Utility Worker

Cbnbh2o; Coos Bay (OR); On-site; USD 31,684 - 46,838; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation accrual

Sick leave

Holidays

Job summary

The Coos Bay-North Bend Water Board is seeking a dedicated Utility Worker to join our team. This role offers a path for growth within the water industry and provides hands-on experience in operation and maintenance of water facilities.

The position requires one year of related experience or a combination of education and experience, a high school diploma or GED, and a valid driver’s license with Oregon CDL as applicable. Veterans are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year experience or combination of experience and education in public works equipment operation, laboring duties, or distribution operations and maintenance.
• Graduation from high school or GED program.
• Desirable: State of Oregon Water Distribution Certificate and/or Class A CDL.
• Must obtain safety certifications as required and maintain Oregon CDL.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain water distribution facilities; repair valves, pumps, hydrants, mains, and wells.
• Install and construct water distribution facilities including service lines and pump stations.
• Operate light and medium power equipment; perform pre/post-operation checks and maintenance.
• Perform repairs to piping, pumps, and equipment in water treatment facilities.
• Handle building/grounds maintenance tasks such as carpentry, electrical, and plumbing.
• Maintain positive working relationships with staff and the public.
• Follow OSHA safety rules and maintain valid driver’s license and Oregon CDL as required.

Skills

Public works equipment operation

CDL required

Outdoor work in all weather

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Open: July 29 2026
Close:
Salary: Wage Range: $23.01 - $33.71

Job Description

The Coos Bay-North Bend Water Board is excited to offer an immediate opportunity for a dedicated and motivated Utility Worker to join our team.

This essential role is an excellent first step in a career path with opportunities for growth and advancement within our organization and the water industry. As a Utility Worker, you’ll gain valuable hands‑on experience and learn how water distribution systems operate to serve the needs of our community.

General Statement of Duties

Performs a variety of semi-skilled tasks involving both light and heavy labor in the operation, maintenance, and construction of water works facilities; does related work as required.

Supervision Received

Typically works under the direct supervision of a Crew Leader who gives detailed instructions and checks work frequently for conformance to production and quality standards. Certified employees in this class may work under the general supervision of a Crew Leader or the Distribution Supervisor.

Supervision Exercised

Supervision of other employees is not a typical responsibility of employees in this class; however, they may provide training and orientation to newly assigned personnel on work site policies and practices.

Job Responsibilities

1. Operates and maintains water distribution facilities; conducts repairs to valves, pumps, hydrants, main and service pipes, wells, and associated facilities; performs operation of distribution facilities, including valve turning, hydrant flushing, leak detection, reservoir and pump station inspection, cleaning, and operation.
2. Installs and constructs water distribution facilities, including service and main lines, hydrants, valves, pump stations, and associated facilities.
3. Operates a variety of light and medium power equipment, including compressor, tapping machine, power saw, boring machine, backhoe, crane, and other water system construction equipment; performs operator maintenance, such as conducting pre- and post‑operation checks, maintaining proper fluid levels, changing parts, cleaning, etc.
4. Performs repair and replacement of piping, pumps, and equipment associated with the utility’s water treatment facilities.
5. Performs various building/grounds maintenance tasks, including carpentry, electrical, and plumbing duties not requiring a license.
6. Maintains positive, cooperative, and effective working relationships with Water Board staff, other organizations, and the public.
7. Follows all federal and Oregon OSHA safety rules and procedures for work areas.
8. Must possess a valid driver’s license upon hire; obtain valid Oregon driver’s license within 30 days of hire and have acceptable driving record.

Auxiliary Job Functions

Provides assistance to other personnel as workload and staffing levels dictate; maintains knowledge and proficiency by attending training and meetings, reading materials, and meeting with others in areas of responsibility; maintains work areas in a clean and orderly manner.

Qualifications

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION – One year experience or combination of experience and education in performing public works equipment operation, laboring duties, or distribution operations and maintenance; graduation from high school or GED program

MINIMUM SKILLS AND ABILITIES - Knowledge of equipment, materials, and methods used in the construction, maintenance and operation of public works facilities; knowledge of safety methods and measures in the assigned work field; ability to work at strenuous tasks outside in all types of weather; ability to understand and apply oral or written instructions to fairly complex equipment, materials, or construction; ability to obtain and maintain required safety certifications and Oregon commercial driver's license; ability to develop and maintain positive, cooperative, team‑oriented working relationships with supervisors and co-workers; ability to maintain a professional appearance and a positive, courteous, and helpful attitude toward customers and the general public; satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential job functions.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS – Possession of State of Oregon Water Distribution Certificate at the time of hire; possession of Class A Commercial Driver’s License at time of hire

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/LICENSES –

Utility Worker - Possession of GradeI State of Oregon Water Distribution Certificate within two years of appointment; must possess a valid driver’s license upon hire; obtain valid Oregon driver’s license within 30 days of hire; obtain valid Oregon Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with required endorsements within six months of appointment.

Utility Worker I – Possession of Grade I State of Oregon Water Distribution Certificate. Hold a valid Oregon Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with required endorsements.

Utility Worker II – Possession of Grade II State of Oregon Water Distribution Certificate. Hold a valid Oregon Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with required endorsements.

Utility Worker III – Possession of Grade III State of Oregon Water Distribution Certificate. Hold a valid Oregon Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with required endorsements.

Advancement

Advancement to the next level requires demonstrated performance, time-in-position, and acquisition of required certifications. The Water Board supports internal advancement to encourage career development and to meet operational needs.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, bend, stoop, communicate, reach, and manipulate objects, tools, or controls. The position requires mobility. Many duties are physically demanding, requiring the occasional moving of materials weighing up to 100 pounds. Movement of materials weighing 25 pounds may consume up to 20 percent of the work period. Activity and types of duties performed require manual dexterity, coordination, and ability to use personal protective equipment, such as respirator mask, steel‑toed boots, chaps, etc.

The majority of duties take place outside buildings with exposure to all types of weather conditions on a year‑round basis, including exposure to traffic, dirt, oil, grease, fumes, noise, and chemicals. Entry into confined spaces is required on an infrequent basis. Position is subject to emergency on‑call response after normal duty hours on a rotational and as-needed basis. May require working on weekends and holidays. As employees in this position must to be readily available in a timely manner to address operational and customer service needs, a residency requirement applies to this position which requires a new employee to obtain permanent residency that provides a 40 minute response time to the Water Board Service Center at 2305 Ocean Blvd., Coos Bay, Oregon 97420 prior to the end of the trial period.

A preference will be given to qualified veterans who apply for this position pursuant to ORS 408.225 to 408.237. Any veteran with special qualifications and/or transferable skills relevant to the duties of this position should reference those in their application. Coos Bay‑North Bend Water Board is an EOE.

Oregon Public Employees Union

Eligible for 5% increase after satisfactory completion of 6 months trial period

Vacation - 90 hours (less than 5 years) accrue upon hire at prorated rate

Sick leave – 8 hours per month; unlimited accrual

Holidays – 13paid

Medicalinsurance through City County Insurance Services (CIS) – Regence BC/BS or United Healthcare Surest; VSP; DeltaDental (minimal monthly employee contributions to insurance premiums)

Retirement plan – 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan

457 Deferred compensation plan through Nationwide - available to employees

Life insurance - $100,000 term policy (company paid)

Long Term Disability (company paid)

Short term disability option – available to employees (employee paid)

Life flight/ambulatory insurance – available to employees (employee paid)

Critical Illness Plan - available to employees (employee paid)

Hospital Indemnity - available to employees (employee paid)

Accident Plan - available to employees (employee paid)

Trauma Plan - available to employees (employee paid)

Providing a Reliable, and Quality Service For the Present and Future Needs of our Communities