WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR I, II, OR III

Nampa Id

Job Title: Water Operator I, II, or III*

Hiring Range

Water Operator I - $21.71-$25.43/hour

Water Operator II - $23.56-$28.20/hour

Water Operator Tech III - $25.55 - $30.63/hour

• Starting pay and level are dependent upon licensure and experience.
  
  

Department: WATER

Job Status: Full Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Water Operator System Lead

Travel Required: None

Benefits Eligible: Yes

PERSI Eligible: Yes

Positions Supervised: None

Work Schedule: Generally, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; however, must be able to work flexible and varied hours.

WE TAKE CARE OF OUR PEOPLE!

The City of Nampa offers competitive benefits and growth opportunities, including the following for full-time positions in City Government Departments:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• PERSI Retirement Plan
• 401k & 457 Retirement Plans
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off (at least 4 weeks per year)
• Life Insurance with AD&D
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employer-Funded HRA VEBA Health Savings
• Wellness Program & Rewards
• Opportunity for student Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Harward Recreation Center Discount
  
  

Other Great Benefits!

Position Summary

The principal function of an employee in this class is to perform routine and skilled work in the installation and maintenance of domestic and pressurized irrigation water systems and services. The work is performed under the supervision and direction of the Operations Supervisor, but considerable leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain effective working relationships with the assigned supervisor, other City employees, State and Federal regulatory agencies, vendors, contractors, and the public.

Essential Functions

• Maintain and inspect domestic and non-domestic water line installations, pumps, motors, valves, chemical distribution systems, and other distribution lines in a safe and efficient manner and in compliance with City, State, and Federal rules and regulations.
• Monitor and record daily pump operations, including pump output pressure; chemical use, including chlorine use; and other operational and testing activities; resolve leakage problems or other water customer service questions; troubleshoot pump, electrical panel, and motor problems, as required.
• Sample water system locations as scheduled, and customer service samples as required; deliver samples to the laboratory for analysis.
• Act as a crew leader in major construction projects within the water system, including but not limited to water line extensions, water main replacement projects, and upgrades to the system.
• Assist with maintenance, replacement, and service of existing domestic and non-domestic water services and in the design, modification, and construction of irrigation well stations to improve efficiency, as required.
• Perform emergency shutdown or repair work on all domestic and non-domestic water systems. Respond in a timely manner to emergency or flood calls to minimize water damage to public and private property while maintaining compliance with AWWA, State, and EPA standards to prevent contamination. Performs on-call duties on a rotating basis.
• Monitor, repair, and replace fire hydrants.
  
  

Additional Functions

• Ensure public and operational safety, including interacting with the public and with other agencies regarding service outages and road closures.
• Keep immediate supervisor and designated others accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.
• Respond to citizens' questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.
• Communicate and coordinate regularly with appropriate others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.
• Is punctual and timely in meeting requirements of performance, including attendance standards and work deadlines.
• Communicate information and state concerns in a clear and professional manner.
• Respect the opinion of others and demonstrate a reasonable relationship with employees, supervisors, and others.
• Accept and perform in a timely and effective manner changes in work assignments and/or how work is performed.
• Assume responsibility for other duties as required or assigned, and attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions, and reviews publications and audio-visual materials to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas.
  
  

Key Behavioral Competencies

• Accountability – Ability to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions.
• Analytical Skills – Ability to use thinking and reasoning to solve a problem.
• Commitment to Safety – Understands, encourages, and carries out the principles of integrated safety management; complies with or oversees the compliance with safety policies and procedures; completes all required training; takes personal responsibility for safety.
• Detail Oriented – Ability to pay meticulous attention to all aspects of a situation or task, no matter how small or seemingly unimportant.
• Financial Aptitude – Ability to understand and explain economic and accounting information, prepare, and manage budgets, and make sound long-term investment decisions.
• Innovative – Ability to look beyond the standard solutions.
• Judgment – The ability to formulate a sound decision using the available information.
• Problem Solving – Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work-related problems.
• Reliability – The trait of being dependable and trustworthy.
• Time Management – Ability to effectively utilize available time for the completion of necessary job tasks.
  
  

Required Education, Experience, & License/Certifications

Operator I

• Education: High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED) required.
  
  

Experience: 2 years of experience working with a domestic water system or 2 years’ experience performing maintenance or any combination of experience and training which provides the equivalent scope of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.

• Computer Skills: Ability to operate computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks and the ability and willingness to quickly learn and adapt to new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology.
• Licenses & Certifications: Water Distribution I license required within 12 months of hire. Valid State of Idaho Class A Driver’s License with Tanker, Air Brakes, and Combo endorsements. Flagging certification within 12 months of hire.
  
  

Operator II

• Education: High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED); Required
• Experience: 3 years of experience as a distribution system operator, or 5 years’ experience performing maintenance or any combination of experience and training which provides the equivalent scope of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.
• Computer Skills: Ability to operate computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks and the ability and willingness to quickly learn and adapt to new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology.
• Licenses & Certifications: Holds a Water Distribution II License. Obtains a Water Treatment I License within 12 months of hire. Valid State of Idaho Class A Driver’s License with Tanker, Air Brakes, and Combo endorsements. Flagging Certification within 12 months of hire.
  
  

Operator II

• Education: High School Graduate or General Education Degree (GED); Required
• Experience: 4 years of experience as a distribution system operator, or 6 years’ experience performing maintenance or any combination of experience and training which provides the equivalent scope of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.
• Computer Skills: Ability to operate computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks and the ability and willingness to quickly learn and adapt to new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology.
• Certifications & Licenses: Valid State of Idaho Class A Driver’s License with Tanker/Combo endorsements. Flagging Certification within 12 months of hire. Water Distribution III License. Water Treatment I License. Obtains a Water Treatment II License within 12 months of hire.
  
  

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of water production and distribution systems, and water treatment procedures, testing, and regulations.
• Thorough knowledge of the City's waterworks system strengths and weaknesses, operating pressures, and pump operating ranges.
• Thorough knowledge of the SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system, which monitors the waterworks system by computer, including the knowledge and skill to interpret the data given and develop the way the system operates.
• Thorough knowledge of Federal, State, and City rules and regulations regarding the safe production and delivery of potable and non-potable water to the public.
• Thorough knowledge of light, heavy, motorized, and electronic equipment.
• Thorough knowledge of water treatment practices, chemical dosages, pumping fundamentals, electric motors, horsepower requirements, flows and pressures, and repair methods to maintain system integrity.
• Ability to work with hazardous chemicals and equipment in a safe and proper manner.
• Ability to perform accurate water inspections on domestic and non-domestic water systems and services.
• Ability to use a laptop computer, GPS, and GIS technology to access system maps and locate valves.
• Ability to use a variety of test equipment to troubleshoot electrical panel problems.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of mechanical and labor-intensive duties.
• Ability to read and fully comprehend site plans, blueprints, and installation directives.
• Ability to operate a variety of construction equipment, both motorized and electronic, in a safe and efficient manner.
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures, and instructions, use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions, and prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations.
• Integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.
  
  

Work Environment

• The principal duties of this class are performed in a water plant environment and at a variety of City services locations with exposure to hazardous chemicals, airborne pathogens, electrical hazards, construction equipment, below-grade hazards, and adverse weather and traffic conditions.
  
  

Eeo Statement

The City of Nampa is an equal employment opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Disclaimer

The City has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the City reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the City may deem appropriate.

Position : 632101

Code : 2025079-2

Type : INTERNAL & EXTERNAL

Posting Start : 09/25/2025

Posting End : 02/22/2026

HOURLY RANGE: $21.71-$25.55