Distribution/Collections Operator

Distribution/Collections Operator

Join our Public Works Department as a Distribution/Collections Operator and build a career where your growth is our priority. This is an operator-in-training position designed as an entry point into the field. Working under the direct supervision of the Distributions/Collections Supervisor, you'll help provide our community with clean water and reliable wastewater service. You'll perform skilled and semi-skilled work maintaining and repairing water meters, mains, pumps, and lift stations. It's important that you're committed to learning technical skills and delivering excellent customer service, as you'll regularly interact with City staff and community members.

We're committed to your success, providing on-the-job training and structured classroom instruction designed to help you advance your skills and earn certifications in Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection. This role offers a clear pathway for advancement into Operator II and III positions as you gain experience and complete certifications with our support.

The City of Durango is a purpose-driven organization with more than 400 full-time and 300 part-time and seasonal employees across 15 departments, all working together to provide a wide range of services that keep our community running every day. From public safety and utilities to parks and recreation, our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality services that enhance the lives of all who live, work, and visit here.

At the city, we focus on continually improving how we work and serve the community. This effort is called the Trail to Excellence (T2E), and every employee plays a part in it. Whether you work outdoors, in an office, or lead a team, your daily efforts connect to the city's mission of providing excellent service and reaching the city's vision of being a multigenerational community that is authentic, diverse, engaged, thriving, and environmentally responsible. The full details of this vision are outlined in the city's strategic plan.

As a member of our team, your work will be meaningful because:

• Your ideas help shape citywide improvements.
• The work you do ties directly into measurable goals.
• You'll be part of a system that values collaboration, innovation, and results.

We're looking for team members who share our core values of teamwork, dependability, professionalism, service, respect, innovation, and wellbeing — and who are excited to make a difference in the community we serve.

What You'll Do in This Role:

• Inspect water meter installations to ensure they are working correctly.
• Maintain and repair water distribution and wastewater collection systems, including hydrants, mains, service lines, pumps, lift stations, and related infrastructure.
• Inspect, clean, and maintain sanitary sewer lines and manholes.
• Fix leaks, clear blockages, and assist with installing new water and sewer lines.
• Use a variety of hand and pneumatic tools to complete maintenance and repair tasks.
• Operate and care for a range of vehicles and equipment, including mini excavators, dump trucks, backhoes, skid steers, hydroexcavators, loaders, and pickup truck snowplows.
• Locate and mark underground water and sewer lines.
• Perform routine mechanical maintenance, such as exercising and greasing valves, pumps, and motors.
• Help maintain facilities and surrounding areas through general repairs, cleaning, painting, landscaping, and snow removal.
• Support the team during after-hours emergency responses under the guidance of a supervisor to keep essential services running.

You Have:

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• One year of experience performing maintenance work.
• The ability to obtain:
• A valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with Tanker and Air Brake endorsements within three months of hire.
• Class 1 Water Distribution and Class I Wastewater Collections certifications within one year of hire.

You Will Succeed in This Role If You:

• Enjoy active, hands-on work and feel comfortable using tools and heavy equipment in a variety of weather conditions.
• Take a safety-first approach, paying attention to detail and following procedures to protect yourself and your team.
• Bring a willingness to learn the technical side of water systems and a commitment to earning professional certifications.
• Communicate clearly and work well with your crew while providing helpful, respectful service to the community.
• Are comfortable using basic technology for daily tasks like email and data entry and can respond to after-hours system emergencies when needed.

What We Can Offer You:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Ample personal time off (PTO) and 11 paid holidays.
• 401(a) retirement plan and optional deferred compensation plan.
• Basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
• Long-term disability coverage.
• Paid Family and Medical Leave (FMLA).
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Free access to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink & Ski Area.
• Holistic Employee Wellness Program, addressing physical, mental, financial, and professional well-being.
• Free transit pass and family member discounts.
• Reimbursement for job-related classes to foster continuous learning.
• Sixteen hours of volunteer time off per year to support local non-profit organizations.