Operator (All Levels)

NOTE:

 

• This position will not be assigned to a specific work center location. 
• The primary service territory for this position is Cloverdale, OR to Corvallis, OR. 
• This position requires a 2-hour on-call response time to the surface water treatment plant facilities in the primary territory.  

Position Summary:

 

The Operator monitors and manages water treatment plants and distribution systems. The Operator will be responsible for oversight of water treatment plant equipment and processes to meet permit requirements and plant performance goals across five unique surface water treatment plants. This also includes performing field tasks related to operation and repair of the water distribution system, including emergency response. The level at which a candidate is hired will depend on their qualifications, relevant experience, and applicable certifications.

 

This position does not directly oversee other employees on a permanent basis but does frequently have responsibility and oversight of personnel directly related to specific advanced projects as assigned. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. They will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other work- related duties requested by their supervisor.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

 

• Monitor and maintain water treatment plant equipment (such as filters, pumps, UV, chemical dosing and related equipment)
• Collect samples in accordance with OHA compliance standards.
• Participate in system wide flushing and valve exercising operation.
• Read and record meter and gauge readings related to plant operations and input into electronic database
• Locate, identify and mark distribution system facilities, including valves, fire hydrants and blow-offs
• Locate and identify leaks
• Report malfunctioning equipment and perform minor maintenance
• Assist in distribution leak repair and capital improvement projects.
• Perform other related work as required
• Operate service trucks; routinely inspect and perform minor maintenance on assigned vehicles; remove and replace defective parts. Assist with transporting vehicles to repair shops.
• Comply with all NW Natural Water Services policies, procedures and safety regulations.
• Comply with NW Natural Water Services grooming and uniform policy.
• Provide effective communication, in written and verbal form, with management and/or other operators on the technical level required of this position.
• Participate in specialized training for the safe handling of hazardous materials and confined space entry.
• Participate in weekly team meetings
• Ability to work on a team, and independently with or without supervision.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT:

 

• The environmental conditions and characteristics described here are representative of those employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• The working environment will vary from extreme outdoor conditions to indoor job duties. This position regularly works outside, year-round, in all weather conditions.
• Safety procedures must always be followed, as workers will continually be exposed to hazardous materials, confined space, electrical components and heavy equipment.
• The noise level in the field environment is usually moderate, except when operating hand-held power equipment.

 

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

 

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

Qualifications:

 

• High school education or equivalent
• Valid driver’s license (or obtain within 90 days if out-of-state), required certifications/endorsements, and satisfactory driving record. 
• Must consent to annual Motor Vehicle Records check and pass Criminal History check
• Must be able to safely lift a minimum of 50 pounds, more with additional help.
• Must be able to physically accommodate and use respirators and self-contained breathing apparatuses.
• Must be physically able to access and egress trenches, manholes and lift stations as well as water reservoirs and towers.
• Ability to safely work with hazardous chemicals
• Must be able to accommodate a weekend or variable shift, participate in a 24-hour emergency call rotation when assigned, and work beyond regularly scheduled hours as needed to meet operational and project deadlines.

 

Level and Certification Differentiation 

 

Required for all Operator levels: (Must be obtained within six months of employment)

• Oregon State Flagger certification card - employer provided
• First Aid & CPR – employer provided

 

Operator Technician

 

Focus: Entry level operations and maintenance under direction

 

• Performs routine tasks with training and oversight
• May assist higher level operators on more complex work
• Does not routinely lead or direct work activities

 

Experience / Qualifications

 

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Prior utility, construction, or related field experience
• Ability to obtain required certifications within established timelines
• Note: Additional Operator 1 certification must be obtained within 18 months of employment.

Level and Certification Differentiation (Continued):

 

Operator I

 

Focus: Fully trained operator performing assigned work independently

 

• Independently performs standard operational and maintenance tasks
• May provide task level guidance to Operator Technicians
• Participates in more complex repairs and troubleshooting

 

Experience / Qualifications

 

• 2 or more years of relevant water utility or closely related experience
• Demonstrated working knowledge of water distribution systems
• Operator 1 - Additional Certification Requirements
  
  • Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) / Oregon Health Authority certification: 
  • Water Distribution Level I (D1) or
  • Water Treatment Level I (T1)

 

 

Operator 2

 

Focus: Advanced technical expertise and leadership on complex work

 

• Performs advanced operational, maintenance, and repair activities
• Frequently provides oversight or direction to other operators on complex or specialized projects
• Serves as a technical resource within the team

 

Experience / Qualifications

 

• 3 or more years of progressively responsible water utility experience
• Strong working knowledge of water system operations, troubleshooting, and safety practices
• Operator 2 – Additional Certification Requirements
  
  • Higher level Oregon certification consistent with role assignment, such as: 
  • Water Distribution Level II (D2) and/or
  • Water Treatment Level II (T2)

Level and Certification Differentiation (Continued):

 

Operator 3

 

Focus: Senior operator providing advanced technical expertise, troubleshooting, and leadership on critical system operations and projects.

 

• Performs highly skilled operational, maintenance, and repair activities
• Leads complex troubleshooting efforts and provides guidance on system performance and reliability
• Serves as a subject matter expert and mentor to less experienced operators
• Supports planning, coordination, and execution of major maintenance, construction, or improvement projects

 

Experience / Qualifications

 

• 5 or more years of progressively responsible water utility experience
• Advanced knowledge of water distribution and/or treatment system operations, maintenance, regulatory compliance, and safety requirements
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose complex operational issues and implement corrective actions
• Experience providing technical guidance, training, or lead direction to other operators
• Operator 3 – Additional Certification Requirements
  
  • Higher-level Oregon certification consistent with role assignment, such as: 
  • Water Distribution Level III (D3) and/or
  • Water Treatment Level III (T3)

 

 

Operator 4

 

Focus: Recognized technical leader responsible for the most complex operational, maintenance, regulatory, and system reliability activities.

 

• Provides technical leadership on critical system operations and strategic projects
• Leads response and resolution efforts for major operational challenges, emergencies, and system incidents
• Advises management on operational best practices, regulatory compliance, and system improvements
• Serves as a mentor and resource for operators across all levels

 

Experience / Qualifications

 

• 7 or more years of progressively responsible water utility experience
• Expert-level knowledge of water distribution and/or treatment systems, regulatory requirements, and operational best practices
• Demonstrated leadership in managing complex projects, emergency response activities, and system optimization efforts
• Proven ability to provide technical direction, training, and mentorship to operators and work teams
• Operator 4 – Additional Certification Requirements
  
  • Higher level Oregon certification consistent with role assignment, such as: 
  • Water Distribution Level IV (D4) and/or
  • Water Treatment Level IV (T4)