Water Operator I

Careers with the City of Jerome, ID; United States; On-site; USD 29,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Jerome is seeking a motivated worker for the Public Works Department to perform semi-skilled and skilled tasks in water distribution and related maintenance. The role includes responding to calls within one hour and rotating duty status across shifts.

Essential duties cover installing and repairing mains, meters, hydrants, and irrigation systems, with training opportunities on meter reading and line locating.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Possession or ability to obtain Idaho OIT Operator in Training License or Water I license preferred.
• Experience with water distribution maintenance is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Install, renew, or repair water mains and service lines.
• Maintain irrigation systems.
• Inspect and service water meters and hydrants.
• Operate light equipment and participate in snow plowing and street maintenance as needed.

Skills

Masonry

Carpentry

Welding

Preventive maintenance

Safety awareness

Traffic laws

Mathematical calculations

Education

High school diploma or GED

Water I license / OIT license

Tools

Backhoe

Dump truck

Mowers

Vacuum wagon

Job description

Public Works Department Rate of Pay 2044 2555 Status Until filled Details

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 andor Operations Supervisor

Supervision Exercised

None

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Installs renews andor 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 andor move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift andor 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 andor 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.