The Water Systems Operator performs installation, maintenance and repair on water distribution and wastewater collection facilities and operates a variety of heavy equipment, specialized equipment and other department-related equipment. We are hiring for all levels of operators. The salary range for this position is dependent on qualifications and experience. This position will remain open until filled.

The hiring range for an entry level Water Systems Operator is $23.80 - $ 26.68, with a salary range of $23.80 to $27.30.

The hiring range of a Journey Water Systems Operator is $26.00 - $29.47, with a salary range of $26.00 to $33.03.

The hiring range of a Senior Water Systems Operator is $30.50 - $32.40, with a salary range of $30.50 to $37.56.

Loveland Water Division has multiple openings for entry level and experienced water systems operators. Water operators ensure reliable, clean, and safe drinking water to Loveland's 80,000 residents by operating a variety of equipment to maintain our underground water network. This is an opportunity to learn all aspects of the water and wastewater industry in a consistent and in-demand career field. There are multiple opportunities for advancement with additional certifications and years of experience. CDL and on the job training offered to operate all equipment including excavators, loaders, tandem axel vehicles, and Jet vac trucks. Employees can expect consistent and regular hours with additional overtime opportunity during weather events. Water operators experience a new challenge each day and work together in a highly team-orientated environment to maintain the City of Loveland’s 482 miles of water pipe, 377 miles of sewer line, 3,362 fire hydrants, and 11,000 water valves. 

To learn more about our exceptional Loveland community and the benefits of working for the City, please view our video Working at Loveland.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:Water Systems Operator (Entry Level)

• Uses proper safety apparel, procedures and equipment per city standards. Ability to work safely in very high traffic areas.
• Learns to operate and maintain equipment and vehicles such as dump trucks, front-end loader, excavator and other applicable equipment.
• Maintains assigned equipment to specifications; i.e., uses correct fuel, checks gauges, fluid levels, and makes sure equipment is clean both inside and out.
• Subject to call-back work and must be capable of responding to an emergency situation upon short notice.
• Maintains accurate records such as daily reports, work order service requests and map revisions within 6 months of hire.
• Ensures truck is stocked with necessary materials and tools, and all equipment is ready for the next job within 6 months of hire.
• Assists with various repairs and maintenance of water and wastewater systems.

Journey Water Systems Operator

• Installs, maintains, and repairs or replaces water distribution and wastewater collection systems, lines, fire hydrants, water valves, wastewater manholes, water services, etc.
• Operates and maintains equipment and vehicles such as dump trucks, front-end loader, excavator, jet truck, valve exerciser and other applicable equipment.
• Provides customer service by answering questions, providing information and referrals, and resolving complaints and problems.
• Performs leak detection surveys of water distribution system to identify accurate location of water leaks within 6 months of hire.
• Performs emergency locates as needed within 6 months of hire.
• All Entry level essential job functions

Senior Water Systems Operator

• Performs Crew Leader responsibilities during emergencies, after-hours, weekends, holidays and call back as assigned.
• Proficiently and independently operate leak detection equipment, valve exerciser, jet truck, and CCTV equipment
• Performs periodic Crew Leader responsibilities in daily work activities.
• All Entry and Journey level essential job functions

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:Assists with snow removal work crews as requested by the Public Works Department. Assists other work groups in the Water and Power Department, other City departments, and performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES: None

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:Knowledge, skills and abilities:Water Systems Operator (Entry Level)

• General knowledge of construction methods and equipment.
• General knowledge of operational procedures of construction equipment, hazards and necessary safety precautions common to equipment operation.
• Ability to recognize and report abnormal operating function of equipment within 6 months of hire.
• General knowledge of safety practices and procedures including trench, traffic control, and personal protective equipment.

Journey Water Systems Operator

• Thorough knowledge of safety practices and procedures of the department including trench, traffic control, and personal protective equipment.
• Knowledge of confined space entry and the ability to work in confine spaces.
• Thorough knowledge of pipe materials and repair parts used by the department.
• Working knowledge of a distribution and collection systems.
• Working knowledge of water taps and meter installations.
• Ability to use GIS mapping system within 6 months of hire.
• Must have ability to work with customers and contractors in a positive manner.
• Ability to operate assigned equipment and tools safely under all conditions; i.e., weather, stress, time of day, etc.
• All Entry level knowledge, skills and abilities

Senior Water System Operator

• Must have a thorough knowledge of Water & Wastewater Systems best practices regarding maintenance and safety
• Trained to perform pipeline assessments
• Lead duties in absence of Crew Leader, after hour call-back and on weekends
• Leadership and management skills
• All Entry and Journey level knowledge, skills and abilities

Core competencies: Accountability, Integrity, Transparency & Honoring the Public Trust, Collaboration, Innovation, Safety, Excellent Service with Courtesy and Kindness

Job specific competencies:Job Knowledge, Equipment Operation, Reporting, Community Relations, Responsiveness, Communication

Education and/or experience:Water Systems Operator (Entry Level)

• Interpersonal skills
• One (1) year of equipment operation experience preferred
• Combination of one (1) year of experience in underground utilities including water or wastewater systems preferred.

Journey Water Systems Operator

• One (1) year experience in construction, equipment operation (i.e. backhoe, dump truck, excavator, loader, etc.) required.
• Two (2) years water related equipment operations and/or maintenance experience required.
• Two (2) years water distribution system experience required.
• Combination of two (2) years of experience in underground utilities, water or wastewater systems required.
• Experience in operating valve exercising equipment, CCTV sewer camera, operating sanitary sewer jetting equipment required within 6 months of hire
• All Entry level experience

Senior Water Systems Operator

• Five (5) years of experience in underground utilities, water and wastewater systems required.
• Five (5) years of experience in equipment operation required.
• Proficient at maintaining all water and wastewater system infrastructure and associated appurtenances.
• All Entry and Journey level experience

Licensure and/or certifications:

All required certifications must be kept current and maintained throughout employment with the City.

Water Systems Operator (Entry Level)

• Valid Colorado Drivers License
• Must possess a Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with air brake and tanker endorsements within 6 months of hire.
• Colorado Class I Water Distribution and Class I Wastewater Collections Certifications preferred but not required.

Journey Water Systems Operator

• Valid Colorado Drivers License
• Must possess a Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with air brake and tanker endorsements
• Colorado Class I Water Distribution and Class I Wastewater Collection Certifications required within one (1) year of hire.

Senior Water Systems Operator

• Valid Colorado Drivers License
• Must possess a Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with air brake and tanker endorsements.
• Require Colorado Class II Water Distribution and Class II Wastewater Collection System Certifications.
• Certifications from the National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) and Pipeline Assessment and Certification Program (PACP) preferred

Material and equipment directly used:Telephone, 2-way radio, crew cab vehicle, tapping machine, dump truck, front-end loader, tamper, jet truck, backhoe, line locator, GIS mapping, work order system, cellular phone

Working conditions and physical requirements:Work is generally performed outside and occasionally during inclement weather. Strenuous physical work may involve moving, positioning, bending, climbing, stooping, kneeling and pushing or pulling of objects weighing up to 100 pounds occasionally and up to 50 pounds frequently. Manual dexterity is required to complete work tasks through safe and proper operation of hand tools, power tools and motor vehicles. Work may involve long hours and require working overtime, after hours, holidays, weekends, etc. Mandatory duty rotation will require after-hour and weekend work. Must be able to make sound decisions while on duty. Required to carry cellular phone while on duty. Must answer City provided cellular phone when not on duty to confirm availability for after-hour call-back. Must be capable of responding to the intersection of Hwy 287 and Hwy 34 within 30 minutes.

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

With over 300 days of sunshine, and just 30 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park in the heart of northern Colorado, Loveland is an ideal community for anyone to call home. Known as the Sweetheart City, this vibrant cultural hub is home to nearly 500 sculptures and public art installations, the world-famous Valentine Remail Program, and picturesque views of the Rocky Mountains. The community is bustling with a thriving arts, brewery, foodie and shopping scene. Enjoy headliner concert and theatre productions, professional hockey events, endless community recreation and open space opportunities, art and sculpture shows, and several local festivals. Loveland also boasts an award-winning golf course and an inclusive library and community center. Loveland, Colorado has EVERYTHING YOU LOVE! In 2020, Loveland was the only Colorado City to win the Governor’s Award for Downtown Excellence, is the top residential recycling City in the state for 4 consecutive years and has been ranked as one of the top places to live, work and raise a family in the U.S. and as one of the Most Idyllic Picturesque towns in America.
Apply today to join more than 800 employees who work to meet the core values of: Accountability & Integrity, Transparency & Honoring the Public Trust, Collaboration, Innovation, Safety, Excellent Service with Courtesy and Kindness. The City of Loveland is a diverse and welcoming community organization and our employees enjoy a competitive benefits program, various opportunities for growth and development, and an exceptional work-life balance.

A vibrant community, surrounded by natural beauty, where you belong!

Benefit Eligible Benefits Package Includes:

• Two (2) medical plans, Dental, Vision (for self/ spouse/ children)
• Employee Health & Wellness Center (self/family)
• Paid vacation, holidays, and medical leave
• Flexible spending including Dependent Care
• Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-term and Long-term disability, and voluntary Critical Illness Coverage
• Retirement 401a, 457, Roth (pre-& post tax) and company match
• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary 529 College Invest program
• Personal and Professional Development opportunities
• Discounted recreation passes
• Employee recognition program
• Exceptional work-life balance
• Market based pay & regular performance reviews
• Local Government employment is eligible for Public Loan Forgiveness Program

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The City of Loveland provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.

Beginning on 8/1/2023, The City of Loveland will begin participating in E-Verify. In accordance with E-Verify requirements, upon your date of hire the City of Loveland will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. E-Verify Notice of Participation. Learn more about your right to work. Visit E-Verify.gov for more information.

A driving record and criminal history background check will be obtained pre-employment. Selection process will comply with DOT regulations including post-offer drug screening and previous employer safety performance request.