Water Distribution Operator, Level I - IV

Salary Range: $65,827 - $101,337 annually
Full-time, exempt/non-exempt position plus full benefits package.
The closing date for this position is 11:59 p.m., Sunday, March 16, 2025.

About this Opportunity

The City of Hillsboro Water Department has a great opportunity for a Water Distribution Operator to join our team. As a Water Distribution Operator in our Flow Control Group you will have a wide range of responsibilities and an excellent opportunity to advance your knowledge of hydraulics and instrumentation. This role plays a vital part in delivering safe and reliable drinking water to our community, maintaining a high level of water quality in our reservoirs while ensuring we meet system demand for nearly 90,000 people and growing! We also maintain a regional water supply that serves approximately 400,000 people served by partner agencies.

Pay level is dependent on required certifications and relevant experience. Please see Training and Experience section below for requirements. The following salary ranges reflect annual earnings based on a 40-hour work week. Full classification descriptions can be found by clicking on the job titles below:

Distribution Level 1 = Water Distribution Operator I
$ 65,827 - $86,624
Distribution Level 2 = Water Distribution Operator II
$ 71,198 - $ 93,692
Distribution Level 3 = Water Distribution Operator III
$ 74,046 - $ 97,440
Distribution Level 4 = Water Distribution Operator IV
$ 77,008 - $ 101,337

Underfill Opportunity: Candidates without required certifications may be underfilled in the following job classification:

Water Operations Technician: $60,861- $80,088

What You Will Be Doing

The Water Operations Flow Control group is responsible for Hillsboro water distribution system reservoirs, pump stations, control valves, on-line instrumentation and controls, as well as operating and maintaining Barney Reservoir. As a Water Distribution Operator, you will be part of team that helps maintain and meet system hydraulic demands, and maintains a high level of water quality.

In this role, you will split your time working in the city as well as at Barney Reservoir on the coast range. While in the city, you will maintain and operate water storage and pumping facilities as well as our numerous turnouts containing our control valves and locating underground water assets. While working at Barney Reservoir, you will be monitoring reservoir levels and releases, as well as conduct inspections and perform general maintenance. Primary duties and responsibilities include:

Water Pumping and Storage Facilities:

• Maintaining, troubleshooting and repairing distribution pumping and storage facilities, including pumps, motors, control valves, generators, and other related equipment.
• Repairing or replacing hydraulic and automated control valves.
• Performing preventive Maintenance of equipment and facilities.
• Monitoring and maintaining system performance levels using SCADA and data trending software.
• Perform control valve flow changes manually or via logic controls to regulate flow rates and water levels in reservoirs, ensuring optimal operation.

Water Quality Monitoring and Compliance:

• Monitor and maintain finished water quality to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.
• Calibrate various instruments, perform water testing, and review results to ensure water quality standards are met.

Preventative Maintenance:

• Perform preventative maintenance on equipment and instruments to ensure efficient operations and accurate readings.
• Conduct regular inspections and address any issues promptly to prevent equipment breakdowns.

Infrastructure Maintenance:

• Maintain roads, ditches, canals, dams, and reservoirs associated with water facilities
• Perform underground utility locates as required.
• Participate in on-call rotation.

Operation and Maintenance of Barney Reservoir Facilities:

• Operate and maintain facilities at Barney Reservoir, ensuring the safe storage and delivery of raw water.
• Oversee the proper functioning of dams, reservoir, and related infrastructure.
• Operate various outdoor power tools i.e. chainsaws, string trimmers, pressure washers etc.
• Operate vehicle in remote areas in inclement conditions including heavy rain and snow

Traits of a Successful Candidate

A successful candidate for this position will be able to work independently, possess good time management skills and have a love for the outdoors. This position requires thorough knowledge of water storage and distribution operations and a solid familiarity with regulatory compliance reporting and monitoring. Experience in underground utility locating is highly desirable, experience in dam maintenance and operations are a plus.

Current Upcoming Projects

Willamette Water Supply System Integration- Hillsboro is a partner in WWSS, a large regional water system which is slated to come online in 2026. Hillsboro Operations is in the planning phase to implement a Water System Integration plan, to ensure that demands and water quality from two sources will be balanced and the water distribution system will be minimally impacted.

Acceptable Experience and Training

Associate’s degree in chemistry, biology, water, wastewater technology, or related field or
2 years of experience as a Water Distribution Operator; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in utility maintenance/construction sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

Licensing/Certifications

• Oregon Water Distribution Operator I or the ability to obtain one within 12 months of hire.
• CDL class A with tanker endorsement or ability to obtain within 1 year.
• Oregon boaters license within 1 year.
• Will be required to become forklift certified.
• Will be required to become First Aid/AED certified.

Commitment to Equity

Hiring a workforce that reflects the diverse community we serve is essential to delivering exceptional City services and programs. The City of Hillsboro is committed to creating and supporting an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees to thrive. We value, respect, and empower employees as unique individuals with authentic voices and diverse ideas.

Additional Information

• This position works primarily indoors in an office environment, but also outdoors in the field, exposed to the weather
• This is a Safety Sensitive position - this position/classification impacts the safety of the employee and the safety of others as a result of performing that job
• Positions in this class typically require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Heavy Work: Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally (up to 1/3 of workday), and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of workday), and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly (2/3 or more of workday) to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Medium Work
• Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, workspace restrictions, intense noises, travel, and environmental conditions such as disruptive people

City of Hillsboro is proud to offer robust benefit packages to employees. Please check out our Salary and Benefits page for benefit guides for our non-represented full-time employees and part-time employees. Benefits may vary for positions identified in Police, Fire, and Library collective bargaining agreements, which can also be found on the Salary and Benefits page.