Water Operator (Technician, 1 or 2)

NW Natural•Clackamas, OR

1d•$25 - $42•Onsite

About The Position

The Water Operator performs a variety of work in the operation, maintenance, and repair of water (and sewer, where applicable) systems. The Operator also responds to public inquiries and service requests as needed. This position is structured with multiple levels (Technician, Operator I, Operator II). The level at which a candidate is hired will depend on their qualifications, relevant experience, and applicable certifications. This position does not directly oversee other employees on a permanent basis but does frequently have responsibility and oversight of personnel directly related to specific advanced projects as assigned. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. They will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other work-related duties requested by their supervisor.

Requirements

High school education or equivalent
Valid driver’s license (or obtain within 90 days if out-of-state), required certifications/endorsements, and satisfactory driving record.
Must consent to annual Motor Vehicle Records check and pass Criminal History check
Must be able to safely lift a minimum of 50 pounds, more with additional help.
Must be able to physically accommodate and use respirators and self-contained breathing apparatuses.
Must be physically able to access and egress trenches, manholes and lift stations as well as water reservoirs and towers.
Must be able to accommodate a weekend or variable shift, participate in a 24-hour emergency call rotation when assigned, and work beyond regularly scheduled hours as needed to meet operational and project deadlines.
Oregon State Flagger certification card - employer provided (Must be obtained within six months of employment)
Forklift card - employer provided (Must be obtained within six months of employment)
First Aid & CPR – employer provided (Must be obtained within six months of employment)
High school diploma or equivalent (Operator Technician)
Prior utility, construction, or related field experience (Operator Technician)
Ability to obtain required certifications within established timelines (Operator Technician)
Note: Additional Operator 1 certification must be obtained within 18 months of employment. (Operator Technician)
2 or more years of relevant water utility or closely related experience (Operator I)
Demonstrated working knowledge of water distribution systems (Operator I)
Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) / Oregon Health Authority certification: Water Distribution Level I (D1) or Water Treatment Level I (T1) (Operator I)
3 or more years of progressively responsible water utility experience (Operator II)
Strong working knowledge of water system operations, troubleshooting, and safety practices (Operator II)
Higher level Oregon certification consistent with role assignment, such as: Water Distribution Level II (D2) and/or Water Treatment Level II (T2) (Operator II)

Responsibilities

Install and repair water mains, fire-hydrants, check valves and water service lines; tap water mains; perform ground excavation work; mix, rake and spread asphalt, and patch and/or repair excavations.
Inspect, operate and exercise gate valves to prevent seizures; flush fire hydrants and dead-end water lines in cul-de-sacs to remove sediment; 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 all 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. Assist with transporting vehicles to repair shops.
Comply with all NW Natural Water Services policies, procedures and safety regulations.
Comply with NW Natural Water Services grooming and uniform policy.
Provide effective communication, in written and verbal form, with management and/or other operators on the technical level required of this position.
Participate in specialized training for the safe handling of hazardous materials and confined space entry.
Participating in weekly team meetings
Ability to work on a team, and independently with or without supervision.