Water Distribution Certified Operator

Job Description

Job Description

March 12, 2026

POSITION ANNUNCEMENT

Water Distribution Certified Operator

City of The Dalles

Discover Your Future in The Dalles, Oregon as Water Distribution Certified Operator!

Department: Public Works, Water Division

Compensation: $61,113.40 to $81,272.31- depending on skills, experience, and certification level

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, HRA-VEBA, Long-Term Disability AD/D, and Employee Assistance Program. Retirement contributions start after one-year all paid by the City at 13.5% of base wage.

Status: Full-time, FLSA Non-Exempt, SEIU Represented

Closing Date: Open until filled. First review of applications March 26, 2026.

POSITION SUMMARY

This is a full-time Union eligible position. Under the general direction of the Division Manager, the Department Director or their designee. The certified operator performs skilled and semi-skilled tasks necessary operation and maintenance of the Water Distribution Division and, when necessary, provides service assistance to the wastewater collection and transportation systems. Operates and maintains equipment necessary to achieving these service objectives.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Performs installation of water distribution system pipelines, water system leak repair, water service renewals, service turn on/offs, repair of valves, pipeline connections, repair of utility street cuts, and construction duties necessary to provide for and maintain utilities services for the Department.
• Operates and maintains equipment necessary to carry out the duties and functions assigned to this position, including but not limited to dump trucks, loader/backhoe, front end loaders, air compressors, jack hammers, compactors, high pressure jet rodders, flexible steel rodders, cranes, pipe locate equipment and power tools.
• Performs designated service and preventive maintenance to water distribution systems equipment such as chemical feeders, water pressure pumps, motors, deep well turbines, reservoirs, wellheads, water treatment systems including adjustments, cleaning, painting, testing and calibrating.
• Perform disinfection treatment associated with water main repairs, new construction, and reservoir cleaning.
• Provides for water flow control into and out of reservoirs and coordinates these duties with the operations personnel at the Wicks Water Treatment Plant.
• Assists in water meter installation, repair, and meter reading functions as may be assigned.
• Perform duties of water quality sampling as directed.
• Performs chemical disinfection procedures, fills and prepares chemical solutions and conducts general equipment inspections necessary for proper operation.
• Prepares complete and definitive reports in operational logs and ledgers and shares in staff discussions and evaluations of the water distribution system within the department.
• Observes all safety practices and policies of the City in the discharge of assigned duties and participates in Safety Committee activities.
• Performs preventive and repair maintenance on equipment as assigned.
• Performs materials and supplies inventories as may be directed.
• Performs janitorial duties necessary to systems operation and maintenance.
• Performs other related duties as may be required or assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Duties are performed primarily in an out-of-doors environment during the spring, summer, fall and winter seasons. The employee is required to work in and around confined spaces and trench excavations necessary to pipeline construction and repair projects.

We are willing to provide some paid on-the-job training for a top candidate who meets the minimum qualifications to round out the necessary skill set and support success.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least three (3) months of previous water system operations or mechanical experience.
• Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing at levels necessary to the needs of the Department, the City, and the Public in areas of water distribution system operations.
• Must be able to follow written and verbal instructions and maintain effective working relationships with Departmental managers, supervisors, employees, City boards, other agency staff, and the public.
• Must be able to lift and carry a minimum of 90 pounds.
• Must be able to climb in and out of heavy equipment, ascend and descend stairs and ladders, and accessing/working in excavated utility ditches.
• Pass physical exam as required by OR-OSHA to wear respirator.

PPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of mechanical and hydraulic functions of pumps, lift stations, valving, and electrical functions necessary to motors and telemetry systems desired
• Computer data processing skills necessary for the implementation, operation, and record keeping programs for the City.
• Construction equipment operations, construction standards, methods, practices, and applications necessary to water distribution operations and maintenance.
• Mathematics for the calculation of fluid hydraulics and chemical calculations necessary in determining flow characteristics, chemical dosing and certain laboratory procedures for monitoring water quality in the distribution system.
• Safety rules and regulations established by State, Federal and local jurisdictions as they relate and apply to water utility operations and maintenance.
• Two (2) years' experience in water distribution operations is desired. Developed skills in the operation of construction equipment necessary for this job.
• Additional training in water/wastewater technologies and water system operations and maintenance.
• Written and/or Oral Spanish language proficiency

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the duties and responsibilities of the job.

CERTIFICATIONS AND/OR LICENSES:

• Must obtain Oregon Class I Water Distribution Operator certification within eighteen (18) months of hire and must achieve Oregon Class II certification within forty‑two (42) months. Possession of an Oregon Class II Water Distribution Operator certification, or a reciprocal equivalent acceptable to the Oregon Department of Human Services Certification Program, is preferred.

• Must obtain valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a "Tanker" endorsement within twelve (12) months of hire. Obtaining the license within six (6) months is preferred.

To apply ,

Review the positions description and minimum qualifications, answer the screening questions, submit a resume, and complete the application.

About The Dalles:

• Join a Welcoming Community - Experience the warmth of a small-town spirit where local events, farmers markets, and festivals bring people together and create lasting connections.
• Thrive in a Growing Economy - Be part of a diverse and stable economy fueled by agriculture, technology, healthcare, government, and tourism. Your career can grow here.
• Embrace the Outdoors - With over 300 days of sunshine, enjoy easy access to the Columbia River Gorge for hiking, biking, fishing, and water sports - plus winter adventures just an hour away at Mt. Hood.
• Balance Work and Life - Live surrounded by stunning riverfront parks, scenic trails, and a city that values thoughtful growth and a strong industrial and technology presence.
• Affordable and Accessible - Benefit from affordable housing, quality schools, and healthcare - all just 80 miles from Portland, combining small-town charm with metropolitan convenience.
• Be Part of Something Bigger - Join close-knit neighborhoods where community support is real and your contributions matter.

The City of The Dalles is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Veterans and Spanish-speaking candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

EEO/AA

No background or drug test will be initiated until a signed tentative offer letter has been received. The final candidate selected for this position is subject to pre-employment criminal history background check and pre-employment drug testing. Only criminal history that would place an undue risk on the City or community will prohibit a candidate from being hired. This position is either classified as safety sensitive or requires a Commercial Driver's License. The final candidate is subject to pre-employment drug testing. A positive drug test, including for marijuana, is grounds for rescinding a job offer. The person hired for this position will also be subject to random drug testing.