Operator (Technician, 1, or 2)

NW Natural; Newberg (OR); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

NW Natural Water is seeking an Operator to join our Newberg, Oregon team. The role supports water (and sewer where applicable) systems, performing operation, maintenance, and repair tasks with potential progression from Technician to Operator I and II.

The position emphasizes safety, teamwork, and reliable service delivery, with on-call rotations and field-based responsibilities across our water assets.

Qualifications

• Must pass Criminal History check and annual Motor Vehicle Records check.
• Must have valid Oregon driver’s license.
• Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds and use respirators as required.
• Must be able to access trenches, manholes and lift stations.
• Must be available for weekend or on-call rotations.

Responsibilities

• Install and repair water mains, hydrants, valves and service lines; perform trenching and patch work.
• Inspect and operate distribution mains; take water samples and test as needed.
• Operate service trucks and perform routine vehicle maintenance; assist with repairs.
• Comply with NW Natural Water Services policies and safety regulations.

Skills

Water distribution

Safety procedures

Vehicle operation

Written communication

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Hand tools

Power equipment

Vacuum excavation

Job description

Operator (Technician, 1, or 2)

Non-Union Position
WTR-Operations Water Services-Hiland 1; Newberg,Oregon (US-OR)
Regular FT, Non-Exempt

About Us:

NW Natural Water owns and operates water and wastewater utilities in communities throughout Texas, Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Since 2018, we have acquired more than 30 utilities and today serve more than 190,000 people via 76,000 connections.

Our parent company, NW Natural Holding Company (NYSE: NWN) (NW Natural Holdings), is headquartered in Portland, Oregon and has been doing business for over 165 years. The company operates through NW Natural Gas Company (NW Natural), SiEnergy Operating (SiEnergy), NW Natural Water Company (NW Natural Water), NW Natural Renewables Holdings (NW Natural Renewables), and other business interests, serving a combined population of over 2.6 million people.

Position Summary:

The Water Operator performs a variety of work in the operation, maintenance, and repair of water (and sewer, where applicable) systems. The Operator also responds to public inquiries and service requests as needed. This position is structured with multiple levels (Technician, Operator I, Operator II). 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

• Install and repair water mains, fire-hydrants, check valves and water service lines; tap water mains; perform ground excavation work; mix, rake and spread asphalt, and patch and/or repair excavations.
  Inspect, operate and exercise gate valves to prevent seizures; flush fire hydrants and dead-end water lines in cul-de-sacs to remove sediment; 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 all water and wastewater facilities, including structures and grounds.
  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.
  Participating in weekly team meetings
  Ability to work on a team, and independently with or without supervision.
• 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 Oregon State drivers' license
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.
Must be able to accommodate a weekend or variable shift and/or be on 24-hour emergency call when assigned as part of a rotation.

Level and Certification Differentiation

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

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

Operator Technician

Focus: Entrylevel operations and maintenance under direction

Performs routine tasks with training and oversight
May assist higherlevel 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.

Operator I

Focus: Fully trained operator performing assigned work independently

Independently performs standard operational and maintenance tasks
May provide tasklevel 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 II

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 II - Additional Certification Requirements

Higherlevel Oregon certification consistent with role assignment, such as:
Water Distribution Level II (D2) and/or
Water Treatment Level II (T2)