Utility Worker - Water

City-of-Hillsboro-1; Forest Grove (OR); On-site; USD 32,000 - 43,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Hillsboro is seeking a Water Plant Utility Worker for a temporary, part-time role based primarily at the Joint Water Commission (JWC) Treatment Plant. You will support the operations of a large-scale regional water system and gain hands-on experience in water treatment and maintenance.

You will perform entry-level maintenance and operator tasks under supervision, interact with plant personnel and contractors, and help ensure safe, reliable drinking water for the region.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver’s license and safe driving record.
• Ability to obtain Oregon Water Treatment I within 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Perform basic preventative maintenance on pumps, valves, and instrumentation.
• Gather data, adjust processes, and report plant conditions as needed.
• Learn and use SCADA systems to monitor and control plant operations.
• Operate hand and power tools as instructed for maintenance tasks.
• Assist with cleaning filters, washing equipment, and painting facility components.
• Perform additional duties related to treatment plant maintenance as assigned.

Skills

Desire to learn

Teamwork

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

SCADA software

Job description

Wage: $26.64 per hour

Part-Time/Temporary | Up to 19 hours per week | No Benefits

Application Deadline: September 20, 2026

About This Opportunity

The City of Hillsboro is seeking a Water Plant Utility Worker to join our team on a temporary, part-time basis. This position will be primarily based at the Joint Water Commission (JWC) Treatment Plant and provides an opportunity to gain hands‑on experience supporting the operations of a large-scale regional water system.

As part of the City of Hillsboro’s dedicated Water team, you will contribute to our mission of providing safe, reliable drinking water to the communities we serve. Hillsboro Water operates on a metropolitan scale within a suburban community, managing both local water distribution and regional water supply. Through our regional partnerships, the water system provides drinking water to nearly 400,000 people throughout the region.

If you are looking for an opportunity to build practical experience in water operations while contributing to essential public service, we encourage you to apply.

What You Will Be Doing

This position will perform a variety of tasks related to the effective operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant. It is expected that this individual will perform both entry level maintenance and operator functions under the supervision of their supervisor or treatment staff. The person in this role will interact with water treatment plant personnel and other City of Hillsboro water departments as well as outside contractors. It is expected that this person will:

• Perform basic preventative maintenance tasks on water assets such as pumps, valves, and instrumentation.
• Gather data, make process changes, and report on plant conditions as needed.
• Learn and utilize SCADA systems to monitor and control plant operations.
• Operate a variety of hand and power tools and equipment related to work assignments as instructed.
• Assist with manual labor duties such as cleaning filters, washing equipment, painting facility components, and other activities associated with treatment plant maintenance.
• Operate equipment such as pressure washers, mowers, and hand tools.
• Performs other directly related duties consistent with the role and function of the classification.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will have a strong desire to learn and be exposed to all aspects of the operation and maintenance of a drinking water treatment plant. The person who is selected for this role will be expected to function both independently and as part of a team. Being currently or recently enrolled in a water related course of study at a college is highly desired.

Work Schedule

This is a part-time, temporary position expected to last approximately 12 months, with a schedule of up to 19 hours per week. The hourly rate is $26.64, and the specific work schedule will be established based on operational needs.

Minimum Qualifications

High School diploma or GED are required. A combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

License(s) & Certifications

• Valid, current Driver's License and safe driving record
• Oregon Water Treatment I Certification or higher or the ability to secure this certification within 6 months of hire is preferred but not required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

(Must be performed with or without reasonable accommodations)

• This is a Safety Sensitive position - this position/classification impacts safety of the employee and the safety of others as a result of performing that job
• The selected candidate must successfully complete professional reference checks, a physical examination, and a drug screening as a condition of employment.
• Positions in this class typically require stooping, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions with or without reasonable accommodation
• Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors), depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships)
• Heavy Work: Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally (up to 1/3 of workday), and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of workday), and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly (2/3 or more of workday) to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Medium Work
• Incumbents may work in indoors and outdoors environment; may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dust, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, mechanical, explosive and burn hazards, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, intense noises, travel, and environmental conditions such as disruptive people

Commitment To Diversity

Hiring a workforce that reflects the diverse community we serve is essential to delivering exceptional City services and programs. The City of Hillsboro is committed to creating and supporting an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees to thrive. We value, respect, and empower employees as unique individuals with authentic voices and diverse ideas.