Infrastructure Operator III

City of Santa Fe Springs; Caldwell (ID); On-site; USD 68,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Caldwell is seeking an advanced-level Infrastructure Operator to lead water distribution projects, oversee crews, and mentor staff. The role involves planning main extensions, coordinating with contractors, and ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

The position requires a Class II Water Distribution License (Idaho), CDL with Tanker endorsement, and four years of related experience. Field work, emergency response, and rotation duty are expected.

Qualifications

• Graduation from High School or GED.
• Minimum of four years' experience in water distribution system construction, maintenance, or repair.
• Equivalent combination of experience and training providing the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead operator on water infrastructure projects and supervise crews to ensure safety standards.
• Plan and oversee water main extensions, valve and hydrant installations, and major repair projects.
• Perform and supervise tapping, pressure testing, flushing, and disinfection of mains.
• Conduct advanced utility locating, leak detection, and pipeline troubleshooting.
• Provide technical instruction and mentorship to infrastructure operator I and II.
• Review construction plans and provide field input on constructability.

Skills

Leadership

Safety compliance

Project planning

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Four years water distribution experience

Tools

Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement

Class II Water Distribution License Idaho

Job description

Description

This position is the advanced-level classification in the Infrastructure Operator series. The primary function of an employee in this class is to perform specialized and technical work in water distribution, construction, maintenance, and repair of the city's water distribution infrastructure. This position is responsible for leading crews, overseeing projects, and training staff. The work is performed under minimal supervision of the infrastructure supervisor with latitude for independent judgment and initiative. The principal duties of this class are performed in an outdoor environment, which may involve adverse weather conditions, roadway traffic, related hazards, and confined spaces.

Responsibilities

• Serves as lead operator on water infrastructure projects, coordinating crew assignments, and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
• Plans, organizes, and oversees water main extensions, valve, and hydrant installations, and major repair projects.
• Performs and supervises tapping, pressure testing, flushing, and disinfection of mains.
• Conducts advanced utility locating, leak detection, and pipeline troubleshooting.
• Provides technical instruction and mentorship to infrastructure operator I and II job classifications.
• Review construction plans and provides field input on constructability.
• Ensures proper traffic control and job site safety.
• Prepares detailed reports and maintains work records, daily logs, and maps of completed projects.
• Coordinates with contractors, inspectors, and other departments on infrastructure projects.
• Responds to emergency water main breaks and directs repair efforts.
• Excavates and backfills trenches; secures, lowers, and installs pipe; and applies and compacts bedding material.
• Uses shovels, picks, and rakes to remove mud, rock, and debris from job site.
• Drives semi-truck and trailer, dump truck, and hauls construction materials from one location to another.
• Operates a front-end loader to load earth, gravel, and trenching materials.
• Performs service initiation and turn-offs.
• Conducts valve and hydrant exercising and inspections.
• Locates utilities and marks underground facilities in compliance with state regulations.
• Assists with water main shutdowns, pressure testing, and disinfection procedures.
• Participates in standby rotation and responds to after-hours emergencies.
• Consistently keeps supervisor and relevant team members informed about work progress, current and potential issues, and proactively suggests new or improved solutions to address challenges.
• Attends approved meetings, conferences, workshops, training sessions, and reviews materials to remain current on the principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas.
• Responds to questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.
• Respects the opinion of others and maintains a positive and professional working relationship with colleagues, supervisors, and stakeholders.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from High School or possession of a GED.
• Minimum of four years' of experience in water distribution system construction, maintenance, or repair.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Licenses, Certifications and Other Requirements

• Possession of a current and valid driver’s license.
• Class A CDL, No Restrictions with Tanker Endorsement.
• Class II Water Distribution License issued by the State of Idaho.
• Must be available for a mandatory on-call rotation and able to work evenings, weekends, and varying shift hours.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check, physical, and drug testing to include prescription medications.
• Subject to random DOT drug and alcohol testing.

Preferred Education and/or Experience

• Class IV Water Distribution License issued by the State of Idaho.
• Class I Water Treatment License issued by the State of Idaho.
• Certification in heavy equipment operation or pipeline construction.
• Experience leading crews or managing construction projects.
• Training confined space entry, trench safety, or work zone traffic control.

The City of Caldwell offers a complete benefits package to full-time (30 or more hours per week) employees including health care, dental, vision, PERSI retirement, 401k with City match, deferred compensation plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability, holidays, and Paid Time Off (PTO).

The City is a qualifying employer for the Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program.