abilities as listed, and ability to perform the examples of work.

What you will bring along:

• Field sampling skills
• Experience maintaining and calibrating water quality equipment
• Passion for collecting data and analysis
• Comfort with operating boats and pulling trailers

About us:
The Public Works Department values employees and their professional development. If you are someone that takes pride in collaborating on innovative ideas, proactively responding to community needs, and being a good environmental and financial steward, we look forward to meeting you! The Public Works Department promotes a healthy work life balance, while maintaining the utmost dedication to the health, safety and welfare of our community, including our team!

Where can I find out more about the position?

Go to the menu option for Class Specifications and search for Water Qual Tech or view by clicking here.

How can I apply?

The City of Salem invites individuals of all diverse communities and backgrounds to apply for our available job opportunities as we strive to provide the best service to everyone. The City of Salem is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all and has a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that by welcoming differences, encouraging new ideas and views, listening to and learning from each other, we are better able to serve the community.

To apply, click on the green “Apply” button to complete your application. Make sure that you specify how you meet the qualifications outlined in the class specification and complete the application.

Applicants that meet the minimum qualifications as outlined above but not selected for this position may be placed on an eligibility list, and candidates may be hired from the list. Eligibility lists are valid for six months. The City will send email notifications to eligible candidates about potential hiring opportunities so please ensure your email settings accept our system generated email notifications.

You may subscribe for automatic notification of job openings at the City through the Job Interest Cards – sign up today!

For more information about employment at the City of Salem, please visit our website at www.cityofsalem.net/jobs.