Water Distribution Operator I

City of Boulder•Boulder, CO

3d•$24 - $34

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 multiple types of water mains, valves, fire hydrants, service lines, and water meters, within authority delegated to a Class 1 Water Distribution Operator. The operator is a member of the Utilities Maintenance team and collaborates with other workgroups and agencies to support efficient, proactive water-system maintenance. This is a full-time hourly position scheduled for 40 hours per week. The listed hiring range is 23.58–34.19; the posting does not specify a currency. The role includes rotating after-hours standby and emergency response, and may involve irregular hours, weekends, evenings, holidays, and snow and ice control shifts. The work is outdoors year-round, sometimes in adverse weather, and may involve moving traffic and equipment, limited-access areas, confined spaces, and exposure to potential biohazards. The operator must use required protective and safety equipment.

Requirements

High school diploma, equivalent, or GED; alternatively, two years of related experience may substitute for the education requirement only.
No prior experience is required.
Commercial Driver’s License Class A, or ability for new hires to obtain it within nine months; must maintain it in good standing.
State of Colorado Class 1 Water Distribution System Operator Certification, or ability for new hires to obtain it within nine months.
Backhoe and Loader Certification under the Equipment Operator’s Certification and Training Program, or ability for new hires to obtain it within nine months.
Traffic Flagger Certification from ATSSA or equivalent, or ability for new hires to obtain it within nine months.
Confined Space Certification, or ability for new hires to obtain it within nine months.
Competent Person Trenching, Shoring and Excavation Certification, or ability for new hires to obtain it within nine months.
OSHA 10-hour certification, or ability for new hires to obtain it within nine months.
Valid driver’s license and ability to maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.
Ability to maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history.
Ability to communicate program goals and objectives clearly, assess situations, and adapt communication style to the audience or circumstances.
Ability to maintain complete and accurate records; stay organized; map processes, track progress, meet deadlines, and manage multiple priorities.
Ability to remain task-focused, exercise professional maturity and tact, navigate 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; remain alert to jobsite conditions, hazards, and events; and take appropriate precautions to protect the safety of self, others, materials, and equipment.
Ability to read and interpret design drawings, blueprints, maps, quarter section books, computer-generated drawings, and utility measurements and locations.
Ability to collaborate and build relationships with city employees and community members, and work confidently and professionally with others.
Ability to follow industry safety practices, use required safety equipment, and comply with safety regulations, policies, procedures, and reporting requirements.
Ability to use and train others in the safe and proper use of equipment including backhoe, excavator, single- and tandem-axle truck and snowplow, front-end loader, hand and power tools, long-handle tools, jackhammer, grinder, compressor, tamper, and locating equipment.
Skill in listening to commercial or residential service complaints, identifying root causes, and working with customers on clear, effective resolutions.
Skill in empathy, patient boundary-setting, socially perceptive interactions, and fostering a high-trust, collaborative team environment.
Ability to receive candid performance feedback and participate in open dialogue with supervisors and peers about team dynamics and work-plan progress.
Ability to perform functions dependably and reliably.

Nice To Haves

Fluent communication 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, the Water Distribution Operating Plan, and delegated Class 1 operator authority.
Perform routine maintenance on equipment as needed.
Read and interpret design drawings, blueprints, maps, quarter section books, computer-generated drawings, and records of measurements and utility locations.
Assist with and perform leak detection, troubleshooting, and distribution-system repairs.
Perform utility locates using locating equipment, and locate underground water, sewer, and storm sewer lines for city departments, private utilities, contractors, and property owners.
Perform rotating after-hours standby duty and respond to Utilities emergencies, including snow and ice control shifts as necessary.
Assist with public questions about collection-system and distribution-system operations and maintenance, and help teammates troubleshoot customer utility-system issues.
Cross-train in other divisions and disciplines as directed by the supervisor.
Maintain accurate records of work performed and materials and equipment used, 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 and perform related duties as required by management to meet city needs.
Participate in professional training and development.