Water Distribution or Water Treatment Plant Operator I

NW Natural; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 58,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Wellness Platform

Vacation Days

Paid Holidays

Parental Leave

401K Match

Stock Purchase Discount

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

NW Natural Water is seeking a Water Distribution or Water Treatment Plant Operator I to perform operation, maintenance, and repair work on water systems. The role involves responding to service requests, leading tasks on projects, and coordinating with team members in a high-stakes field environment.

The position requires 2+ years of relevant experience, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to lift 50 pounds.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two or more years of relevant water utility or related experience.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of water distribution systems.
• Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
• Consent to background checks and ability to pass MVR checks.

Responsibilities

• Install and repair water mains, hydrants, valves, and meters.
• Inspect and operate valves; flush hydrants and lines; collect water samples.
• Locate and mark distribution system facilities and leaks.
• Operate service trucks and perform routine vehicle maintenance.
• Follow NW Natural Water policies and safety regulations.
• Communicate effectively with management and other operators.

Skills

Water distribution knowledge

Safety compliance

Team collaboration

Reading and following procedures

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

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Water Distribution or Water Treatment Plant Operator I

Water Distribution or Water Treatment Plant Operator I

Non-Union Position; Multiple Positions
WTR-Operations Water Services-King Water 1; Coupeville,Washington (US-WA)
Regular FT, Non-Exempt
Posting # 5702

About Us:

NW Natural Water owns and operates water and wastewater utilities in communities throughout Texas, Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Since 2018, we have acquired more than 30 utilities and today serve more than 190,000 people via 76,000 connections.

Our parent company, NW Natural Holding Company (NYSE: NWN) (NW Natural Holdings), is headquartered in Portland, Oregon and has been doing business for over 165 years. The company operates through NW Natural Gas Company (NW Natural), SiEnergy Operating (SiEnergy), NW Natural Water Company (NW Natural Water), NW Natural Renewables Holdings (NW Natural Renewables), and other business interests, serving a combined population of over 2.6 million people.

NOTE:

Qualified applicants must be able to respond within 2 hours to their designated service areas.

Position Summary:

The Water Operator I performs operation, maintenance, and repair work for water systems and responds to public inquiries and service requests as needed.

This is a fully trained operator role that independently performs standard operational and maintenance tasks, participates in more complex repairs and troubleshooting, and may provide task-level guidance to Water Operations Technicians.

While this position does not have formal supervisory responsibility, it may lead work activities on assigned projects. The duties listed describe the core responsibilities of the role, but additional assignments may be given as needed to support operational needs.

• Install and repair water mains, fire hydrants, check valves, and water service lines; tap water mains; perform ground excavation; mix, rake, and spread asphalt; and patch or repair excavations.
• Inspect, operate, and exercise gate valves to prevent seizures; flush fire hydrants and dead-end water lines to remove sediment; and take water samples for testing.
• Locate, identify, and mark distribution system facilities, including valves, fire hydrants, and blow-offs.
• Locate and identify leaks.
• Install, relocate, and adjust meter boxes and valve cans; install and replace water meters.
• Perform repair and maintenance on water and wastewater facilities, including structures and grounds.
• Operate service trucks; routinely inspect and perform minor maintenance on assigned vehicles; remove and replace defective parts; and assist with transporting vehicles to repair shops.
• Follow all NW Natural Water Services policies, procedures, and safety regulations, including grooming and uniform requirements.
• Communicate effectively, in writing and verbally, with management and other operators at the technical level required for the position.
• Participate in specialized training for the safe handling of hazardous materials and confined-space entry.
• Participate in weekly team meetings.
• Work effectively as part of a team and independently, with or without direct supervision.

Tools and Equipment Used

• A variety of hand tools and hand-held power equipment.
• Light- and medium-duty vehicles and equipment, including vacuum excavation equipment.
• Computer and general office equipment.

Working Conditions and Environment:

• Work may range from extreme outdoor conditions to indoor duties. This position regularly works outside, year-round, in all weather conditions.
• Safety procedures must be followed at all times. Work may involve exposure to hazardous materials, confined spaces, electrical components, and heavy equipment.
• The field environment is usually moderately noisy, with higher noise levels when operating hand-held power equipment.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two or more years of relevant water utility or closely related experience.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of water distribution systems.
• Valid driver’s license (or obtain within 90 days if out-of-state), required certifications/endorsements, and satisfactory driving record.
• Consent to annual Motor Vehicle Records checks and successful completion of a criminal history check.
• Ability to safely lift at least 50 pounds, and more with assistance.
• Ability to physically accommodate and use respirators and self-contained breathing apparatuses.
• Ability to safely access and exit trenches, manholes, lift stations, water reservoirs, and towers.
• Ability to work a weekend or variable shift and participate in a 24-hour emergency on-call rotation when assigned.

Required Certifications:

• Requires advanced water utility certifications demonstrating technical expertise in water distribution and/or treatment operations, such as:
  • Water Distribution Manager Level I (WDM1)
  • Water Treatment Plant Operator Level I (WTPO1)
• Must be obtained within six months of employment:
  • Washington State Flagger certification card
  • Forklift card
  • First Aid and CPR certification

What we offer:

Health & Wellness –

• Rich health insurance benefits with competitive employer contribution
• Free access to an online wellness resources platform

Work Life Balance -

• Accrue up to 15 Vacation Days annually
• 13 paid holidays
• 3 weeks paid parental leave
• Competitive 401K company contribution and match
• 15% discount on NW Natural stock through Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Up to $5250 a year in tuition reimbursement

Base hourly range: $28.00 - $37.86 per hour, depending on qualifications

Deadline: 10/22/26

We are a drug free workplace and we comply with Federal Drug Free Workplace Act and Department of Transportation regulations. NW Natural Water participates in E-Verify. Individuals hired will have their Form I-9 information submitted to E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.

E-Verify Information NW Natural participates in E-Verify. Individuals hired will have their Form I-9 information submitted to E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.

All applications must be submitted through NW Natural Water’s Electronic Application System. Resumes submitted via email, fax or mail will not be accepted in lieu of an electronic application.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

NW Natural Water does not accept unsolicited submissions or assistance from search firms for posted positions. Resumes submitted by search firms working under a valid and current written contract with NW Natural Water valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from NW Natural Water HR/Employment will be deemed the sole property of NW Natural Water. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by NW Natural Water as a result of the referral or through other means.

NW Natural Water is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and embrace our candidates’ diversity and take affirmative action to employ and advance individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin, marital status, genetic information, and all other legally protected characteristics. We forbid discrimination and harassment in the workplace based on any protected status or characteristic. A criminal history is not an automatic bar to employment with NW Natural Water. Instead, we make individualized assessments regarding qualifications and backgrounds. NW Natural Water is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation as part of the application process, please contact us at [e-mail].