Water Operator I

City-of-Jerome,-I; Jerome (ID); On-site; USD 28,000 - 35,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Jerome is inviting applications for a Public Works role that supports water distribution maintenance and related skilled tasks. The position operates with a rotating duty call back and requires the ability to respond within one hour to service area.

This job runs from October 2026 through May 2027, averaging 29 hours per week. Applicants must complete the city’s application process; reviews occur biweekly.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience in performing water operational semi-skilled maintenance or construction tasks preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Possession of Idaho OIT (Operator in Training) License or ability to obtain with a Water I license preferred; 18+ years of age.

Responsibilities

• Install, renew, and/or repair water mains and service lines.
• Assist with maintenance of the irrigation system.
• Raise or lower valve boxes, curb boxes, manholes, or fire hydrants for grade changes.
• Replace or repair non-functioning water meters, fire hydrants, fittings, and broken pipe sections.
• Irrigation line and box installation and repairs.
• Operate as Water Distribution Maintenance trainee for meter reading and maintenance.
• Take and record well readings; keep shift operation logs.
• Responsible for equipment inspection and service before operation.
• Maintain building, grounds, piping, roadway, and machinery.

Skills

Maintenance tasks

Masonry knowledge

Carpentry knowledge

Welding knowledge

Equipment parts knowledge

Safety knowledge

Traffic laws knowledge

Math skills

Instruction following

Relationship building

Education

High school diploma or GED

Water operations experience

Equivalent education/experience

Job description

Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available.

Public Works Department
Rate of Pay: $20.44 - $25.55
Status: Until filled
Details: Please upload resume and complete application. Application reviews will be every two weeks.

This position runs from October 2026 - May 2027. Position is 29 hours per week.

Application must be completed to be considered for this role.

General Statement of Duties

The City of Jerome is a dynamic organization which positively affects our citizens every day. Every position within the City is expected to be a leader within our organization, as well as in our community. This position performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks related to the everyday operations and some emergency operations within the Public Works Department. Works on varied shifts including a rotating Duty Call Back status and must be able to respond within one hour to anywhere in the service area.

Supervision Received

Works under the immediate supervision of Operator II, Lead Operator, and/or Operations Supervisor.

Supervision Exercised

None

Examples of Work (Illustrative Only) Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Installs, renews, and/or repairs water mains and service lines
• Assist with maintenance of the irrigation system
• Raises or lowers valve boxes, curb boxes manholes, or fire hydrants when necessary for changes of grade on streets, sidewalks, etc.
• Replaces or repairs non-functioning water meters, fire hydrants, fittings, and broken pipe sections
• Irrigation line and box installation and repairs
• Operator in Training for meter reading and meter maintenance, facility line locating and irrigation operations
• Turn off or on service, readings/meters and leak checks
• Keeps a log of shift operations
• Operation of light equipment
• Operator in Training for backhoe, dump truck, mowers, vacuum-wagon, and other equipment
• Inspect and service equipment before operation
• Sign installation and repair
• Assist in water and sewer main installation and repairs
• Take and record well readings
• Maintains building, grounds, piping, roadway, and machinery
• Operator in Training for snow plowing, street sanding, pothole patching, street painting, backfill street cuts and street crack filling
• Under supervision, performs Water Distribution Maintenance as needed

Professionalism & Communication

• Attends department meetings and communicates regularly with the Supervisors and co-workers.
• Maintains a professional and courteous demeanor at all times.
• Provides timely, respectful and thorough customer service.
• Communicates daily with cross-functional teams regarding issues, events, and updates.
• Maintains a proper professional image and generates positive public image.
• Expected to be a leader within the organization as well as in our community.
• All other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Working knowledge of a variety of semi-skilled maintenance and manual tasks;
• Some knowledge of masonry, carpentry and welding skills;
• Some knowledge of equipment parts and preventive maintenance;
• Knowledge of job safety and safety precautions related to public works operations;
• Working knowledge of traffic laws and regulations;
• Ability to utilize mathematical skills including basic geometry for mathematical calculations;
• Ability to perform manual tasks for sustained periods of time;
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, the public and Supervisors.

Acceptable Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Experience in performing various water operational semi-skilled maintenance or construction tasks preferred; or
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Qualifications

• Possession of Idaho OIT (Operator in Training) License or ability to obtain with a Water I license preferred;
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

Essential Physical Abilities

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. In the course of lifting, the employee may frequently be required to bend or squat.

The employee will be expected to perform work from an elevated position including climbing and working from ladders.

The Employee will be expected to work in confined spaces and must be able to wear appropriate equipment including belts and harnesses. The employee also must possess sufficient physical and mental ability to withstand a confined environment.

Specific vision with reasonable accommodations ability required by this job may include; close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must prove adequate dexterity to: manipulate, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand. The employee is frequently required to walk; talk or hear; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and smell.

Employee may frequently be exposed to untreated wastewater (containing human waste). Employee must not have physical or mental barriers to performing these tasks; also employees will be requested to receive Hepatitis combination vaccinations for their protection.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in outside weather conditions. The employee works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The employee may be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals.

Appointees will be subject to completion of a standard probationary period.

The City of Jerome is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer and is a Drug Free Workplace. The City of Jerome is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other applicable legally protected status. Qualified veterans who provide required documentation will be given preference in accordance with Idaho state law.