Water Maintenance Program Lead Worker

City of Bellevue; Bellevue (WA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime opportunities

Health benefits

Dental & vision benefits

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Clothing allowance

CDL training support

Job summary

The City of Bellevue is seeking a Water Utilities Program Lead Worker to oversee a small crew in daily field work, focusing on maintaining drinking water infrastructure for the community.

You will lead safety-focused field operations, mentor staff, and coordinate repairs while working with contractors and city teams. This hands-on role requires organizing, reporting, and readiness for emergency responses.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 3+ years of experience in drinking water infrastructure.
• Demonstrated leadership ability with small field crews and safety focus.

Responsibilities

• Lead, train, and motivate crew members while ensuring safety and compliance.
• Coordinate repairs on hydrants, valves, mains, meters, and connections.
• Support maintenance programs including system flushing and preventive care.
• Collaborate with contractors, inspectors, and Water Quality staff on shutdowns and field issues.
• Document, track, and report work using mobile devices.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Documentation

Crew leadership

Mentoring

Decision making under pressure

Team motivation

Overtime availability

Adaptability

Public communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Field reporting tools

Dump trucks & backhoes

Job description

Do you thrive in a hands-on leadership role, working outdoors, and making a direct impact in your community? Join the City of Bellevue Utilities Department as a Water Utilities Program Lead Worker.

As part of our Water Maintenance team, you’ll help keep drinking water safe and reliable for more than 43,000 homes and businesses across 600+ miles of water main. This journey-level position provides an opportunity to lead small crews, oversee critical water maintenance programs, and respond to real-world challenges in the field.

We offer:

• Competitive pay with guaranteed overtime opportunities
• Excellent benefits for you and your family: medical, dental, vision, and multiple retirement plans
• Generous paid time off: 12 holidays, 16 personal hours, and monthly vacation/sick leave accrual
• Annual clothing and boot allowance (brands like Carhartt, 5.11, etc.)
• Growth opportunities with training, certifications, and CDL support
• A culture of teamwork, safety, and public service

If you’re self-motivated, organized, and ready to take the lead in maintaining Bellevue’s water infrastructure, this could be the right fit for you.

As a Program Lead Worker, you’ll guide a small crew in daily field work and help manage water infrastructure programs. You will:

• Lead, train, and motivate crew members while ensuring safety and compliance.
• Coordinate and perform repairs on hydrants, valves, mains, meters, and service connections.
• Support preventive and corrective maintenance programs, including system flushing.
• Work with contractors, inspectors, and Water Quality staff on shutdowns and field issues.
• Use mobile technology (iPads, iPhones) to document, track, and report work.
• Operate equipment such as dump trucks, backhoes, and hydro excavators.
• Respond to emergencies like water main breaks or weather events.
• Communicate effectively with the public, supervisors, and other city staff.

This is a hands-on leadership role—our lead workers work alongside their crews.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• At least 3 years of experience in drinking water infrastructure.
• Demonstrated leadership ability, including:
  • Leading small crews in the field, setting clear expectations, and ensuring work is completed safely and efficiently.
  • Mentoring, training, and motivating team members while promoting a positive and productive work environment.
  • Making sound decisions under pressure, prioritizing work, and adapting to changing field conditions.
  • Holding team members accountable, providing constructive feedback, and supporting professional growth.
  • Balancing hands-on field work with leadership responsibilities and leading by example.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to plan, organize, and complete work efficiently.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office and field reporting tools.
• Ability to read and interpret maps, drawings, and records.
• Attention to detail with strong documentation and recordkeeping skills.
• Proven ability to lead small crews, set clear expectations, and ensure safe, efficient completion of work.
• Skilled at mentoring, training, and motivating team members while fostering a positive team environment.
• Able to make sound decisions under pressure and adapt to changing conditions.
• Demonstrated accountability: providing feedback, holding team members responsible, and leading by example.
• Willingness to work overtime, nights, weekends, and respond to emergencies.

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid Washington driver’s license at hire with a good driving record.
• Ability to obtain a Class A CDL with tanker endorsement within 1 year (paid training provided).
• Ability to obtain Washington Flagger’s Certificate within 12 months.
• Selected candidates may be subject to pre-employment physical, agility, and drug/alcohol testing (per CDL regulations).

Working Conditions

• Physical outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• Frequent lifting up to 90 lbs., climbing, pulling, pushing, and confined-space entry.
• Exposure to traffic, equipment, underground utilities, and chemicals.
• Must be able to respond to 24-hour emergency calls.