Water Distribution System Operator

Water Distribution System Operator

Are you looking for the next big step in your career? Are you excited to join a thriving and growing team of high performers? We are seeking a Water Distribution System Operator to perform a wide variety of skilled activities related to operating, inspecting, maintaining, and troubleshooting systems and equipment that support the reliability and performance of our potable, non-potable, and raw water distribution systems. Your expert mechanical/operational knowledge and skills will be utilized to ensure the effective operation of these water distribution systems and their associated components. This work is essential to the successful transmission of water to over 500,000 people in the Colorado Springs community.

Please note that the starting rate of pay for this position is set at $44.12/hour, followed by an increase to $46.33/hour after completion of the probationary period (typically 6 months).

Key responsibilities of this position include:

• Maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting water systems and pipelines
• Operating and maintaining gravity and high-pressure pipelines
• Performing preventative and corrective maintenance of pressure-reducing and pressure-relief valves
• Troubleshooting, analyzing, and correcting pressure zone irregularities
• Inspecting and maintaining water tanks
• Coordinating water system outages
• Shutting down and isolating water distribution and transmission mains
• Responding to customer issues regarding water flow and pressure
• Performing fire hydrant flow testing; inspection, maintenance, and repair of water, air, and vacuum valves; and preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of water pump station equipment
• Researching, identifying, and ordering spare or replacement parts for the pumping equipment system components
• Provide operational readiness and support of our infrastructure and services by participating in a week-long on-call rotation every nine weeks (subject to change)

What will it take to be successful in this position?

• Relevant and progressively responsible experience in the operations and maintenance of water distribution or collection systems
• Level 1 State Water Distribution Certification is highly valued; the ability to obtain a Level 4 Colorado State Water Distribution Certification within four years of hire
• Possession of a valid, unrestricted driver's license is required
• Class A CDL Required (Or obtained within 1 year of hire) 
• Manual transmission endorsement valued 

The following knowledge, skills, and experience are highly valued:

• In-depth understanding of and experience with water distribution/collection systems, including Raw Water, Potable Water, & Non-potable Water Systems
• Water distribution/collection systems troubleshooting techniques, maintenance, and repair skills
• Water distribution/collection systems operations skills
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and collaboration skills
• Strong planning and work prioritization skills
• Ability to provide technical guidance to personnel and contractors
• Knowledge of pump operations and understanding of pump curves, efficiencies, and technology
• Ability to read and understand maps, construction drawings, specifications, and as-builds
• Knowledge of and commitment to safety practices and processes

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Exerts 50-100 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or 25-50 lbs. of force frequently, and/or 10-20 lbs. of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements exceed those for Medium Work.
• Positions in this class typically require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, workspace restrictions, and intense noises.

Who We Are:

• Check us out on our YouTube channel. (https://www.youtube.com/@SpringsUtilities)
• One of the largest four-service public utilities in the nation (over 500,000 customers)
• A national leader in reliability (power on an average of 99.991% of the time)
• Diamond Designation recipient from the American Public Power Association – a utility sector leader in reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvements

Our Commitment to Our Employees…
Our people are the heart and soul of Colorado Springs Utilities. They keep the lights on, gas flowing, water coming in, and wastewater leaving. We don't just say people are important – we prove it! That’s why we are honored to invest in protecting the health and financial security of our employees and their families through our rich benefits program.

Time Off to Recharge

• Vacation – Start with 13 days annually, increasing to 24 days with tenure
• Personal Leave –3 days per year
• Paid Holidays –12 paid holidays per year
• Sick Leave – 12 days per year for personal or family health needs
• Vacation Buy – Option to purchase up to 40 additional hours annually

Health & Wellness – Benefits elected are effective the first of the following month

• Medical Plans: Three comprehensive options, including a $0 premium High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility
• Zero Health: Access to hundreds of medical services at no cost
• Dental & Vision: Two dental plans and one vision plan
• Family Building-Benefits: Support for fertility, preservation, adoption, and surrogacy
• Wellness Program: A voluntary program that rewards you for prioritizing self-care! If you're enrolled in our medical plan, you and your spouse can earn up to $600 in HRA or HSA contributions by completing healthy activities
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax contributions for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Available with HDHP

Financial & Retirement Security

• Pension Plan: Colorado PERA provides retirement benefits and peace of mind
• Supplemental Retirement Plans: PERAPlus 401(k), MissionSquare Roth IRA, and 457 plans
• Disability Coverage: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance available
• Life Insurance: Employer-paid coverage with optional supplemental plans
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Available for purchase to support extended care needs

Additional Support

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for mental health, stress, legal, financial, and work-life balance
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually to support continued education
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a qualifying employer, your student loan payments may be eligible for loan forgiveness