Assistant Utility Operator

Driven, knowledgeable, and passionate about our work, our Oregon Water Utilities team is in the business of delivering a product everyone uses and depends on. We provide water and wastewater services to over 8,400 customers in 6 Oregon communities in Deschutes and Klamath Counties. It all starts with our people – proud members of their communities, dedicated to delivering safe, reliable, and cost-effective water utility services. Join us and be a part of a team that values sustainability, innovation, and the wellbeing of our communities. 

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary: $23 - $30 / hour
• Paid Time Off: Starting at 3 weeks annually along with 11 company-paid holidays.
• Health and Wellness Benefits: The first day of the month after your start, you’ll have access to your health, dental, prescription and vision benefits to help you stay well. 
• 401(k) Program with Matching Contribution: We offer a 100% match on contributions up to 4% of your salary, plus an additional 3% employer contribution.
• Grow With Us: Professional development opportunities through training, professional certifications, and education allowance.
• Additional Benefits: Other great benefits include company provided life insurance and Employee Assistance Program just to name a few

Work Location and Schedule

• Primarily based in Klamath Falls, Oregon
• May require overtime, nights and weekends as needed
• Local travel to other locations within our service areas in Oregon 

Overview

The Assistant Utility Operator is an entry-level position within the Oregon Water Utilities Field Operations team, our Utility Operators manage the operation and maintenance of our water treatment and distribution systems to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable water services.

What You'll Do

This position will be willing and able to perform the following duties and others as assigned:

• Potable Water System Operation and Maintenance
  • Operate and maintain potable water facilities, including reservoirs, pumps, and valves.
  • Perform water meter installations, readings, and customer service tasks (leaks, pressure issues).
  • Ensure compliance with quality standards through sampling, testing, and reporting.
  • Test backflow prevention devices and manage the Cross Control Program.
• Wastewater Treatment Plant Operation and Maintenance
  • Operate and maintain wastewater treatment equipment (screens, pumps, generators, etc.).
  • Perform routine checks and general maintenance at the treatment plant.
  • Monitor water quality in effluent holding ponds and operate recycled water pump stations.
• Wastewater Collection System Operation and Maintenance
  • Maintain wastewater collection systems, respond to service calls, and repair pipelines.
  • Provide customer service for sewer issues.
• Environmental, Health, and Safety
  • Attend safety classes, use PPE, and adhere to safety and environmental regulations.
• On-Call Hours
  • Be available for on-call duty 24/7, responding promptly to job locations as needed.
• General Duties
  • Conduct daily inspections, collect operational data, and perform routine facility maintenance.
  • Maintain SCADA systems and coordinate new customer connections to water and wastewater systems.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement 
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

What You'll Bring

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Knowledge of water systems and waste water collection 
• Knowledge of water system hydraulics and wastewater treatment plant operation
• Strong analytical skills, ability to use thinking and reasoning to effectively identify and solve water and waste water problems
• Moderate level of proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 suite including Microsoft Excel and Word
• Effective verbal and written communication skills

Education and Certifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required
• Trade school (electrical, plumbing, etc.) preferred
• Backflow Tester Certification - within 1 year of hire
• DEQ Treatment Operator 1 - within 3 years of hire
• OR - D1 (Water Distribution Grade 1)

 

Work Experience

• 1+ years of experience performing construction activities or work