What are the responsibilities and job description for the Water System Operator I position at City of Bend?
About The Role
The City of Bend is accepting applications for one (1) regular, full-time Water System Operator I in the Water Services Department. This is an hourly, non-exempt (overtime eligible) position represented by the City of Bend Employee Association (COBEA). The City may use this job posting to create an eligibility list for future hiring purposes. Please review the entire job posting, including the application requirements at the end.
As a Water System Operator I, you’ll play a vital role in delivering the clean, great-tasting drinking water that Bend’s residents and businesses count on every day. You’ll operate the City’s advanced Membrane Filtration Water Facility and oversee a complex distribution system that moves water throughout the community. A typical day might include monitoring plant performance, adjusting treatment processes, responding to operational system changes, and making key decisions that keep the entire system running safely and efficiently.
In your first year, you’ll build proficiency in the hands-on operation of the plant and distribution system and contribute to major planning and design discussions that will shape Bend’s water infrastructure for years to come. The City is actively planning for system improvements and long-term resiliency, and you’ll be part of the team providing input on upgrades, technology enhancements, and future expansion. From optimizing membrane filtration processes to participating in capital project planning workshops, you’ll have meaningful opportunities to influence the direction of Bend’s water system.
Classification Framework: Water System Operator I
What You'll Do
The following duties are a sample of major duties performed in this role and not intended to be an exhaustive list
We’re looking for someone who is self-motivated, dependable, and eager to take ownership of their work in a fast-paced, technical environment. The ideal candidate is an engaging communicator who can work independently yet collaborate well with teammates, supervisors, and partners across the Water Services Division. We value individuals who are naturally curious, adaptable, and committed to continually growing their expertise. Someone who enjoys problem-solving, takes pride in providing essential public service, and is excited to support a team dedicated to delivering Bend’s high-quality drinking water will thrive in this role.
Highly qualified candidates will have working knowledge of water treatment processes, distribution system operations, and mechanical equipment typical in modern utility systems. They will bring skills in mechanical and operational troubleshooting, data interpretation, and sound decision-making in both routine and urgent operating conditions. The strongest candidates will demonstrate a willingness to learn all aspects of the Water Filtration Facility and distribution system, contribute positively to team culture, and help move long-term planning and system improvement goals forward.
Candidates who meet the listed minimum qualifications, including an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered for an interview. Please ensure your application includes information about your education, relevant paid and unpaid work experience, and applicable licenses and certifications. Avoid referencing your resume in the job duties section of the application.
Education
Minimum Qualifications:
Application Deadline: Applications received by April 19, 12:00 PM (noon) Pacific Time will be included in an initial review and consideration for interview; however, the position will remain open until filled.
Application Requirements: To be considered for an interview, applicants must complete an online application including the following attachments (failure to include required attachments may result in disqualification):
Equity Statement: The City of Bend remains committed to building a workforce that advances diversity and inclusion within our community and all we do. We recognize that not everyone starts from the same place, and that gender, race, ability, sexual orientation, and other identities face different barriers. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating an inclusive, safe, and respectful workplace where employees can thrive without these barriers. A more extended version of the City of Bend’s Organizational Equity Statement is available upon request.
Benefits: The City of Bend offers an excellent competitive benefits package for Employees and Dependents for health and dental coverage, retirement benefits, and a robust paid leave program. Details are available on the benefits tab of the job posting.
Starting Compensation: Starting compensation is determined based on a pay equity analysis considering the candidate’s education, applicable work experience, and internal equity. Please include all relevant information on your application.
Diversity & Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The City of Bend is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. At the City of Bend, we don't just accept differences; we value them. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and support the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA) and the Oregon Equal Pay Act.
The City of Bend is accepting applications for one (1) regular, full-time Water System Operator I in the Water Services Department. This is an hourly, non-exempt (overtime eligible) position represented by the City of Bend Employee Association (COBEA). The City may use this job posting to create an eligibility list for future hiring purposes. Please review the entire job posting, including the application requirements at the end.
As a Water System Operator I, you’ll play a vital role in delivering the clean, great-tasting drinking water that Bend’s residents and businesses count on every day. You’ll operate the City’s advanced Membrane Filtration Water Facility and oversee a complex distribution system that moves water throughout the community. A typical day might include monitoring plant performance, adjusting treatment processes, responding to operational system changes, and making key decisions that keep the entire system running safely and efficiently.
In your first year, you’ll build proficiency in the hands-on operation of the plant and distribution system and contribute to major planning and design discussions that will shape Bend’s water infrastructure for years to come. The City is actively planning for system improvements and long-term resiliency, and you’ll be part of the team providing input on upgrades, technology enhancements, and future expansion. From optimizing membrane filtration processes to participating in capital project planning workshops, you’ll have meaningful opportunities to influence the direction of Bend’s water system.
Classification Framework: Water System Operator I
What You'll Do
The following duties are a sample of major duties performed in this role and not intended to be an exhaustive list
- Operate and monitor the City’s Membrane Filtration Water Facility, ensuring water treatment processes run safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulations.
- Perform daily operational tasks related to the water distribution system, including adjusting flows, pressures, and equipment to maintain consistent, high-quality service.
- Troubleshoot and resolve system issues by diagnosing equipment problems, making operational decisions, and performing routine adjustments or minor repairs.
- Collect, interpret, and record operational data to track plant performance and support regulatory reporting and process improvements.
- Respond to alarms, emergencies, and operational changes, using sound judgment to take timely corrective actions.
- Perform preventative maintenance tasks on treatment and distribution equipment to ensure reliability and extend asset life.
- Collaborate with engineers and leadership on system planning, providing input for future plant upgrades, distribution system improvements, and long-term infrastructure projects.
- Support water quality protection efforts by following safety standards, monitoring for contaminants, and ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements.
- Work as part of an on-call rotation, assisting with after-hours emergencies, system checks, or urgent repairs as needed.
We’re looking for someone who is self-motivated, dependable, and eager to take ownership of their work in a fast-paced, technical environment. The ideal candidate is an engaging communicator who can work independently yet collaborate well with teammates, supervisors, and partners across the Water Services Division. We value individuals who are naturally curious, adaptable, and committed to continually growing their expertise. Someone who enjoys problem-solving, takes pride in providing essential public service, and is excited to support a team dedicated to delivering Bend’s high-quality drinking water will thrive in this role.
Highly qualified candidates will have working knowledge of water treatment processes, distribution system operations, and mechanical equipment typical in modern utility systems. They will bring skills in mechanical and operational troubleshooting, data interpretation, and sound decision-making in both routine and urgent operating conditions. The strongest candidates will demonstrate a willingness to learn all aspects of the Water Filtration Facility and distribution system, contribute positively to team culture, and help move long-term planning and system improvement goals forward.
Candidates who meet the listed minimum qualifications, including an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered for an interview. Please ensure your application includes information about your education, relevant paid and unpaid work experience, and applicable licenses and certifications. Avoid referencing your resume in the job duties section of the application.
Education
Minimum Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.), and one year of specialized or technical training beyond high school in water quality and water system operation and treatment and at least one year of experience as a water system Operator; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above .
- Oregon Level I Water Treatment Operator Certificate; ability to obtain and maintain within 18 months of appointment;
- Oregon Level I Water Distribution Operator Certificate; ability to obtain and maintain within 18 months of appointment;
- Valid Oregon commercial driver's license (Class B) with Hazmat endorsement, within six months of hire.
Application Deadline: Applications received by April 19, 12:00 PM (noon) Pacific Time will be included in an initial review and consideration for interview; however, the position will remain open until filled.
Application Requirements: To be considered for an interview, applicants must complete an online application including the following attachments (failure to include required attachments may result in disqualification):
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Valid Credentials, Certifications and Licensing
Equity Statement: The City of Bend remains committed to building a workforce that advances diversity and inclusion within our community and all we do. We recognize that not everyone starts from the same place, and that gender, race, ability, sexual orientation, and other identities face different barriers. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating an inclusive, safe, and respectful workplace where employees can thrive without these barriers. A more extended version of the City of Bend’s Organizational Equity Statement is available upon request.
Benefits: The City of Bend offers an excellent competitive benefits package for Employees and Dependents for health and dental coverage, retirement benefits, and a robust paid leave program. Details are available on the benefits tab of the job posting.
Starting Compensation: Starting compensation is determined based on a pay equity analysis considering the candidate’s education, applicable work experience, and internal equity. Please include all relevant information on your application.
Diversity & Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The City of Bend is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. At the City of Bend, we don't just accept differences; we value them. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and support the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA) and the Oregon Equal Pay Act.