Pump & Distribution Operator III

City of Caldwell (ID); Caldwell (ID); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Caldwell (ID) seeks an experienced advanced-level Pump and Distribution Operator to lead the operation, maintenance, and repair of our PI pump stations and potable water system. You will supervise staff, coordinate with contractors, and provide technical guidance in an outdoor, field-based environment.

Responsibilities include overseeing startup/shutdown programs, troubleshooting electrical and control systems, optimizing SCADA-driven operations, and preparing reports for system

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED.
• Minimum of four (4) years' experience in irrigation, water distribution, or related utility work.

Responsibilities

• Leads daily operations and provides technical direction for PI pump stations and potable water system tasks.
• Oversees startup and shutdown programs, including hydraulic testing, pump sequencing, and valve operation.
• Performs advanced troubleshooting and repairs on pumps, motors, electrical components, and control systems.
• Adjusts and optimizes operations through SCADA and other monitoring systems.
• Performs and oversees compliance sampling programs.
• Manages and documents preventive maintenance schedules.
• Responds to and oversees emergency repairs and operational issues.
• Provides guidance and instruction to pump and distribution operator I and II staff.
• Coordinates with contractors, engineers, and internal departments on PI or potable system projects.
• Prepares reports, records, and recommendations for system improvements.
• Participates in strategic planning for system capacity, redundancy, and improvements.
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with others to maximize interdepartmental efficiency.
• Attends approved meetings and training sessions to stay current.

Skills

Leadership

Technical troubleshooting

SCADA systems

Project oversight

Team training

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

CDL Class A with Tanker Endorsement

Class III Water Distribution License

Tools

SCADA systems

Job description

This position is the advanced-level classification in the Pump and Distribution Operator series. The primary function of an employee in this class is to provide leadership, project oversight, training, and technical tasks in the operation, maintenance, and repair of the city's pressurized irrigation (PI) pump stations and potable water distribution system. Work is performed under the close supervision of the pump and distribution operator supervisor with latitude for independent decision‑making. 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.

• Leads daily operations and provides technical direction for PI pump stations and potable water system tasks.
• Oversees seasonal startup and shutdown programs, including hydraulic testing, pump sequencing, and valve operation.
• Performs advanced troubleshooting and repairs on pumps, motors, electrical components, and control systems.
• Adjusts and optimizes operations through SCADA and other monitoring systems.
• Performs and oversees compliance sampling programs.
• Manages and documents preventive maintenance schedules.
• Responds to and oversees emergency repairs and operational issues.
• Provides guidance and instruction to pump and distribution operator I and II staff.
• Coordinates with contractors, engineers, and internal departments on PI or potable system projects.
• Prepares reports, records, and recommendations for system improvements.
• Participates in strategic planning for system capacity, redundancy, and improvements.
• 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.
• Responds to questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.
• Attends approved meetings, conferences, workshops, training sessions, reviews materials to remain current on the principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas.
• 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.
• Participates in mandatory standby rotation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education, Training, and/or Experience Required:

• Graduation from High School or possession of a GED.
• Minimum of four (4) years' experience in irrigation, water distribution, or related utility work.

Licenses, Certifications and Other Requirements:

• Possession of a current and valid driver’s license.
• Possession of Class A CDL, No Restrictions with Tanker Endorsement.
• Possession of a Class III Water Distribution License.
• Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and varying shift hours; and participate in an on-call rotation.
• 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 Qualifications (not required):

• Experience with pump station automation or SCADA systems.
• Class I Water Treatment License issued by the State of Idaho.
• Class IV Water Distribution License issued by the State of Idaho.