Department: Public Works
Salary: $16.97 / hour
Location: Keizer, OR
Duration: Temporary / Part-time
Link to info/application: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofsalem/jobs/2902944/wastewater-treatment-plant-intern

Job Summary

The City of Salem is looking to provide an opportunity for two Wastewater Treatment Plant Interns to gain hands on work experience in the operation of the city’s two wastewater plants, Willow Lake Water Pollution Control Facility and the River Road Peak Wet Weather Treatment Facility.

Willow Lake is the primary treatment facility for the City with a dry weather secondary treatment capacity of 65 mgd, a wet weather secondary treatment capacity of 95 mgd, and a peak wet weather capacity of 155 mgd.  It can be operated in trickling filter/activated sludge, conventional air activated sludge and in a combination of both processes plus selective treatment based on flow and load fluctuations. 

The River Road Peak Wet Weather Treatment Facility is a high rate, physical chemical ballasted flocculation facility with ultra-violet disinfection.  This facility is operated only when flows at the Willow Lake Facility are above 95 mgd.  Operation of this remote facility is permitted for use to prevent sanitary sewer overflows associated with wet weather.

The City’s treatment facilities serve a population equivalent of 229,000 within a three city area with an average annual flow of 45 mgd.  The facility staff of 53 employees provide Operations, Maintenance, Laboratory, Biosolids, and Administrative Services for both facilities.

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!  


Job Summary

The Intern job classification is a temporary position – up to a maximum 30 hours per week and 1200 hours per calendar year are allowed.

Internships provide an opportunity for students enrolled in an institution of higher education to gain hands on work experience.  The work performed typically involves assisting a journey level operator in the operation of different treatment systems and related equipment, process control testing and analysis.

Internships are for the benefit of the student and are designed based upon a prescribed educational goal.  Incumbents in this role will participate in an exit interview which will include a presentation of materials or information learned by the Intern. 

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!  

Minimum Qualifications

• Must pass pre-employment background check.
• Oregon Driver license and a driving record that meets the City of Salem’s driving standards.
• Current standing as a graduate or undergraduate student at a college or university with major course work in Water Quality, Water/Wastewater Operations, Environmental Science or related field and minimum 6 months of paid, unpaid, or volunteer experience, in the related area of project assignment; or any combination of experience and training that demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skill and abilities as listed, and ability to perform the essential job functions.

Where can I find out more about the position?

Go to the menu option for class specifications and search for Intern or view the entire classification 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!

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