Wastewater Collection System Operator-In-Training

Idaho Falls; Idaho Falls (ID); Hybrid; USD 29,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision

Life insurance

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

City of Idaho Falls is hiring a Wastewater Collection System Operator‑In‑Training to learn and support our essential infrastructure outdoors. This entry‑level position offers hands‑on training, job stability, and room to grow while serving the community.

You will work with experienced operators, assist with cleaning and maintaining sewer lines, operate jetter and vacuum trucks, and help with manholes and inspections.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and 1 year of related experience.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience accepted.
• Must possess valid Idaho CDL with Tanker Endorsement or have the ability to acquire within one year.
• Must possess Wastewater Collections System Operator in Training Certification or have the ability to acquire within one year.
• Must pass a thorough background check.
• Ability to lift up to 70 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Assist in monitoring and maintaining wastewater collection lines.
• Operate high velocity hydraulic jetter and vacuum truck.
• Assist with manhole surveys, maintenance, and reporting.
• Drive and operate heavy equipment as needed (backhoe/loader, etc.).
• Maintain clean and safe work sites and follow regulations.

Skills

Basic tools knowledge

Heavy equipment operation

Communication

Manual labor

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Hydraulics

Backhoe/loader

Jet/vacuum equipment

Job description

Be a part of a dynamic team whose common goal is to make a difference in our community. It is amazing to know that by being a part of the City of Idaho Falls team, you would be doing important work for our community that affects people’s lives. Every day brings new challenges and rewards!

Job Description:

Are you looking for a hands‑on career with great benefits, job stability, and room to grow? The City of Idaho Falls is hiring a Wastewater Collection System Operator‑In‑Training to help maintain and improve our city’s essential infrastructure. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn valuable skills, work outdoors, and be part of a team that keeps our community safe and clean.

What You’ll Do

In this entry‑level role, you’ll work alongside experienced operators to learn the ins and outs of wastewater collection system maintenance. This active, outdoor position is perfect for someone who enjoys hands‑on work, problem‑solving, and making a visible impact on the community.

Salary & Benefits

• Full Salary Range: $20.94 – $27.88 per hour
• Starting Salary: $20.94 – $22.53 per hour
• Comprehensive Benefits Package, including: Health, dental, vision, and life insurance; Retirement benefits; Paid time off and holiday pay

Why Join Us?

The City of Idaho Falls Public Works Department is dedicated to providing excellent public service to our growing community. As part of our team, you’ll gain on‑the‑job training, career advancement opportunities, and the chance to play a crucial role in maintaining the city’s wastewater system.

Essential Functions:

• In a learning capacity and working with an Operator I, travels collection system routes to monitor line condition; observes system flow, may take flow meter readings and removes debris and obstructions to prevent line back‑ups and property damage; inspects, cleans and maintains wastewater collection system; assists in operating high velocity Hydraulic Jetter and vacuum truck in cleaning sewer lines.
• Removes blockage in wastewater collection system; insures proper containment of decontamination during and after backups and spills to prevent public health hazards and protect environment.
• Assists with manhole surveys to check for damaged lids and rings; maintain, cleans and inspects manholes and covers and exposes manholes; keeps manholes and easements free of debris and accessible; prepares written reports on manhole condition; locates drives and operates a variety of hand and power tools and equipment as needed to install, maintain and repair manholes, grates etc.; replaces or resets manholes as needed to bring them up to road grade; may perform as a safety flagman during highway operations.
• Assists with Driving and operating heavy and technical equipment in the maintenance, construction, and repair of main and lateral sewer lines; including, backhoe/loader, jet flusher/vacuum, jet flusher/non‑vac, rodder, TV truck; drives and operates boom truck, dump truck(s), and.
• Assists with preventative maintenance line cleaning and flushing; may enter manholes to remove obstructions; utilizes various equipment and apparatus in the daily performance of projects, including early warning devices, harness, winch, gas detector, pumps, compressor, compactor and fork lift; identify and record wastewater collection system problems; reports problems to Collection Foreman.
• Reads, uses and interprets sewer collection and storm drainage system plans and plans and maps.
• Adheres to and complies with all state, federal, and local regulations, policies, and procedures pertaining to safe work practices and all operation and maintenance duties.
• May assist with a snow removal in a snow event.
• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education and Experience: A. Graduation from high school or equivalent; AND B. One (1) year of experience performing the above or closely related duties; OR C. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of basic hand and power tools operations; knowledge of tools and equipment; knowledge in use and care of required tools and equipment; basic automotive mechanics; hydraulics.
• Skill in the operation of heavy mechanized equipment as required by the position.
• Ability to adapt to emergency or unusual situations; tolerate weather extremes in the work place; communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; perform strenuous manual labor; develop working relationships with supervisors, co‑workers and the public.
• Ability to lift 70 lbs.

Special Qualifications:

• Must possess a valid Idaho Commercial Driver’s License with Tanker Endorsement or have the ability to acquire within one year.
• Must possess a Wastewater Collections System Operator in Training Certification or have the ability to acquire within one year.
• Must complete .6 Continuing Education Units in Wastewater annually.
• Must be able to pass a thorough background check.

Work Environment:

• Employees in this position normally work in an outdoor environment, subject to changing and seasonal weather extremes.
• Frequently, tasks require a variety of physical activities, generally involving muscular strain, related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, and lifting; daily potential for hazardous exposure to electrical shock, industrial wastes and raw sewage (containing pathogens such as typhoid, paratyphoid, dysentery, polio, tetanus, etc.).
• daily exposure to moving parts and equipment such as pumps, motors, heavy equipment, etc.; Talking, hearing and seeing essential to performing required job functions.
• Common eye, hand, finger dexterity exist.
• Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, discriminating thinking and creative problem solving.

Pay Range:

See Position Description Benefits: Full‑time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program which includes medical, dental, vision and life coverage. You will also be eligible for retirement benefits through PERSI. PERSI is a defined benefit plan that offers guaranteed retirement benefits for full‑time employees.

Join a team that’s shaping one of the best places to live and work in the country. As the largest city in eastern Idaho—and consistently recognized for job growth and livability—the City of Idaho Falls offers a dynamic and rewarding work environment. Our employees enjoy meaningful public service careers across 11 departments, including parks and recreation, utilities, public safety, and more. We offer competitive pay, generous benefits, and retirement through the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI). With a strong community spirit, beautiful natural surroundings, and year‑round recreational and cultural activities, Idaho Falls is more than a workplace—it’s a place to grow, thrive, and make a difference.