Water Operator (Wastewater Collection)

For you

NEW

Water Operator (Wastewater Collection)

City of Fort Collins

Location

Fort Collins

Posted date

3 days ago

Minimum level

N/A

Employment type

Full-time

Job category

Production

POSITION TITLE: Water Operator (Wastewater Collection)- INTERNAL ONLY- (Full-Time Regular) (Classified)

REQUISITION #: req8166

DEPARTMENT: Ut Collection System Div

LOCATION: UTILITIES SERVICE CTR - BLDG A

BENEFIT CATEGORY: Classified (Non-CBU) Classifications & Benefits

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-Time Regular

ANNUAL SALARY RANGE: $65,564.00 - 91,475.00 (Salaries are paid biweekly)

SELECTION PROCESS: Application deadline is 3:00 p.m. MT on 7/29/2025.

TheCity of Fort Collins is a bias-conscious employer. We ask that you please avoidthe use of photos when submitting a resume and/or an application foremployment. You will receive an email acknowledgment when you have successfully submitted an application. Your completed application will be forwarded to the hiring manager. You will be notified if you are selected for further testing or inters. Please keep your contact information up-to-date. The status of your application will be updated in your applicant profile.

Post-offer background check, motor vehicle report & POET required. Drug test also required within 48 hours of offer. (Background checks are considered in relation to the responsibilities and requirements of the position)

CDL Drivers are required to register with the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse at:

Studieshave shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for unlessthey believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interestedin finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from aless traditional background. The City may consider an equivalent combination ofknowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. Ifyou are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about yourbackground and skill set for the role.

Why Work For the City of Fort Collins?

Medical, dental, vision (for self, spouse, domestic partner, children) - eligible on the 1st of the month following date of hire

Paid vacation, paid holidays, sick leave, and additional one-time bank of 40 PTO hours for new, full-time, Classified and Unclassified Management hires

Retirement + company contributions - after 6 month probation period and immediate vesting

Flexible spending: Medical expenses FSA, dependent FSA or both

Employee Assistance Program: counseling, legal, financial assistance

Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability

Wellness program, workout facilities

Employee/family onsite health clinic

Learning and development opportunities at all levels in the organization with opportunities for career mobility

Collaborative work environment

To learn more about The City of Fort Collins and Our Community, please read Our Community and Our Organization Brochure

Job SummaryWork related to the construction, maintenance, inspection and/or repair of infrastructure including equipment operation and/or maintenance in the field for equipment specific to water distribution, wastewater collection, and storm drainage operations.

The starting pay for this position is listed below, commensurate with experience:

Associate Operator 1 & 2: $31.52 - $34.28 hourly

Intermediate Operator 3 & 4: $36.33 - $38.51 hourly

Senior Operator 5 & 6: $40.83 - $43.98 hourly

Associate Operator Levels 1 & 2 - Required Minimum Qualifications:Current Valid Driver's License. High school diploma or equivalent. At least 6 months experience in utilities operations and maintenance or construction (water, wastewater or stormwater). Ability to operate a variety of hand, power, and long handled tools and equipment to perform installation, maintenance, and repair tasks. Ability to perform a wide range of physical and manual tasks in an outdoor environment.

Physical ability to work in and around moving traffic and equipment; in areas of limited access; and confined spaces requiring standing, walking, bending, and kneeling to locate, inspect, and maintain wastewater and stormwater systems. Upper body strength to lift and carry equipment and supplies as needed. Ability to use all required safety equipment. Must have a satisfactory driving record and the ability to obtain a valid Commercial Driver's License Class A within 6 months of hire. Ability to deal courteously and effectively with the public in difficult situations; to maintain complete and accurate records; and to obtain State of Colorado Distribution or Collection System Certifications 1 within one year of hire. Ability to obtain NIMS 100 and 700 Incident Command System Certifications. Ability to use computers and other technology. Must participate in rotational standby, respond to afterhours calls, and participate in Snow Operations.

Intermediate Operator Levels 3 & 4 - Required Minimum Qualifications:

Must meet minimum requirements of an Associate Operator in addition to the following:

Must be certified State of Colorado Class 2 Wastewater Collection and Distribution System Operator or ability to obtain within 1 year of hire. At least two years' experience in utilities maintenance or construction or any equivalent combination of education and experience in the area assigned. 1-2 years' experience with equipment like a backhoe, wheel loader, skid steer, vactor or jetter equipment. Must have a satisfactory driving record and possess a valid Commercial Driver's License Class B and ability to obtain a Class A CDL within 6 months of hire. May possess technical training on CCTV Equipment. NASSCO pipeline assessment certification (PACP Certified). Must be competent with technology used for system operations and maintenance, including use of Personal Computers, Smart Phones, and databases. Ability to read blueprints and other construction drawings.

Senior Operator Levels 5 & 6 - Required Minimum Qualifications:

Must meet minimum requirements of an Intermediate Operator in addition to the following:

Must be certified State of Colorado Class 3 or 4 Water Distribution or Wastewater Collection System Operator or ability to obtain within 1 year. At least 3 years' experience in utilities maintenance or construction or any equivalent combination of education and experience in the area assigned. 3-4 years' experience with operating heavy equipment like excavators and backhoes. Must have a satisfactory driving record and possess a valid Commercial Driver's License Class B and the ability to obtain a CDL Class A within 6 months of hire. Ability to read blueprints and other construction drawings. Knowledge of Design and Construction Standards. Minimum Key Competencies: Works independently. Is a team leader and able to allocate resources effectively to accomplish goals through encouraging responsibility, collaboration, trust, accountability, and leadership. Coaches and develops coworkers to help them grow professionally. Manages conflict and settles disputes with the best interest of the organization in mind. Exhibits advanced problem-solving skills on the job.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties and responsibilities are illustrative of the primary functions of this position and are not intended to be all inclusive.

Installs, maintains, and repairs or replaces water, wastewater, and stormwater facilities, assets, and lines.

Operates and maintains equipment and vehicles such as heavy equipment, dump truck, front end loader, backhoe, and various hand tools.

Maintains records such as daily reports, material control documents, service requests, and map revisions.

Acknowledges and follows City safety practice and policy.

Provides customer service by answering questions, providing information and referrals, and resolving complaints and problems.

Tracks inventory.

May oversee and direct the work of seasonal or fluctuating hourly employees.

May inspect and survey utility infrastructure. to determine condition and recommend improvements.

Performs emergency locates as needed.

Must be willing and able to work on-call, call out and snow removal operations, as needed.

Management Responsibilities

No

City Competencies

Demonstrated cultural competence to effectively interact, work, and develop meaningful relationships with people of diverse identities, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds.

Strong learning orientation. Leverages all resources and is creative in ways of learning for self to continue adapting to changing issues and trends.

A desire and ability to understand the diverse needs of internal and external customers, and to create experiences and deliver services that exceed their expectations.

A desire and ability to utilize digital tools for organizational information, individual, and teamwork.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Technical Knowledge:

Understanding of state and federal water quality standards, biosolids regulations, and safety procedures (e.g., confined space entry, trenching, and shoring).

Knowledge of Water Distribution, Wastewater Collections, Stormwater Collection systems, and general infrastructure maintenance.

Familiarity with surveying techniques, blueprints, schematics, and construction plans.

Equipment Operation:

Proficiency in using transmitters, receivers, camera inspection tools, and heavy equipment such as excavators, loaders, backhoes, and CDL-required trucks.

Ability to operate a variety of hand and power tools, including high-pressure jet washers and general maintenance equipment.

Digital and Analytical Skills:

Competence in using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Mapping Software, as well as Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).

Competence in use of Computers, portable Tablets and Smart Phones for purposes of being assigned and completing work tasks.

Ability to field laboratory equipment, adjust processes, and maintain accurate records and reports.

Safety and Hazard Management:

Ability to handle hazardous materials safely and respond effectively to emergencies.

Awareness of atmospheric conditions and environmental hazards, including exposure to chemicals, extreme temperatures, and confined spaces.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with colleagues, supervisors, and the public.

Demonstrated cultural competence to engage with diverse populations effectively.

Customer service skills, including resolving complaints and providing referrals.

Physical and Teamwork Capabilities:

Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting, climbing, kneeling, and working in confined spaces. Team-oriented with the ability to work independently and in high-functioning groups.

Required Qualifications

MinimumPreferred

High School Diploma or GED and or functionally related licenses or certificates

High school diploma or general education degree (GED)

Experience Requirements

Six Months or more of specialized training in Utilities; water, wastewater, stormwater and/or construction and equipment operations or combination of one to two years related experience.

The Water Operator position participates in a Step Level skill-based program consisting of six separate levels requiring a combination of years of experience and state certification levels in Water Distribution & Wastewater Collections;

Associate Operator (1 - 2 years and level 1 certifications)

Intermediate Operator (3 - 4 years and level 2 certifications)

Senior Operator (5 - 6 years and level 2 & 3 certifications)

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. The City may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

Certifications/Licenses/Specialized Training

Valid driver's license

Confined Space Entry Certification

Colorado Distribution and Collection Certification 1 - 4

Forklift Certification

Lock out/Tag out Certification

CPR/First Aid Certification

NIMS 100, NIMS 700, Hazardous Materials Technician Level Certification or ability to get within 1 year of hire.

Ability to obtain a Class A Colorado Commercial Driver/'s License (CDL) within six months of hire date.

The content in this posting was created for recruitment purposes. To the full job description click the link below.

Water Operator

The City of Fort Collins will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs and activities and will make special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call ... for assistance.

Notice Regarding Medical and/or Recreational Marijuana Use

Because the possession and use of marijuana, whether for medical use or otherwise, constitutes a federal offense and because the City is a drug free workplace, the City will not accommodate the medical use of marijuana and enforces written policy prohibiting working for the City while marijuana is in the body. The fact that state law recognizes medical marijuana as a prescribed, or otherwise permitted, medication does not alter or otherwise change this policy.

The City of Fort Collins is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered for positions for which they have applied without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, sexual orientation (including perceived sexual orientation), gender identity and expression, disability, age 40 years or older, pregnancy or related condition, genetic information, and, in certain specific circumstances, marriage to a coworker or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

BACKGROUND CHECK, MOTOR VEHICLE REPORT AND DRUG TEST REQUIRED WITHIN 48 HOURS OF OFFER. (Background checks are considered in relation to the responsibilities and requirements of the position)

Note: Some information in your application may be public information under the Colorado Open Records Act.