The City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) Operations & Maintenance Group (O&MG) A core aspect of the Bureau of Environmental Services’ work is in operating and maintaining the sewer piping network and treatment system to meet NPDES Permit compliance. Within the Operations and Maintenance Group Wastewater Pumping and Treatment Maintenance Division, this critical work includes installing, maintaining and repairing mechanical, electrical, automation, and instrumentation equipment at two large, complex wastewater treatment plants, 98 pump stations located throughout the City as well as the combined sewer overflow system.
Instrument Techs operate at a journeyman level to safely install, maintain, document and repair electrical instrument systems. Cost-effective decisions regarding proper equipment installation, troubleshooting and modifications required are common and are key elements to the success of the technician’s ability to meet project schedules and keep process areas functioning as designed. Process areas must be operational in order to meet the City's discharge permit requirements. Instrument Tech duties include performing preventive and predictive maintenance on various types of instrumentation system to maintain reliability and meet permit requirements. To meet facility operational requirements, they install new equipment, respond to issues, troubleshoot and repair a variety of industrial instruments and precision process control systems. In addition, they participate in a call-out duty rotation for after-hours response.
What you will get to do:- Sets up, installs, repairs, and calibrates various analytical, instrumentation, controls, and communication equipment; interprets and works from plans and/or develops sketches or designs for work, as appropriate.
- Perform a variety of programming, diagnostic, analytical, and documentation work involving programmable controllers and graphical-user (human-machine) interfaces for a variety of equipment, including but not limited to programmable logic controllers (PLCs), control panels, communication panels, distributed control systems, and pneumatic/hydraulic/instrumentation panels; research information as necessary to perform duties and maintain currency.
- Maintain existing process measurement and control instrumentation equipment and systems and related transmitting equipment and systems to ensure proper operation and service; performs preventive maintenance, service and repairs; inspects and tests equipment and systems; locates, reviews, reformats, converts and downloads existing control system programs; reconfigures the programs to accommodate system upgrades and other environmental changes; documents work.
- Designs, upgrades, installs, connects and tests new and repaired control and monitoring systems.
- Creates new program database reports; downloads and manipulates data using standard office suite and drawing software.
- Reviews designs, and reviews the work of contractors to ensure safety and compliance and standards are met.
- Evaluates and assesses the safety, operability and condition of systems.
- Ensures repairs and installations operate properly.
- Maintains records, supplies and equipment; determines materials needed.
- Works with others to ensure quality customer service. As assigned, may train, guide and lead the work of others. Is responsible for appropriate safety precautions, i.e., lockout tagout, confined space entry. May be required to provide work review when acting as a lead.
- Designs, fabricates (exclusive of welding), installs and/or retrofits instrument stands, brackets, supports and panels that are intended for instruments, and related equipment.
- Designs, fabricates, installs and/or retrofits piping and tubing intended for but not restricted to instrument air, sample analysis, instrument hydraulics, signal/control, stilling wells, and related instrument systems.
- Works within confined spaces and possibly need to climb heights of 150'.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
Although the current vacancy is in the Bureau of Environmental Services, the eligible list created from this recruitment may be used to fill future positions in the Water Bureau and/or within Office of Management and Finance/Facilities Group.
This position is represented by District Council of Trade Unions (DCTU). To view this labor agreement, please go to https://www.portland.gov/bhr/employee-relations/labor-relations/labor-agreements and click on the appropriate link. External applicants start at the entry salary rate.
About the Bureau of Environmental Services:
This is an exciting time to join the Bureau of Environmental Services (BES). Together we are re-imagining the work we do to ensure it aligns with Our Values:
- We implement equity in our workplace, business practices, and service delivery.
- We value our customers and partners.
- We carefully manage our watersheds, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and financial resources.
- We encourage leadership among our employees in our City and community.
- We support a diverse, collaborative, healthy, and engaged workforce.
- We urge respectful communication and transparency.
- We advance innovative, sustainable, and resilient solutions.
At BES, we value our customers and partners; Portlanders’ sense of connection to their waterways; conscientious stewardship of our watersheds, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and financial resources; a diverse, collaborative, healthy, and engaged workforce; leadership among our employees and in our city and community; equity in our workplace, business practices, and service delivery; clear communication and transparency; innovative, sustainable, and resilient solutions.
BES is seeking talented individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds with knowledge, ability, and experience working with a broad range of individuals and communities; and that desire to work collaboratively and creatively to broaden the variety of innovative ways to partner with and serve all Portland communities.
To learn more about the work we do at BES, click on the link: www.portland.gov/bes
Our BES 10-Year Strategic Plan can be found here: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/article/675925
This position is represented by District Council of Trade Unions (DCTU) collective bargaining agreement. To view this labor agreement, please go to https://www.portland.gov/bhr/employee-relations/labor-relations/labor-agreements and click on the appropriate link. External applicants start at the entry salary rate.
City of Portland Core Values: Anti-racism | Communication | Collaboration | Equity | Transparency | Fiscal Responsibility
These values guide our actions as we serve the community and engage our workforce. To learn more about the City's core values, please click here. Why work at the City of Portland?
The City of Portland workforce serves a population of over 650,000. We are culture- and solutions-driven, viewing every challenge as an opportunity to learn, improve, and share our expertise. We are committed to removing systemic barriers to resources, access, and opportunity. The City is a believer in ALL people and continues to actively recruit and retain diverse top talent every day. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, healthcare flexible and/or dependent care spending accounts, Carrot Fertility, basic life, short- and long-term disability coverage to eligible employees and their families. If you are open-minded, motivated, community-focused, and self-aware, please apply yourself at the City of Portland today.
The City of Portland also participates in the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). For more information on the City of Portland's benefits please click here. or more information on the City of Portland's benefits please click here.
Work Location
This position requires work on-site. City Council approved a human resources administrative rule in January 2023, HRAR – 4.045, requiring employees, including those who are fully remote and hybrid, to perform work within Oregon or Washington. For more information, click here. Applicants must specifically address and demonstrate in their supplemental question responses and resume/work history how their education, training and/or experience, meets each of the following minimum qualifications
1. Knowledge of tools, materials, processes and techniques of precision instruments, process control equipment and electronics including troubleshooting techniques.
2. Skill in repairing, troubleshooting, maintaining, modifying and installing precision instruments and process control equipment; maintaining, developing and troubleshooting networking as well as other electronic equipment, electronics and communications devices. Although not required, please also include experience with SCADA systems.
3. Ability to perform layout and sketch designs for process control installations, modifications and repairs.
4. Ability to communicate effectively and establish and maintain effective working relationships and work constructively as part of a team and independently.
Applicants must also possess:- A State of Oregon Limited Maintenance Electrical license within six months of time of hire. (A higher level/broader electrical license may be substituted for the Limited Maintenance Electrical license.)
- A valid state driver's license and acceptable driving record at the time of hire.
An evaluation of each applicant's training and experience, as demonstrated in their résumé or work history and answers to the supplemental questions, weighted 100%. Do not attach materials not requested. Only candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on the equally ranked eligible list. You have 14 days from the notice of the examination results to let us know if you disagree with your results. Please read the City of Portland Administrative Rule 3.01 for complete information. Additional evaluation may be required prior to establishment of the eligible list and/or final selection.
**PLEASE NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies**
This is an open continuous recruitment: Open Continuous recruitments have multiple review periods (outlined below) and can be opened for up to 6 months.
- If you apply and are notified you meet minimum qualifications/placed on the eligible list, please do not reapply. Any applications received after being placed on the eligible list will not be reviewed and will be rejected as a duplicate application.
- If you apply and are notified you do not meet qualifications and the recruitment is still open, you may reapply and update your materials.
Recruitment Timeline:*Timeline is approximate and subject to change
Job Posting opens: 6/12/23
- Round 1 Closes 6/26/23
- Eligible List Round 1: Week of 7/3/23
- Interviews: early July
- Offer: end of July
- Round 2 Closes 7/10/23
- Eligible List Round 2: Week of 7/17/23
- Interviews: late July
- Offer: early August
- Eligible List Round 3: Week of 7/24/23
- Interviews: early August
- Offer: mid/late August
- Subsequent Eligible Lists every 2 weeks or as applicants qualify
Application Instructions
Applicants must submit a professional resume and responses to the supplemental questions online, specifically focused on your qualifications for this position as identified in the "To Qualify" section of this announcement in accordance with the following Application Instructions:
- Your résumé and responses to the supplemental questions will be the basis for our evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Incomplete or inappropriate information may result in disqualification.
- Your responses to the supplemental questions should include details describing your education, training and/or experience, and where obtained which clearly reflects your qualifications for each of the numbered items in the "To Qualify" section of this announcement.
- Your resume should support the details described in your responses to the supplemental questions.
- If you are requesting Veteran's Preference, as identified below, please describe in your responses to the supplemental questions and resume any transferrable skills obtained during your military service and how they relate to each of the required minimum qualifications under the "To Qualify" section above.
Please note, all completed applications for this position must be submitted no later than on the closing date and time of this recruitment. All applications must be submitted via the City's online application process. Do not attach materials not requested. E-mailed and/or faxed applications will not be accepted.
Work Status: Non-citizen applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.
Veterans' Preference: If you are requesting Veterans' Preference, attach a copy of your DD214/DD215 and/or Veterans Administration letter stating your disability to your profile, as well as checking the box identifying yourself as a Veteran. You must request Veterans' Preference AND include a copy of your documentation for each recruitment to which you apply. Veterans' Preference documentation must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM on the closing date of this recruitment.
ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations: If you identify as a person with a disability, are pregnant or nursing, or observe a religious practice(s), and would like to request a reasonable accommodation when applying for this job, please contact the Recruiter below for assistance.
Equal Employment Opportunity: It is the policy of the City of Portland that no person shall be discriminated against based on race, religion, color, sex, marital status, family status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or source of income. The City values diversity and encourages everyone who is interested in employment with the City to apply.
Did you know? The City of Portland has How to Apply Videos and offers How to Apply Classes. If you have questions after watching the videos you are invited to contact the recruiter listed on the announcement or starting in April 2023 you are invited to attend the Question and Answers session. If you prefer to attend a virtual class, they are also available once a month.
Questions?
Karen Ehn
Bureau of Human Resources
karen.ehn@portlandoregon.gov An Equal Opportunity Employer