Water Distribution Operator I

City of Boulder•Boulder, CO

4d•$24 - $34•Onsite

About The Position

Under direct supervision, the Water Distribution Operator I performs basic operation, construction, maintenance, and repair of the City of Boulder’s large (CDPHE Class 4) water distribution system, including water mains, valves, fire hydrants, service lines, and water meters, under delegated authority to a Class 1 Water Distribution Operator. The role is part of the Utilities Maintenance team and works collaboratively with other workgroups and agencies to support efficient, proactive water system maintenance. The position works year-round outdoors, including in adverse weather, and may involve irregular hours, weekends, evenings, holidays, and emergency response. Duties include working around traffic and equipment, in limited-access areas and confined spaces, and responding to public questions and service concerns. The role reports to the Water Distribution Supervisor and has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

High school diploma, equivalent, or GED; two years of related experience may substitute for the education requirement only.
No experience is required.
Valid driver’s license and ability to maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.
Maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history.
Ability to clearly describe program goals and objectives and adapt communication to the situation or audience.
Ability to maintain complete and accurate records.
Ability to demonstrate professional maturity and tact while remaining task-focused.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities and connect short-term planning with task-oriented thinking to anticipate consequences.
Ability to perform a wide range of physical and manual tasks outdoors.
Ability to read and interpret design drawings, blueprints, maps, quarter section books, and computer-generated drawings, and record utility measurements and locations.
Ability to collaborate and build relationships with City employees and community members.
Ability to remain alert to jobsite conditions, hazards, and events and follow industry safety practices and all safety requirements.
Ability to use and train others in the safe and proper use of equipment including backhoes, excavators, trucks, snowplows, loaders, hand and power tools, long-handled tools, jackhammers, grinders, compressors, tampers, and locating equipment.
Ability to work confidently and professionally with others.
Skill in listening to service complaints, identifying root causes, and working with customers toward clear and effective resolutions.
Skill in empathy, patient boundary-setting, and socially perceptive interactions.
Ability to foster a high-trust, collaborative team environment, receive candid feedback, and engage in open dialogue with supervisors and peers.
Organizational skills, including mapping processes, tracking progress, meeting deadlines, managing priorities, and performing reliably.
Commercial Driver’s License Class A, or ability to obtain within nine months of hire, and maintain in good standing.
State of Colorado Class 1 Water Distribution System Operator Certification, or ability to obtain within nine months of hire.
Backhoe and Loader Certification under the Equipment Operator’s Certification and Training Program, or ability to obtain within nine months of hire.
Traffic Flagger Certification from ATSSA or equivalent, or ability to obtain within nine months of hire.
Confined Space Certification, or ability to obtain within nine months of hire.
Competent Person Trenching, Shoring and Excavation Certification, or ability to obtain within nine months of hire.
OSHA 10-hour certification, or ability to obtain within nine months of hire.
Ability to work in and around moving traffic and equipment, in limited-access areas and confined spaces, including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and lifting or carrying equipment and supplies.
Must be able to work irregular hours, weekends, evenings, holidays, and/or emergencies as required.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in English and Spanish.
Ability to use computers and other technology.
Heavy construction skills and experience.
Six months of experience in utilities operations and maintenance or water construction.
First Aid with CPR Certification through the Red Cross or an equivalent accredited institution.

Responsibilities

Construct, maintain, and repair water systems, including water mains, valves, hydrants, manholes, and service lines, in accordance with applicable standards, regulations, delegated authority, and the Water Distribution Operating Plan.
Perform routine maintenance on equipment as needed.
Read and interpret design drawings, blueprints, maps, quarter section books, and computer-generated drawings; record measurements and utility locations.
Assist with and perform leak detection, troubleshooting, and distribution-system repairs.
Perform utility locates for City departments, private utilities, contractors, and property owners using locating equipment.
Perform rotating after-hours standby duty and respond to Utilities emergencies, including snow and ice control shifts.
Assist with public questions and customer troubleshooting related to utility system operations and maintenance.
Cross-train in other divisions and disciplines as directed by the supervisor.
Maintain accurate records of work, materials, and equipment, and enter spatial and work-order data into asset management software.
Operate heavy equipment and machinery on City property and in the right-of-way.
Respond to residential problems.
Perform other related duties as required by management to meet City needs.
Participate in professional training and development.