Utility Worker - Water

City of Hillsboro; Forest Grove (AR); On-site; USD 36,000 - 39,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

No Benefits

Job summary

The City of Hillsboro is seeking a Water Plant Utility Worker for a temporary, part-time role based at the Joint Water Commission (JWC) Treatment Plant. This position offers up to 19 hours per week with a wage of $26.64 per hour.

You will perform entry-level maintenance and operator tasks under supervision, learn SCADA systems, and assist with maintenance activities to support a large regional drinking water system.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one.
• Oregon Water Treatment I Certification preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Perform basic preventative maintenance on pumps, valves, and instrumentation.
• Gather data, report plant conditions, and assist with process changes.
• Learn and use SCADA to monitor and control plant operations.
• Assist with manual labor tasks such as cleaning filters, washing equipment, and painting facility components.
• Operate hand and power tools as needed.
• Perform other duties related to plant operation and maintenance.

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

SCADA systems

Job description

Posting number: 2027-36

Department: Water

Job classification: Utility Worker - Water

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Water Treatment

Summary

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.

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.