WATER DISTRIBUTION OPERATOR II
City Of Walla Walla
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Job summary
The City of Walla Walla seeks a journeyman Water Distribution Operator to perform skilled duties in the city’s water distribution system. You will work with a crew on meter maintenance, hydrant work, flushing, valve exercising and heavy equipment operation, supporting reliable water services.
You will collect data, maintain comprehensive records, assist in training, and respond to public inquiries and emergencies while adhering to safety guidelines and city standards.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED plus 12 months water distribution or treatment experience and 24 months related water system experience.
- Three years of heavy equipment operation in residential and commercial settings.
- Valid WA driver’s license; Class A CDL with air brakes and tanker endorsement.
- Valid WA DOH Water Distribution Manager Level 2 certification; excavation and confined space competencies.
- Any equivalent education/experience combination.
Responsibilities
- Operate heavy equipment and perform underground excavation as needed.
- Install, maintain, and repair meters, hydrants, and valves; conduct flushing and testing.
- Conduct leak detection, meter testing, and system data collection; maintain records.
- Respond to public inquiries and emergencies; participate in 7-day on-call rotation.
- Train junior operators and assist in department projects.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Performs journeyman level operator duties of Group A, Class 3 Water Distribution System. Performs a variety of skilled duties related to the most significant and complex construction and maintenance repairs of the City’s water operations systems. Works with assigned crew on projects such as meter maintenance and installation, leak repairs, flushing, valve exercising and fire hydrant maintenance; to include the operation of heavy equipment and the performance of manual labor.
Supervision is provided by the Water Distribution Supervisor; general direction and oversight is provided by the Water Operator III and Lead Operator positions.
- Employees of the City of Walla Walla are expected to model and foster the City’s core values: Service – Integrity – Collaboration – Equity – Leadership - Community
- Provide exemplary customer service to all individuals; actively participate in maintaining a positive customer service environment.
- Perform underground excavation in residential and commercial areas including confined space entry; operate heavy equipment including wheel loader, backhoe, and excavator.
- Perform responsibilities related to general water distribution operation and maintenance; flush and clean water distribution systems; install and repair fire hydrants.
- Install new meters including large meters; execute new and existing service assignments including meter repairs and replacements.
- Operate leak detection equipment including electronically enhanced listing devices; utilize underground electronic locator equipment, valve exercising equipment, and other tools used in system maintenance programs.
- Perform welding for fabrication and repairs.
- Collect, capture, process, and report utility data using electronic work order software in combination with GIS mapping.
- Ensure the adherence to safe work practices and procedures by operations personnel.
- Assist in training assigned water distribution operators in maintenance, repair methods and techniques; inspect work and recommend modifications as appropriate.
- Maintain detailed and comprehensive records and drawings related to the water distribution system operations, including installation, repair, and maintenance activities.
- Respond to public inquiries with tact and courtesy; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
- Participate in the inspection of the water distribution systems.
- Request City utility locates with 811 One Call Center, providing township, range, location, and type of work to be performed including start dates. May assist in locating underground City-owned utilities.
- Respond to customer inquiries, complaints, and emergency calls; respond to service calls for main line breaks, service/meter leaks and system wide pressure and flow problems.
- Participate in the seven (7) day on-call rotation. Respond to emergency calls off-hours for operations and repair of the Water Distribution system.
- May provide back-up services and/or assist other City Departments/Divisions.
- May be assigned responsibilities for Water Distribution Operator III in his/her absence.
- Demonstrate punctual, regular, and reliable attendance which is essential for successful job performance.
- Present a positive, professional image; maintain cooperative and effective working relationships; assure excellent customer service with internal and external customers.
- Execute assignments, projects, and job responsibilities efficiently and within defined timeframes; work independently and effectively with little direction.
- Demonstrate good judgment and employ critical thinking to execute duties, identify issues, seek solutions, and recommend improvements in support of departmental goals.
- Provide assistance to staff and higher-level management; participate in resolving operational or interpersonal concerns; participate in training, meetings, and on committees as assigned.
- Respect the value of diversity in the workplace and the community.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Knowledge of applicable federal, state, local laws, codes, and regulations; occupational hazards and standard safe work precautions; safety measures related to excavation; precautions related to work in traffic.
- Demonstrate knowledge of public works water systems, underground water, power and street lighting systems, and understanding of the operational characteristics of water including gravity, pumped delivery, pressure control and reduction.
- Technical and analytical skills to operate specialized equipment including sensitive computerized instrumentation devices to extract data and accurately utilize device outputs for analysis.
- Ability to coordinate logistics and navigate the layout of systems using Water Distribution, Sanitary Sewer, Street Lighting, and Stormwater mapping; read and interpret operational and technical manuals, maps, blueprints, drawings, and diagrams; prepare as-built drawings for atlas updates.
- Demonstrated knowledge of metal detectors; atmospheric tester tools; ability to operate GPS recording devices, meter testing, and chlorine residual analyzer equipment.
- Utilize software programs, electronic browsers, SCADA, and Computer Maintenance Management Systems; coordinate and implement new installations for water distribution systems.
- Familiar with business management principles and able to perform administrative work including record keeping, reporting, and budget control, familiar with modern office procedures, methods, computers and standard office equipment operations.
- Diagnose and troubleshoot problems; independently perform difficult and complex tasks.
- Ability to operate and maintain hand tools, power tools and a variety of specialized equipment.
A variety of hand tools, power tools, and specialized equipment including valve exercising equipment, water pumps, hand pumps, and industrial gas-powered pump units. Electronic devices and sensitive equipment such as atmospheric testers and metal detectors. Heavy equipment vehicles such as dump trucks, backhoes, excavators, and wheel loaders. Standard office equipment such as desktop and laptop computers, copiers, scanners, and phones.
Walking, standing, bending, or crouching or kneeling down for extended periods of time; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate specialized equipment and execute repetitive hand movements; Sitting for extended periods of time; seeing and hearing to identify information; speaking and writing to exchange information; pushing, pulling and lifting up to 75 pounds with assistance; operating assigned equipment and vehicles.
Outdoor work environment exposed to seasonal conditions and inclement weather, including driving a vehicle to conduct work in all weather conditions. Work may be performed around and within the proximity of moving objects including vehicles and related traffic hazards; excavations and confined space; dissatisfied or aggressive individuals.
High school diploma, GED or equivalent, and 12 months Water Distribution or Treatment Plant experience and an additional 24 months of direct water system related experience. Three years of heavy equipment operation in residential and commercial settings. Valid state driver’s license and proof of good driving record. Class A, CDL with air brakes and tanker endorsement. Valid State of Washington Department of Health Water Distribution Manager Level 2 certification. Certificates in Competent Person for excavation and confined space. Any equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
State of Washington Department of Health Water Treatment Plant Operator Level 2 certification. Foreman or lead experience of a field crew in a water distribution system. Bilingual in Spanish.
The benefits listed below are those currently enjoyed by full-time AFSCME 1191W (American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees) City of Walla Walla employees. It is important to remember that over the course of time these benefits may change - they are not permanent. Benefits may change through the City Council or administrative action, contracts or changes mandated by state and federal law.
Employees are eligible the first of the month following the first day of employment.
Employees and all eligible dependents are covered for Medical, Dental, and Vision for only $231.03/month.
- Regence Blue Shield HealthFirst 250
- Kaiser (HMO) 200
High-Deductible Plans – eligible for H.S.A (City annually contributes $750 for an individual and $1500 for a family)
- Regence Blue Shield High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
- Kaiser High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) HMO
Dental – Delta Dental of Washington PPO. $2,000 per year max; Class I, II and III no deductible. Orthodontia paid at 50% max lifetime payment of $1,500 per covered member.
Vision – VSP and AWC Plan B. Well Vision Exam every 12 months - $0 copay. Prescription glasses $10 copay, plus various allowances for frames, lenses, and contacts.
Employees are eligible the first of the month following the first day of employment.
City paid: $50,000 Basic Life Insurance and $50,000 AD&D coverage.
Employee Voluntary: Supplemental Life/AD&D and Long-Term Disability coverage available at low premiums.
Employees are eligible with their first paycheck upon enrollment. No vesting requirements.
The City will match an employee’s monthly contribution up to 3.5% of the employee’s monthly base rate of pay. Three options include Baker Boyer Bank - BPAS, MissionSquare, or the Washington State Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). Employee contribution options for pre-tax and Roth.
AFSCME employees (except for Emergency Services Dispatchers) are members of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). The City and the employee both contribute toward the plan. PERS provides regular retirement and disability retirement benefits. Rates effective as of 07/01/2025. (www.drs.wa.gov)
5.38%
5.58%
5.58%
Employee Choice
5.58%
(6 available options)
Plan II 6.91% 7.11%
On January 1, each employee is eligible for 11 paid holidays per year as outlined below. Employees hired during the year are eligible for any remaining holidays following their start date.
- New Year’s Day
- Labor Day
- Martin Luther King Day
- Veterans Day
- President’s Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Memorial Day
- Day after Thanksgiving Day
- Juneteenth
- Christmas Day
- Independence Day
On January 1, each employee shall be granted thirty-two (32) floating holidays. Employees hired during the year shall receive prorated floating holiday hours following their start date. Floating holidays must be used by year-end or will be forfeited.
Full-time employees earn vacation leave in increments as outlined below. Vacation leave may be used as accumulated after completion of the initial (6) six months of employment. As of December 31st, no employee shall have an accumulated amount of vacation leave in excess of 240 hours. Additionally, employees may elect to cash out up to forty (40) hours of vacation time each year, provided the employee has taken forty (40) hours of vacation during the preceding calendar year.
0 – 4 years: 6.67 hours
5 – 9 years: 10 hours
10 – 15 years: 13.33 hours
16+ years: 16.67 hours
All Full-time Employees Earn 8 Hours Of Sick Leave Per Month To a Maximum Accrual Of 960 Hours. The City Also Offers a Sick Leave Cash-out Policy Of 25% Of Hours Over 960 At Year-end, And a Sick Leave Conversion Policy As Outlined Below
480 Hours
480 Hours 1.33 Hours per Month
720 Hours 2.67 Hours per Month
960 Hours 4.00 Hours per Month
AFSCME employees will be paid longevity pay as outlined below:
5 years of service $40/per month
10 years of service $50/per month
15 years of service $60/per month
An employee's longevity shall be adjusted for periods of leave of absence without pay. Longevity shall be determined by continuous employment. Continuous employment shall be recognized as a period of employment without a break in service. All credit toward longevity shall terminate upon the employee's termination from City service, except for vacation accrual if an employee is rehired within one (1) year of separation.
The City has received the AWC WellCity Award since 2014, which provides a 2% reduction in health insurance premiums. The City's Wellness Committee promotes healthy lifestyles, wise consumption of health care services, and mental, spiritual, and physical well-being. This committee sponsors numerous activities to encourage personal and professional health.
An Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) is provided by the City to assist you and family members, providing counseling and treatment in such areas as stress, drug and alcohol abuse and family counseling.
In An Effort To Ensure All Employees Work Safe And Go Home Safe, We Expect Our Employees To Comply With All Applicable Safety Practices And Policies, Including Those Established By OSHA/DOSH/WISHA Regulations And By The City's Accident Prevention Plan. This Includes But Is Not Limited To Actively Identifying And Correcting Potential Hazards That May Affect Coworkers And Public Safety. All Employees Are Expected To Lead By Example To Promote a Positive Culture Of Workplace Safety Through Everyday Actions. The City Of Walla Walla Is Committed To Providing a Work Environment That
- Is free of all recognized hazards.
- Promotes safe and healthy tasks and workplaces.
- Values and encourages worker input in all jobs regarding task/facility enhancements.
- Is insistent on the full reporting and investigation of all incidents, i.e., injuries/ illnesses, property accidents and all near misses.
- Is performed by workers and supervisors, who are trained in all operational safety aspects of their jobs, (both mandated by the applicable Washington State requirements and those of the City of Walla Walla’s policies and procedures).
- Bilingual Incentive - 3%
- Aflac Insurance
- YMCA Membership – Corporate Discount
- Direct Deposit (payday is the 3rd working day following the last day of the month)
https://www.wallawallawa.gov/government/human-resources/contracts-salaries
https://www.wallawallawa.gov/government/human-resources/personnel-policies-civil-service-rules
Do you have a current CDL (Commercial Driver's License)?
- Yes, I have a valid Class A CDL
- Yes, I have a valid Class B CDL
- No, I do not have a CDL
- In the process of obtaining
Do you have a current State of Washington Department of Health Water Distribution Manager Level 1 OIT certification?
- Yes
- No
- In the process of obtaining
Do you have a current State of Washington Department of Health Water Distribution Manager Level 2 OIT certification?
- Yes
- No
- In the process of obtaining
- Required Question
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