Wastewater Collection Operator I - IV
City of Boulder
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Job summary
The City of Boulder is looking for Wastewater Collections Operators (I–IV) to join the Utilities Maintenance team. This full-time, on-site role supports and operates a large wastewater system, including mains, manholes and lift stations, with after-hours standby for emergencies.
Salary ranges from $23.58 to $34.19 per hour, commensurate with experience. Multiple operator levels reflect varying certifications. Applicants must meet Colorado certifications and pass a background check.
Qualifications
- Clear communication of goals and adapt to audience needs.
- Knowledge of OSHA safety procedures and jobsite hazards.
- Maintain complete and accurate records.
- Capable of field troubleshooting and safety-minded problem solving.
Responsibilities
- Construct, maintain and repair wastewater systems and perform routine maintenance.
- Locate utilities and map lines using locating equipment.
- Interpret data trends and follow technical procedures.
- Respond to emergencies and after-hours standby duties as needed.
- Maintain accurate records of work performed and materials used.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
October 11, 2026
Hiring Range
23.58 - 34.19
This is a full-time hourly position.
40
BMEA (20+ Hours)
Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.
Under general supervision, the Wastewater Operator expedites, supports, plans, and operates and performs skilled operation, construction, maintenance, and repair of a large (CDPHE Class 4) wastewater systems to include multiple types of wastewater mains, manholes, lift stations. Participates as a member of the Utilities Maintenance team and works collaboratively with other workgroups and agencies to foster efficient, proactive approach to Water maintenance.
The hiring range for these positions are commensurate with experience:
Wastewater Collections Operation I - $23.58 - $34.19
Wastewater Collections Operation II - $25.93 - $37.60
Wastewater Collections Operation III - $28.52 - $41.36
Wastewater Collections Operation IV - $31.38 - $45.54
Constructs,maintainsand repairs wastewater systems, including performing routine maintenance on equipment as needed.Assistsin troubleshooting and repair processes to the collections systems according to delegated authority for a Class 4 Wastewater Collections Operator under Colorado Regulation 100 andin accordance withthe Wastewater Collections Operating plan.
Performs utilitylocatesand uses pipe locators, leaklocatorsand sonde equipment. Locates underground water, sewer and storm sewer lines for the Utilities Department, private utilities, contractors, and property owners. Uses equipment tolocateutility lines and main breaks including metal detector, pipeline locator, pipe and cable locator, leak correlator, GPSequipmentand measuring devices.
Interprets data trends,comprehendwritten technical procedures and manuals.
Performs after hour’s standby duty on a rotating basis and respond to Public Works emergencies as necessary including snow and ice control shifts.
Responds to questions from the public about stormwater system operations and maintenanceactivitiesas necessary.
Cross-trains in other divisions and disciplines as directed by supervisor.
Maintainsaccuraterecords of workperformedand materials and equipment used and enters spatial and work order data into asset management software.
Performs related duties as required by management to meet the needs of the city.
Participates in professional trainings and development.
Ability to clearly describe program goals andobjectivesand assess a situation and adjust their communication style to meet the needs of the specific situation or audience.
Ability tomaintaina working knowledge with the OSHA Regulations and associated safety procedures andremainsalert to conditions, hazards and events occurring at the jobsite. Alway utilize the best industry safety practices.
Ability tomaintaincomplete andaccuraterecords.
Ability to model professional maturity and tact while staying task focused.
Ability to perform a wide range of physical and manual tasks in an outdoor environment.
Ability to take proper safety precautions to prevent accidents. Responsible for the safety of self, others, materials, and equipment. Use all required safety equipment and follow all safety regulations, policies, and procedures. Report all accidents and damage to city property.
Ability to use the following types of tools and equipment and trains others in their safe and proper use: backhoe, excavator, single and tandem axle truck and snowplow, frontend loader, hand tools, power tools, long handle tools, jackhammer, grinder, compressor, tamper, locating equipment.
Ability to work confidently and professionally with others. Ability to recognize the importance of collaboration and can build lasting relationships and connections with other city employees and community members. Skill in growing and continually fostering a high-trust, high-teamwork environment. Ability to receive candid performance feedback andparticipatein open dialogue with supervisor and peersregardingteam dynamics and work plan progress.
Able to navigate changing priorities and evolving approaches. Able to link short-term planning with strategic) task-oriented thinking toanticipatefuture consequences of current tactics.
Skill in actively listening to commercial or residential service complaints, pinpointing root causes, and collaborating with customers to deliver clear, effective resolutions.
Skill in compassionate empathy, patient boundary-setting, and socially perceptive interactions.
Skill in organization. Ability to map processes, track progress, meet deadlines, and manage multiple priorities effectively. Ability to perform functions dependably and reliably.
Must successfully pass a background check before first day of work andmaintainacceptable screening.
In addition to the Wastewater Collection OperatorI andIIminimum qualifications:
Ability to navigate changing priorities and evolving approaches. Able to link short-term planning with (strategic) task-oriented thinking toanticipatefuture consequences of current tactics.
Skill and ability to lead an after-hours emergency response team.
In addition to the Wastewater Collection OperatorI, II andIIIminimum qualifications:
Ability to coach and develop coworkers to help them grow professionally.
Ability to manage conflict and settle disputes with the best interest of the organization in mind.
Ability to read blueprints and other construction drawings.
Skill and experience with snow operations including operating tandem with plow and spreader.
Skill in advanced problem-solving skills on the job.
Ability to communicate fluently in English and Spanish.
Ability to read and interpret design drawings, blueprints, maps, quarter section books, computer generated drawings, and records measurements and locations, mainlines,manholes, taps, etc.
Six (6) months' experience in utilities operations and maintenance or construction (wastewater collections).
First Aid with CPR Certification through Red Cross or equivalent accredited institution.
In addition to the Wastewater Collection OperatorI andIIpreferredqualifications:
Knowledge of City Design and Construction Standards.
Skill and experience in heavy construction.
Skill and experience with snow operations including operating tandem with plow and spreader.
BMP installation and maintenance training.
In addition to theWastewater Collection OperatorI, IIandIIIpreferredqualifications:
Noadditionalpreferred qualifications.
High school diploma GED; or equivalent of two (2) years related experience may substitute for the education requirement only.
No experiencerequired.
Must hold andmaintaina valid driver's license.
Commercial Driver's License Class A or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months. Mustmaintainin good standing.
State of Colorado Class 1 Wastewater Collections System Operator Certification or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
Backhoe and Loader Certification under the Equipment Operator's Certification and Training Program or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
Traffic Flagger Certification from ATSSA or equivalent or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
Confined Space Certification or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
Competent Person Trenching, Shoring and Excavation Certification or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
OSHA 10-hour Certification or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
High school diploma or GED; or equivalent of two (2) years related experience may substitute for the education requirement only.
Two (2) years' experience in utilities operations and maintenance or construction.
Must hold andmaintaina valid driver's license.
Commercial Driver's License Class A or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months. Mustmaintainin good standing.
State of Colorado Class 2 Wastewater Collections System Operator Certification.
Backhoe and Loader Certification under the Equipment Operator's Certification and Training Program or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
Traffic Flagger Certification from ATSSA or equivalent or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
Confined Space Certification or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
Competent Person Trenching, Shoring and Excavation Certification or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
OSHA 10-hour certification or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
High school diploma or GED; or equivalent of two (2) years related experience may substitute for the education requirement only.
Three (3) years' experience in utilities maintenance or construction.
Must hold andmaintaina valid driver's license.
Commercial Driver's License Class A or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months. Mustmaintainin good standing.
State of Colorado Class 3 Wastewater Collections System Operator Certification.
Completion ofQPswppplevel 2 through Colorado Stormwater One.
Backhoe and Loader Certification under the Equipment Operator's Certification and Training Program or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
Traffic Flagger Certification from ATSSA or equivalent or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
Confined Space Certification or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
Competent Person Trenching, Shoring and Excavation Certification or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
OSHA 10-hour certification or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
NASSCO pipeline assessment Certification (PACP/LACP/MACP Certified) or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
High school diploma or GED; or equivalent of two (2) years related experience may substitute for the education requirement only.
Four (4) years' experience in utilities maintenance or construction (wastewater).
Must hold andmaintaina valid driver's license.
Commercial Driver's License Class A or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months. Mustmaintainin good standing.
State of Colorado Class 4 Wastewater Collections System Operator Certification.
Backhoe and Loader Certification under the Equipment Operator's Certification and training program or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
Traffic Flagger Certification from ATSSA or new hires have equivalent or ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
Confined Space Certification or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
Competent Person Trenching, Shoring and Excavation Certification or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
OSHA 10-hour certification or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
NASSCO pipeline assessment Certification (PACP/LACP/MACP Certified) or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
Supervision Received: WastewaterCollectionSupervisor
Supervision Exercised: None
PhysicalandMental Effort: Ability to work in and around moving traffic and equipment; in areas of limited access; and confined spaces requiring standing, walking, bending, and kneeling. Requires upper body strength to lift and carry equipment and supplies as needed.
Work Environment: Works year-round in an outdoor environment and at times in adverse weather conditions, such as rain, wind, heat, cold, and snow. Works in an industrial setting subject to continuous interruptions and background noises. May experience stress from demanding deadlines, public contact, and changing priorities and conditions . May experience stress from encounters with concerned or distraught customers.
Machines and Equipment Used : Hand and power tools, long-handled tools, backhoe, excavator, single and tandem axle truck and snowplow, frontend loader, hand tools, power tools, rodder, jackhammer, grinder, compressor, tamper, locating equipment, sewer jet, bucket machine, combo cleaners, CCTV equipment, hydro-excavators,vactorstyle trucks, two-way radio, gas detection equipment, pipe/leak locators, correlators and computers (hand-held, lap-top, and stationary). Required to wear protective safety gear and use safety equipment to protect against potential biohazardspossibly encountered .
As part of the City of Boulder's commitment to a future with equitable access to health, prosperity, and fulfillment that is not limited by a person's race, ethnicity, age, gender, ability, religion, sexuality, or socioeconomic status, it is the city's policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all individuals. The city does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law or policy.
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