Water Distribution Operator I - IV

It’s a great time to join the City of Boulder!

Application Deadline:

February 26, 2025

Compensation Details:

Hiring Range

30.77 - 44.65

This is a full-time hourly position.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Benefit Eligibility Group:

BMEA (20 Hours)

Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.

Job Description Summary:

Under general supervision, operates and performs skilled operation, construction, maintenance, and repair of a large (CDPHE Class 4) Water Distribution system to include multiple types of water mains, valves, fire hydrants, service lines, water meters and related duties as assigned. Participates as a member of the Utilities Maintenance team and works collaboratively with other workgroups and agencies to foster efficient, proactive approach to Water maintenance.


The hiring range for these positions are, commensurate with experience:

Water Distribution Operator I - $23.11 - 33.52
Water Distribution Operator II - $25.42 - 36.86
Water Distribution Operator III - $27.96 - $40.55
Water Distribution Operator IV - $30.77 - $44.65

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs a variety of duties (construction, maintenance, and repair) requiring knowledge of water systems.  This includes installing and maintaining water mains, valves, hydrants, manholes, and service lines in accordance with industry standards, best practices and state and federal water regulations.
• Interprets data trends, comprehends written technical procedures and manuals.
• Performs routine maintenance on equipment as needed.
• Read and interpret design drawings, blueprints, maps, quarter section books, computer generated drawings, and records measurements and locations, mainlines, valves, fire lines, meter pits, etc.
• Assists in and performs leak detection, troubleshooting and repair processes to the distribution system.
• Performs utility locates and uses pipe locators, leak locators and correlators. Locates underground water, sewer and storm sewer lines for the Utilities Department, private utilities, contractors, and property owners. Uses equipment to locate utility lines and main breaks including metal detector, pipeline locator, pipe and cable locator, leak correlator, GPS equipment and measuring devices. Required to perform after hour’s standby duty on a rotating basis and respond to Public Works emergencies as necessary including snow and ice control shifts.
• Responds to questions from the public about collections system/distribution system operations and maintenance activities as necessary. Assists customers in troubleshooting issues with the utility system. Ability to assist in effectively communicating and understanding cause and working towards resolution of commercial or residential service complaints.
• Maintains a working knowledge with the OSHA Regulations and associated safety procedures and remains alert to conditions, hazards and events occurring at the jobsite.  Always utilizes the best industry safety practices.
• Required to cross-train in other divisions and disciplines as directed by supervisor.
• Maintains accurate records of work performed and materials and equipment used and enters spatial and work order data into asset management software.
• Operates a variety of heavy equipment and machinery on city owned property and in the right-of-way.
• Ability to assist in effectively communicating and understanding cause and working towards resolution of commercial or residential service complaints. Some situations may involve concerned or distraught customers.
• Works irregular hours, weekends, evenings, holidays, and/or emergencies as required to respond to water and wastewater main breaks and other Public Works emergencies.
• Appropriately responds to residential problems and initiates Department of Public Works call-out procedure when necessary.
• Required participation in snow and ice control shifts.
• Serves on facility committees such as safety, emergency response, design review, and distribution capital improvement replacement projects.
• Assists with the development of the annual operations work plan. Assists in formulating and updating standard operating procedures including development and implementation of safety related procedures and programs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Water Distribution Operator I

• Ability to use the following types of tools and equipment and trains others in their safe and proper use: backhoe, excavator, single and tandem axle truck and snowplow, frontend loader, hand tools, power tools, long handle tools, jackhammer, grinder, compressor, tamper, locating equipment.
• Ability to perform a wide range of physical and manual tasks in an outdoor environment.
• Ability to use all required safety equipment.
• Ability to deal courteously and effectively with the public in difficult situations.
• Ability to maintain complete and accurate records.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple work efforts in a high activity work environment.
• Ability to read and interpret design drawings, blueprints, maps, quarter section books, computer generated drawings, and records measurements and locations, mainlines, valves, fire lines, meter pits, etc.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history and motor vehicle record.
• At least 6 months experience in utilities operations and maintenance or construction (water).
• Must be certified as State of Colorado Class 1 Water Distribution System Operator within 9 months of hire.
• Ability to obtain a valid Commercial Driver’s License Class A within 9 months of hire and once obtained maintained in good standing.
• Ability to obtain certification for backhoe and loader under the Equipment Operator's Certification and Training Program within one year of hire.   

Water Distribution Operator II

In addition to the Water Distribution Operator I minimum qualifications;

• At least two years of experience in utilities maintenance or construction (water) or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must be certified as State of Colorado Class II Water Distribution System Operator.
• Certified loader and backhoe operator.
• Confined space certified or ability to certify for confined space entry within three months of completion of confined space training program.
• Must participate in rotational standby, respond to afterhours calls, and participate in Snow Operations.

Water Distribution Operator III

In addition to the Water Distribution Operator II minimum qualifications;

• At least three years of experience in utilities maintenance or construction (water) or any equivalent combination of education and experience in the area assigned.
• Must be certified as State of Colorado Class III Water Distribution System Operator.
• Trained on BMP installation and maintenance.

Water Distribution Operator IV

In addition to the Water Distribution Operator III minimum qualifications;

• At least four years’ experience in utilities maintenance or construction (water) or any equivalent combination of education and experience in the area assigned.
• Must be certified State of Colorado Class IV Water Distribution System Operator.
• Erosion and sediment control lead/professional certification.
• Ability to read blueprints and other construction drawings
• Knowledge of City Design and Construction Standards

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Water Distribution Operator I & II

• Experience in heavy construction.   

• Ability to use computers and other technology.
• ATSSA or equivalent certification as a traffic flagger and as a Traffic Control Technician (TCT).
• First Aid/CPR certified through Red Cross or equivalent accredited institution.
• Experience with snow operations including operating tandem with plow and spreader.

Water Distribution Operator III & IV

• Knowledge of City Design and Construction Standards. Knowledge of City of Boulder design criteria and standard specifications.
• Bilingual in Spanish

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or GED

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received: Water Distribution Supervisor
Supervision Exercised: None

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS    

• Physical & Mental Effort: Ability to work in and around moving traffic and equipment; in areas of limited access; and confined spaces requiring standing, walking, bending, and kneeling. Requires upper body strength to lift and carry equipment and supplies as needed.
• Work Environment: Works year-round in an outdoor environment and at times in adverse weather conditions, such as rain, wind, heat, cold, and snow. Works in an industrial setting subject to continuous interruptions and background noises. May experience stress from demanding deadlines, public contact, and changing priorities and conditions. May experience stress from encounters with concerned or distraught customers. Works irregular hours, weekends, evenings, holidays, and/or emergencies as required to respond to water and wastewater main breaks and other Public Works emergencies.
• Machines and Equipment Used: Hand and power tools, long-handled tools, backhoe, excavator, single and tandem axle truck and snowplow, frontend loader, hand tools, power tools, rodder, jackhammer, grinder, compressor, tamper, locating equipment, sewer jet, bucket machine, combo cleaners, CCTV equipment, hydro-excavators, vactor style trucks, two-way radio, gas detection equipment, pipe/leak locators, correlators and computers (hand-held, lap-top, and stationary). Required to wear protective safety gear and use safety equipment to protect against potential biohazards possibly encountered.

Additional Job Description:

Last updated October, 2023

The City of Boulder is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected statute. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please send a request to riskmanagement@bouldercolorado.gov.

Salary : $23 - $34