Utilities Operator II

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation; Pendleton (OR); On-site; USD 59,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation seeks a Utility Operator II to maintain water, sewer, and storm systems at the Nixyáawii Governance Center. Responsibilities include operating and monitoring treatment processes, servicing meters and hydrants, and supporting emergency response.

The role requires Level I certifications in Water Distribution and Wastewater Collections, five years of relevant experience, and a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years of continuous experience operating as a Certified Level I Operator in water distribution and wastewater collections.
• Valid Water Distribution Operator Certification – Level I.
• Valid Wastewater Collections Operator Certification – Level I.
• Commercial driver's license (CDL) preferred or required per policy.
• Ability to work on-call, nights, weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain CTUIR water, sewer, and storm systems.
• Assist with water treatment operations including sampling and disinfectant monitoring.
• Service public works infrastructure: meters, valves, hydrants, and related facilities.
• Install and repair water/sewer lines and related infrastructure; manage traffic control signs.
• Operate heavy equipment (excavators, backhoes, loaders, etc.) and perform routine maintenance.
• Conduct utility locates of CTUIR underground infrastructure.
• Compile logs, meter readings, and equipment usage; document in systems.
• Respond to system emergencies on a 24-hour basis and participate in on-call rotations.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Public works maintenance knowledge

English communication

Safety standards

Job description

SALARY: Pay Range 8 | $59,000.00 - $75,000.00 annual DOE/DOQ

DEPARTMENT: Public Works Department – Program Utilities

LOCATION: Nixyáawii Governance Center, Mission, Oregon | Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time with benefits package | Safety Sensitive (Subject to random drug testing) | Background check required | Non-Exempt

SUPERVISED BY: Utilities Manager

OPENING DATE: October 27th, 2026

CLOSING DATE: December 4th, 2026

CTUIR Mission Statement

Exercise the Tribe’s sovereign authority to achieve the maximum protection of resources identified in the Treaty of 1855; to protect newly acquired lands wherein the Tribe has a vested interest, and to protect the lands of all citizens and residents of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. This position protects human life, water, land, air, and wildlife by exercising professional skills and abilities in the protection of the resources of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

General Statement of Duties

Functions at a full journey-level classification. Exercises responsibility for performing a wide variety of maintenance, repair, and construction tasks at the semi-skilled and skilled level across the community water, sewer, and storm systems. Serves as a lead worker who may train, direct, and monitor the work of others on assigned projects.

• System Operations: Assist with the operation and maintenance of the CTUIR community water, sanitary sewer, and storm systems.
• Water Treatment Support: Assist with operations including chemical-feeding devices, water sampling for laboratory analyses, and monitoring disinfectant chemical levels (chlorine).
• Infrastructure Maintenance: Service public works infrastructure, including water supply facilities, booster stations, reservoirs, valves, hydrants, and meters. Handle service installations, meter readings, re-reads, shut-offs, and turn-ons.
• Pipe & Asset Installation: Install water and sewer mainlines, service pipes, street signs, and temporary traffic control signs. Inspect and clean storm drains, sanitary sewers, and catch basins.
• Heavy Equipment Operation: Operate large/small trucks, street sweepers, loaders, tractors, compactors, and jackhammers. Perform minor equipment repairs and maintenance. Apply asphalt, gravel, road base, and other pavement foundations.
• Technical Locates: Conduct utility locates of CTUIR underground infrastructure.
• Reporting & Documentation: Compile well logs, meter readings, equipment use records, fuel logs, mileage, and work logs. Use computer systems to monitor equipment, store sample results, make process-control decisions, schedule maintenance, and troubleshoot malfunctions.
• Emergency Response: Respond to system emergencies on a 24-hour basis. Work under pressure during emergency events using specialized safety equipment and procedures to protect public health and facilities.
• Scheduling Flexibility: Serve on-call during emergencies. Work extended shifts, split shifts, weekends, or nights as required. Attend meetings, training seminars, and conferences, and respond to public inquiries.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of methods, tools, materials, and equipment used in public works maintenance and construction.
• Knowledge of safety standards, codes, practices, and procedures applicable to utility assignments.
• Knowledge of CTUIR policies, procedures, regulations, and codes related to area of responsibility.
• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment (excavator, backhoe, loader, Jetter/Hydro-Vac) and hand/power tools.
• Ability to use IT software and hardware for work orders, time reporting, data collection, inventory, and procurement.
• Ability to read, understand, and execute written instructions, policies, and operations manuals.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, in English.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision or cooperatively as a positive, effective team member.
• Ability to provide positive, high-quality customer service to citizens, ratepayers, vendors, and fellow employees.

Distinguishing Characteristics & Advancement

The Utility Operator II functions at a full journey level. This job class requires a high level of proficiency in heavy equipment operation and carries the responsibility to train, direct, and monitor the work of other crew members on a project-by-project basis.

Position Parameters

• Supervisory Authority: None
• Signatory Authority: None
• Access to Sensitive Areas: None

Working Conditions

• Physical Demands: Routinely lifts/carries power and hand tools. Requires occasional heavy lifting and carrying of 75 pounds or more to waist height. Requires extended periods of walking, stooping, crawling, standing, and physical exertion, particularly under emergency conditions.
• Environmental Factors: Requires outdoor work in extreme weather conditions during summer and winter months. Occasional exposure to electrical shock hazards while working on water systems/electrical parts, and proximity to paint fumes or odors during repair preparation.
• Professional Expectations: Must be a reliable self-starter capable of working with minimal supervision. Must maintain regular, predictable attendance and be willing to participate in ongoing on-the-job and formal classroom training.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of continuous experience operating as a Certified Level I Operator in both water distribution and wastewater collections.
• Certifications:
• Possession of a valid Water Distribution Operator Certification – Level I (minimum 5 years held).
• Possession of a valid Wastewater Collections Operator Certification – Level I (minimum 5 years held).
• Successful completion of all CTUIR Utility Worker I requirements.
• Equipment Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency in the safe, skilled operation of heavy equipment including excavators, backhoes, loaders, and Jetter/Hydro-Vac systems.
• Licenses: Possession of a valid driver's license with an insurable driving record (Commercial Driver's License/CDL preferred or required based on department policy).