Municipal Utility Worker III – Senior Water Distribution Specialist
About The Position
The Senior Water Distribution Specialist is a leadership-oriented field position in the City of Keizer Public Works Department’s Water Division. The position plans, organizes, and oversees construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation of the City’s water distribution infrastructure. Working with Municipal Utility Worker I and II field staff, the specialist assigns and monitors work, leads maintenance and inspection programs, coordinates meter maintenance and shut-offs, and ensures work meets safety, regulatory, and quality standards. The role combines hands-on fieldwork with operational coordination. It includes leading crews, managing Water Division programs, coordinating with Utility Billing, conducting pump station operations and maintenance, adjusting telemetry settings, and monitoring system performance. The position is in person, follows a Monday-through-Friday schedule with every other Friday off, and may receive applicable duty pay.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalency.
- Five years of full-time experience as a certified water distribution operator, including water distribution maintenance.
- Road, water, sewer, stormwater, or general construction experience, such as concrete work, roofing, framing, masonry, carpentry, finish work, or heavy equipment operation; or an equivalent combination of education and experience providing the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions.
- Valid Oregon driver license.
- Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Water Distribution II Certification.
- Completion of Excavation Safety Training and Confined Space Training.
- NIMS IS 100, 200, 700, and 800 certifications.
- Residence within a 35-minute drive time to City shops.
- Strong knowledge of water distribution system construction, maintenance, and operational standards, including trench safety, confined space practices, and regulatory requirements.
- Skill in reading plans, estimating materials, developing work orders, maintaining accurate records, and interpreting specifications.
- Proficiency operating specialized equipment, heavy machinery, and telemetry systems, and using computers for documentation, communication, and data tracking.
- Ability to apply Oregon Health Authority and AWWA standards to maintain water quality and uphold the integrity of the City’s water distribution system.
- Strong problem-solving, prioritization, and decision-making skills in routine and emergency situations.
- Ability to collaborate across teams, interact professionally with the public, and adapt to varying field and environmental conditions.
- Commitment to learning new technologies, applying best practices, and maintaining required certifications and safety training.
Nice To Haves
- Bilingual English/Spanish skills; Spanish-speaking candidates may receive a 5% pay incentive.
- Veteran status or experience; Veterans are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
- Plan, schedule, assign, and inspect work related to installation, repair, and maintenance of the water distribution system, ensuring safety compliance.
- Serve as lead worker for MUW I and II Water Distribution staff by providing training, guidance, and on-site direction, and act as the competent person for job-site safety.
- Manage and implement water distribution programs, including valve and hydrant exercising, leak detection, meter testing and replacement, fleet maintenance, and safety program documentation.
- Coordinate with Utility Billing staff on monthly shut-offs, meter issues, diagnostics, and account inconsistencies.
- Perform pump station operations and maintenance, adjust telemetry settings, and monitor system performance.
Benefits
- City contribution of 6% of gross earnings to employee deferred compensation (457b) retirement accounts, plus 7.5% until Public Employee Retirement System eligibility, from day one; no match required.
- Medical, dental, and vision plans.
- Term life and long-term disability insurance.
- Flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), and limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA).
- Paid holidays, sick leave, vacation, and personal leave.
- Employer contributions to a retirement health savings program after 10 years of service.
- Fitness incentive program and access to an on-site employee-only fitness center.
- Access to an on-site massage chair.
- 5% pay incentive for Spanish-speaking candidates.
- Applicable duty pay.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
High school or GED
