The City of Coos Bay is soliciting applications for a Collections Operator position. This position can be filled as a Collections Operator-in-Training, I, or II, depending upon qualifications of selected applications. To apply for the position, interested parties should submit a city application, resume, and letter of interest to the HR Office or by email at [email protected]. All application materials submitted via email must be an attachment in word or pdf format. City applications are available from the City Manager’s Office, City Hall, 500 Central Avenue, Coos Bay, Oregon 97420, by email [email protected] or on the City’s website at https://www.coosbayor.gov/government/job-openings
JOB DESCRIPTION
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: The Collections Operator In-Training position performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled maintenance and construction work and operates a variety of equipment in the construction, operation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of city wastewater collection systems and storm drainage facilities and systems. This is the entry level Wastewater Division collections operator position. Employees of this classification shall have demonstrated their ability to perform independently and with minimum of instruction in the varied function to which assigned. Advancement from this position to Collections Operator I requires obtaining a Wastewater Collections Level I Certificate issued by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the day-to-day guidance of the Lead Collections Operator and general supervision of the Collections and Maintenance Supervisor and/or Wastewater Superintendent. The Collections OIT may receive work direction from the Collections Operator I or Collections Operator II.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK: An employee in this classification may perform any of the following duties. The duties listed are intended only as illustrative examples of the various types of work that may be performed by individuals in this classification. Any of the following duties may be performed. These examples are not necessarily performed by all incumbents and do not include all specific essential functions and responsibilities the incumbent may be expected to perform.
- Inspects, maintains, televises, and/or repairs wastewater collection and storm water drainage systems at frequent intervals to ensure that all aspects of the system are functioning properly.
- Maintains a variety of records relating to inspections, maintenance activity, etc.
- Determines the locations of gas, telephone, power, television, water, and sewer lines from the appropriate sources prior to excavation.
- Responds to complaints regarding plugged sewers, flooding, sinkholes, and odors; evaluates situation; explains findings to lead worker or supervisor.
- Responds to emergency calls during business hours and after hours. Must be able to respond to calls within 30 minutes. If situation warrants it, must be able to respond on site within 60 minutes.
- Responds to pump station alarms and/or any related failure to collection system operated and maintained by the city.
- Be responsible to be on call after normal working hours, weekends, and holidays per the schedule assigned by their supervisor.
- Contacts residents and business owners in area where services will be interrupted and explains when services will be shut off, how soon it will be turned back on, or when repairs will be completed.
- Drives trucks of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling, and unloading of various equipment, materials, gravel, and sand.
- Operates Cleaner Truck, which includes flushing lines, sucking debris out of lines and catch basins, and performing vacuum excavations.
- Locates city owned and operated facilities including storm and wastewater piping in accordance with Oregon 811 Standards Manual.
- Operates TV Van which includes both operation and maintenance of camera and performing the TV reports.
- Performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and tools and refers defects or needed repairs to supervisor; cleans equipment.
- Operates construction vehicles and equipment and power equipment, such as jetter/inductor truck, backhoe/loader; also operates specialized equipment for televising pipe interiors and locating underground utilities.
- Performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards.
- Performs required labor involved in construction and maintenance projects as part of a crew, including pavement cutting, ditch digging, manhole and line cleaning, pipe repair and laying, backfilling, and surface restoration.
- Assists in the training of lower-level employees to increase their skills in the maintenance, construction, and repair of water, sewer, street, and storm draining facilities.
- Services sewage pump stations, other pumps, air release valves, and other valves/appurtenances.
- Maintain professional networks and attend training sessions and conferences as necessary to advance skills and keep abreast of issues and practices in all areas of responsibility.
- May be assigned to work on the Plant Operations crews.
- Must maintain positive and cooperative working relationships with city staff, other organizations, and the general public.
- Represents the City of Coos Bay by responding to the public, citizens, its employees, and others in a prompt, professional, and courteous manner while continuously maintaining a positive customer service demeanor. Regard everyone, internal and external, as a customer and deliver the best service possible in a respectful and patient manner.
- Communicates well both verbally and in writing and works effectively with both internal staff and external contacts including consultants, regulators, and others.
- Serves as a member of various city committees as assigned.
- Assists other staff in the performance of their duties as assigned.
- Maintains regular job attendance and adherence to working hours.
- Operates a motor vehicle safely and legally.
- Creates a high-performance work culture by demonstrating a positive attitude and modeling the city’s mission, vision, and values.
- Demonstrates, promotes, and develops leadership, management, and technical skills for self and other employees.
- Conducts self with high integrity, proactive in conserving city resources, and seeks and incorporates customer feedback for continuous improvement of operations.
- Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY: It is anticipated that the Collections Operator In Training has the minimum requirements under this section and “Experience and Training”.
Special Requirements:
- Must possess and maintain a valid Oregon driver’s license at time of appointment.
- Possess or have the ability to acquire during the probationary period, an Oregon Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A with a Tank Truck endorsement. CDL must not show a code E and O Restriction. Ability to wear hazard appropriate personal protective equipment.
- For Collections Operator I, minimum of Wastewater Collections Operator Certification Level I
- For Collections Operator II, minimum of Wastewater Collections Operator Certification Level II
Ability to become trained and certified in: First Aid and CPR, Confined Space Entry, Public Agency Work Zone Traffic Control Class and obtain Flagger Certification, Cave-in Protection/Competent Person Training, and Fork Lift Operation.
This position is considered "Inclement Weather Standby" and depending upon conditions, may be designated as a "First Responder" which is considered essential personnel. Should this designation occur in the event city offices close due to inclement weather, etc., incumbent will be required to report to work for their scheduled shift, as well as any overtime or extra hours required. This position is subject to a rotating "on-call" schedule after training has been completed.
Knowledge of equipment, facilities, materials, methods, and procedures used in sanitary sewer or storm water maintenance, construction, and repair activities; skill in operation of listed tools and equipment used; Ability to perform heavy manual tasks for extended periods of time; work safely; communicate effectively verbally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments, and the public; understand and carry out written and oral instructions; operate small office equipment, including tablets, copy machines or multi-line telephone systems; operate computers for data entry, word processing and/or accounting purposes; operate highly technical computer applications, such as GIS; operate and repair small/light equipment, such as power tools; operate and repair medium equipment and machinery, such as vehicles or commercial mowers; and operate and repair heavy or complex machinery, such as HVAC systems, construction equipment, or water plants.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: An employee in this position must have the ability to read and interpret regulations; to multi-task and complete work in a timely and accurate manner; to work independently; to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Must be able to develop and maintain positive cooperative team-oriented relationships with co-workers, supervisors, managers, and others they come in contact with.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING: The position requires a High School diploma or General Equivalency Degree (GED).
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED: Operation of motor vehicles including trucks, crane truck, Vactor truck, forklifts, wheel loaders and utility vehicles is required, as well as operation of small tools, pumps, power equipment, etc. The use of personal protective equipment appropriate to the hazard will be required. The position requires skill in the use of phone, personal computer and virtual desktop infrastructure environment (tablet), MS applications including word processing, spreadsheet, scheduling, and other software, SCADA systems, computerized maintenance management systems, Wonderware, network-connected copy machine with scanning, and other office equipment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Incumbent performs work of an active nature requiring sufficient cardiovascular condition to carry out the job duties on a sustained basis. Requires the ability to stand for extended periods of time, walk up to 400 yards, and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to heavy weights of up to 75 pounds on a regular basis. Requires the ability to push, pull, and guide materials over 75 pounds. Requires the ability to climb (e.g. ladders), stoop, kneel, and crouch on a regular basis. Requires sufficient hand-eye coordination, hand and finger dexterity including ability to grasp, and operate demanding equipment. Requires auditory ability to hear machinery sounds and alarms. Requires near and far visual acuity to read printed materials, video readings, and observe stationary and moving objects. Requires speaking ability to carry on ordinary conversations. Requires the ability to work in extreme temperature conditions and on varying work hours.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts and in outside weather conditions. The employee frequently works in high, precarious places and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock. The employee will work in a variety of locations with varying hazards. The employee will be provided with appropriate safety training and equipment. The employee will be exposed at various times to hot or cold temperatures, high humidity, fall hazards, rotating or moving machinery, common electrical hazards, biological and chemical hazards, laceration hazards and hazardous noise areas. In addition, there is the possibility of exposure dirt, oil, grease, grass, and pollen. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. The use of personal protective equipment appropriate to the hazard will be required.
GUIDELINES: The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
Hiring Process: Applicants must complete and submit the required City application packet by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, as specified in this job announcement. All applicants will be notified of the final status of their application via email.
Application Acceptance Period: ............................... June 17 – July 1
First Review of Applications: ................................... July 2
First Interviews with Selected Candidates: .............. July 6 - 9
Earliest Offer of Employment: .................................. July 9
Projected Start Date: ................................................July 28, 2026
Note: The city reserves the right to conduct second interviews, and this may affect the projected date for offer of employment.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: Employees work in a strong team-oriented environment and receive a generous employee benefit package which includes twelve paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, long term disability, medical, dental and vision insurance, and retirement through the Public Employees Retirement System. The City pays 90% of the medical and dental insurance premium for the employee and their family.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMMUNITY: Information about the City of Coos Bay and the Bay Area is available at www.coosbayOR.gov.
