Water Distribution Operator I

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

Application Deadline

November 22, 2024

Compensation Details

Hiring Range

22.44 - 32.54

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.

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.

Additional Responsibilities

• Performs related duties as required by management to meet the needs of the city.
• Takes proper safety precautions to prevent accidents. Responsible for the safety of self, others, materials, and equipment. Uses all required safety equipment and follows all safety regulations, policies, and procedures. Reports all accidents and damage to city property.
• Knows and complies with all city and department policies and city values; participates in professional trainings and development; and adheres to attendance and workplace attire policies.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Professional Competencies
• Effective Communicator - Able to clearly describe program goals and objectives. Able to assess a situation and adjust their style to meet the needs of the specific situation or audience.
• Relationship Builder - Is confident and professional in working with others. Recognizes the importance of collaboration and can build lasting relationships and connections with other city employees and community members. Works to grow and continually foster a high-trust, high-teamwork environment. Can receive candid performance feedback and participate in open dialogue with supervisor and peers regarding team dynamics and work plan progress.
• Customer Service - Compassionate and empathetic. Ability to gracefully set boundaries. Is patient with people and processes and models professional maturity in dealing with all people. Is socially perceptive, modeling consideration and tact while maintaining focus on tasks at hand.
• Organized - Has attention to detail and can map out processes, meet deadlines and effectively track progress. Is dependable and reliable.
• Adaptable - Able to navigate changing priorities and evolving approaches. Links short-term planning with (strategic) task-oriented thinking to anticipate future consequences of current tactics.
• 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.
• Once obtained, must maintain CDL in good standing as part of job function.
• Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history and motor vehicle record.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in heavy construction.
• Ability to use computers and other technology.
• Bilingual in Spanish
  
  

Required Education And Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 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.
  
  

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received: Water Distribution Supervisor

Supervision Exercised: None

Working Conditions And Requirements

Physical Demands: 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 include but are not limited to the following: 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 [email protected].