Drinking Water Utility Worker

American Water Works Association; Oregon; On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a collaborative team dedicated to ensuring the community's water needs are met. As a Water Distribution Utility Worker, you will play a vital role in maintaining and improving the water infrastructure. This position offers the chance to work outdoors, tackle challenges, and provide essential services to the community. If you are a dedicated professional with a passion for teamwork and customer service, this opportunity is perfect for you. Contribute your skills to a meaningful cause and be part of a team that values your expertise and commitment.

Qualifications

• Experienced in water systems and operations with a focus on teamwork and customer service.
• Skilled in operating heavy equipment and performing maintenance tasks in various conditions.

Responsibilities

• Install, repair, and maintain water system components such as mains, valves, and hydrants.
• Respond to urgent water system issues and provide excellent customer service.

Skills

Water system operations

Customer service

Conflict resolution

Heavy equipment operation

Physical ability to lift 75 pounds

Tools

Small hand tools

Power tools

Construction equipment

Motor vehicles (backhoes, dump trucks)

GIS software

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Oak Lodge Water Services (OLWS) provides drinking water, wastewater services, and watershed protection to almost 30,000 citizens of Oak Grove and Jennings Lodge through 9,100 customer connections and 200 miles of water and wastewater pipes. Our wastewater treatment plant treats approximately 1.5 billion gallons of wastewater annually.

Position: Water Distribution Utility Worker

The OLWS Water Department is seeking a Water Distribution Utility Worker to join our team. We value candidates who enjoy teamwork and understand the importance of our work and its impact on the community. Join a team-oriented environment where your expertise in general or utility construction will contribute to the installation, repair, and maintenance of water-related infrastructure within The Oak Lodge Water System.

Responsibilities:

1. Work outdoors with a collaborative team to install, repair, and maintain water system components, including water mains, services, valves, meters, fire hydrants, and other utility infrastructure.
2. Perform maintenance activities such as repairing mains, services, fire hydrants, and meters, as well as system flushing and valve maintenance. These tasks involve manual labor, operating heavy equipment, excavation, traffic control, and sidewalk repairs around water facilities.
3. Execute new installations including water mains, service connections (using specialized tapping equipment), fire system supply lines, air release valves, and water quality test sites to support new developments.
4. Respond promptly to urgent water system issues, such as main failures, leaks, or damaged fire hydrants, which may require availability during nights, weekends, or holidays. Provide excellent customer service by addressing concerns about water pressure or discoloration.
5. Maintain and repair essential tools and equipment, ensuring service trucks are stocked and ready for immediate response.

Qualifications:

We seek a seasoned professional with comprehensive expertise in water systems and operations, capable of performing a wide range of tasks. The ideal candidate is a team-oriented collaborator who thrives in group settings, is dedicated to customer service, skilled in conflict resolution, and able to work independently with sound judgment.

The candidate should have knowledge of:

• Standard practices, methods, tools, and materials used in water distribution systems
• Current OSHA regulations and safety procedures
• Computer systems and software such as GIS, Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Oak Lodge Water Services' goals and obligations

Skills required include operation of small hand tools, power tools, construction equipment, and motor vehicles like backhoes and dump trucks, or the ability to learn these skills. The candidate must be able to learn and apply water construction standards and safety standards, produce written reports, communicate effectively with coworkers and customers, and manage difficult customer interactions professionally. Physical ability to maneuver objects weighing up to 75 pounds, analyze plumbing systems, respond to emergencies, and work outdoors in various weather conditions is essential.