Water Operations Technician - Construction & Heavy Equipment

Qualified applicants must be able to respond within 2 hours to their designated service areas.

The Water Operations Technician performs entry-level operation, maintenance, construction, and repair work supporting water systems. The role also responds to public inquiries and service requests as needed.

This position is designed for someone building water-utility expertise. Work is completed with training and oversight, and the Technician assists more experienced operators with complex assignments. The Technician does not routinely lead or direct work activities.

The duties listed describe the core responsibilities of the role, but additional assignments may be given as needed to support operational needs.

• Support construction, installation, and repair of water mains, fire hydrants, check valves, and service lines; assist with tapping water mains, excavation, asphalt work, and restoration of excavated areas.
• Inspect, operate, and exercise gate valves to prevent seizures; flush fire hydrants and dead-end water lines to remove sediment; and take water samples for testing.
• Locate, identify, and mark distribution system facilities, including valves, fire hydrants, and blow-offs.
• Locate and identify leaks.
• Install, relocate, and adjust meter boxes and valve cans; install and replace water meters.
• Perform repair and maintenance on water and wastewater facilities, including structures and grounds.
• Operate service trucks and, as trained and authorized, light- and medium-duty equipment used for field construction and maintenance work; inspect assigned vehicles and perform minor maintenance.
• Follow all NW Natural Water Services policies, procedures, and safety regulations, including grooming and uniform requirements.
• Communicate effectively, in writing and verbally, with management and other operators at the technical level required for the position.
• Participate in specialized training for the safe handling of hazardous materials and confined-space entry.
• Participate in weekly team meetings.
• Work effectively as part of a team and independently, with or without direct supervision.

Tools and Equipment Used

• A variety of hand tools and hand-held power equipment.
  
• Light- and medium-duty vehicles and equipment, including vacuum excavation equipment.
  
• Computer and general office equipment.

• Work may range from extreme outdoor conditions to indoor duties. This position regularly works outside, year-round, in all weather conditions.
• Safety procedures must be followed at all times. Work may involve exposure to hazardous materials, confined spaces, electrical components, and heavy equipment.
• The field environment is usually moderately noisy, with higher noise levels when operating hand-held power equipment.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Prior utility, construction, heavy equipment, excavation, underground infrastructure, or closely related field experience.
• Ability to learn water distribution operations and obtain required certifications within established timelines.
• Valid driver's license (or obtain within 90 days if out-of-state), required certifications/endorsements, and satisfactory driving record.
• Consent to annual Motor Vehicle Records checks and successful completion of a criminal history check.
• Ability to safely lift at least 50 pounds, and more with assistance.
• Ability to physically accommodate and use respirators and self-contained breathing apparatuses.
• Ability to safely access and exit trenches, manholes, lift stations, water reservoirs, and towers.
• Ability to work a weekend or variable shift and participate in a 24-hour emergency on-call rotation when assigned.

Must be obtained within six months of employment:

• Washington State Flagger certification card
• Forklift card
• First Aid and CPR certification
• Must obtain a Level I certification in water distribution and/or treatment operations within 12 months of employment, such as Water Distribution Manager Level I (WDM1) or Water Treatment Plant Operator Level I (WTPO1).