Water Operator I

NOTE:

Qualified applicants must be able to respond within 2 hours to their designated service areas.

Position Summary:

The Water Operator I performs operation, maintenance, and repair work for water systems and responds to public inquiries and service requests as needed.

This is a fully trained operator role that independently performs standard operational and maintenance tasks, participates in more complex repairs and troubleshooting, and may provide task-level guidance to Water Operations Technicians.

While this position does not have formal supervisory responsibility, it may lead work activities on assigned projects. The duties listed describe the core responsibilities of the role, but additional assignments may be given as needed to support operational needs.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Install and repair water mains, fire hydrants, check valves, and water service lines; tap water mains; perform ground excavation; mix, rake, and spread asphalt; and patch or repair excavations.
• Inspect, operate, and exercise gate valves to prevent seizures; flush fire hydrants and dead-end water lines to remove sediment; and take water samples for testing.
• Locate, identify, and mark distribution system facilities, including valves, fire hydrants, and blow-offs.
• Locate and identify leaks.
• Install, relocate, and adjust meter boxes and valve cans; install and replace water meters.
• Perform repair and maintenance on water and wastewater facilities, including structures and grounds.
• Operate service trucks; routinely inspect and perform minor maintenance on assigned vehicles; remove and replace defective parts; and assist with transporting vehicles to repair shops.
• Follow all NW Natural Water Services policies, procedures, and safety regulations, including grooming and uniform requirements.
• Communicate effectively, in writing and verbally, with management and other operators at the technical level required for the position.
• Participate in specialized training for the safe handling of hazardous materials and confined-space entry.
• Participate in weekly team meetings.
• Work effectively as part of a team and independently, with or without direct supervision.

Tools and Equipment Used

• A variety of hand tools and hand-held power equipment.
• Light- and medium-duty vehicles and equipment, including vacuum excavation equipment.
• Computer and general office equipment.

Working Conditions and Environment:

• Work may range from extreme outdoor conditions to indoor duties. This position regularly works outside, year-round, in all weather conditions.
• Safety procedures must be followed at all times. Work may involve exposure to hazardous materials, confined spaces, electrical components, and heavy equipment.
• The field environment is usually moderately noisy, with higher noise levels when operating hand-held power equipment.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two or more years of relevant water utility or closely related experience.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of water distribution systems.
• Valid driver’s license (or obtain within 90 days if out-of-state), required certifications/endorsements, and satisfactory driving record.
• Consent to annual Motor Vehicle Records checks and successful completion of a criminal history check.
• Ability to safely lift at least 50 pounds, and more with assistance.
• Ability to physically accommodate and use respirators and self-contained breathing apparatuses.
• Ability to safely access and exit trenches, manholes, lift stations, water reservoirs, and towers.
• Ability to work a weekend or variable shift and participate in a 24-hour emergency on-call rotation when assigned.

Required Certifications:

• Requires advanced water utility certifications demonstrating technical expertise in water distribution and/or treatment operations, such as:
  • Water Distribution Manager Level I (WDM1)
  • Water Treatment Plant Operator Level I (WTPO1)
• Must be obtained within six months of employment:
  • Washington State Flagger certification card
  • Forklift card
  • First Aid and CPR certification