Combo Unit Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $22.75 - $40.73 Hourly
Location : City of Thornton; Infrastructure Maintenance Center, CO
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number: 26232
Department: Utilities
Division: Utility Operations
Opening Date: 09/03/2026
Closing Date: 9/17/2026 5:00 PM Mountain
WORK HOURS: STANDARD 40 HOUR WORKWEEK
PROBATION: One year (if not currently a certified City of Thornton employee)
STATUS 2: FLSA NON-EXEMPT/CAREER SERVICE INCLUDED
BENEFITS: SEE BENEFITS TAB
Are you looking for a career change? This job has a lot of room to grow for people just joining the workforce or for experienced people changing careers. If you enjoy being outdoors and a variety of work that changes from day to day while working with your hands you then this could be the next career for you! You'll work with a small crew every day on installing, scoping, fixing & maintaining city owned utility pipes. If you do not have your CDL yet we will help you obtain a CDL over your first year with our team.
2026 Pay RangesUtility Maintenance Specialist I: $22.75 - $30.03/hrUtility Maintenance Specialist II: $28.83 - $38.06/hrUtility Maintenance Specialist III: $30.85 - $40.72/hr
General Job Summary:
Under specified supervision, performs scheduled maintenance and emergency repairs of water and sanitary sewer main lines, water service lines, valves, fire hydrants, manholes, and main line valve boxes.
Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from level I or, when filled from the outside, require directly related experience. All positions in this class are expected to exhibit outstanding customer service skills and interact in a positive manner with the public.
Utility Maintenance Specialist I:
Under immediate supervision, incumbents are not required to have directly related work experience. Work is observed and reviewed both during performance and upon completion. Instruction or changes in procedures or exceptions to rules are explained in detail as required.
Utility Maintenance Specialist II:
Under general supervision, incumbents generally have related work experience. Incumbents within this classification perform routine and less complex duties and responsibilities and steadily receive more complex duties and responsibilities as experience is gained. Employees are expected to work with only occasional instruction and assistance and with considerable independence and initiative.
Utility Maintenance Specialist III:
Under minimal supervision, functions as a crew leader. This classification is distinguished from level II by performing complex repairs and the full array of duties associated with the series. Employees at this level receive minimal instruction or assistance and can provide training to lower-level staff and are fully skilled in the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. The list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)
Utility Maintenance Specialists are required to be on-call and assist with the utilities on-call rotation to respond to after-hour emergencies, such as water line breaks, sanitary sewer overflows, customer service calls, and blockages. During on-call rotation may be required to perform utility main line and water service line locates as needed.
Performs scheduled and unscheduled maintenance and repairs on water and wastewater pipelines.
Operates heavy and light equipment for water and sanitary mainline repairs such as, but not limited to backhoes, frontend loaders, shoring equipment, and dump trucks.
Performs CCTV/video inspection using CUES TV equipment on sewer main lines to observe for proper flow, restrictions, water and root intrusion, and overall integrity of the sanitary collection system main lines, service taps, and manholes.
Operates a jet and or a jet/vacuum combo unit to clean the sanitary sewer main lines and removes debris from lines and manholes. The combo unit is also utilized for potholing and watermain breaks.
Monitors and maintains water main line valves using valve exercising equipment and valve keys, to ensure main line valves are operable and are not in need of repairs.
Adjust and repairs damaged and overlaid valve boxes and manholes.
Performs fire hydrant flushing, maintenance, repairs, and scheduled fire flows as needed.
Perform air-vacuum valve maintenance.
Performs grease and sand oil interceptor inspections for local businesses.
Follows, prepares, and generates standard operating procedures.
Utilizes appropriate personal protective equipment.
Assesses and tracks equipment condition for asset management. Obtains quotes for equipment procurement, replacement, and budgetary planning.
Preforms shop, equipment, and yard maintenance.
May serve on-call status on a rotating basis for snow removal.
May work a varying schedule and/or shift.
May be required to work overtime.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Experience:
Utility Maintenance Specialist I:
High School diploma or GED.
Utility Maintenance Specialist II:
High school diploma or GED; one year of experience in utility maintenance and repair work. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Utility Maintenance Specialist III: High school diploma or GED; three years of experience in utility maintenance and repair work, preferably in water and wastewater operations. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Licensing/Certification Requirements:
Utility Maintenance Specialist I:
A valid Colorado Class B Commercial Driver's License with a safe driving record and tanker and air brake endorsement, or the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
Utility Maintenance Specialist II:
A valid Colorado Class A Commercial Driver's License with a safe driving record.
Valid Class I Water Distribution Certification or a Class I Sewer Collection Certification required.
Utility Maintenance Specialist III:
A valid Colorado Class A Commercial Driver's License with a safe driving record.
Valid Class II Water Distribution Certification or a Class II Sewer Collection Certification required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Utility Maintenance SpecialistI:
Knowledge of the policies, procedures and goals of the city of Thornton and the department.
Knowledge of laws and safety as it relates to vehicle operations, general construction tools and equipment.
Skill in operating all assigned equipment, machinery, tools or equipment in a safe and appropriate manner.
Skill in the safe and lawful operation of a motor vehicle.
Skill in making basic mathematical calculations.
Ability to follow instructions given verbally or in writing.
Ability to build positive working relationships and rapport with other team members both within the work group, the division, other departments, local agencies, and other municipalities.
Ability to consistently follow safety instructions.
Ability to learn proper procedures, for handling of asbestos pipe, excavation, trench safety, traffic control safety, fall protection, confined space, and proper PPE.
Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing with various audiences.
Ability to read and interpret city streets signs and utility GIS/locator maps.
Ability to complete basic paperwork.
Ability to use standard office equipment including handheld tablets, personal computer and job-related applications including electronic mail.
Utility Maintenance SpecialistII:
In addition to previous requirements:
Knowledge of the techniques and materials used in the maintenance and repairs of infrastructure, including but not limited to, water and wastewater lines, valves, hydrants, manholes, and water meters.
Knowledge of general city of Thornton purchasing procedures, including proper use of purchasing order and purchasing card.
Skill in the operation of heavy utility equipment operations, including but not limited to, backhoes, frontend loaders, jet/vac combos, vac trailers, CCTV trucks, and dump trucks.
Skill in safe work methods and applying safety regulations pertaining to work.
Skill in detecting equipment malfunctions and taking proper corrective action.
Skill in the proper methods of directing traffic flow at job sites.
Skill in the proper placements of cones, barricades, and warning devices.
Ability to read and interpret basic blueprints, construction drawings, As-Built's, and utility GIS/locate maps.
Ability to safely utilize gas detectors for confined space entry.
Ability to skillfully use varying pieces of equipment as assigned.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work assignments.
Utility Maintenance SpecialistIII:
In addition to previous requirements:
Knowledge of the organization, purpose, current issues, projects, and employee responsibilities of the department.
Knowledge of the basic procedures for maintenance and minor adjustments or repair of light and heavy utility equipment.
Knowledge of how each project fits into the overall division priorities.
Skill in reading utility locate maps and making proper field corrections.
Ability to maintain accurate records for documenting utility reports.
Ability to draw work zone traffic control plans for varying jobsites.
Ability to lead and direct a crew with minimal oversight, to accomplish projects on-time and in-budget.
Ability to complete advanced reports for utility capital improvement projects.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
Position requires listening, speaking, sitting, standing, walking on uneven and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping and making repetitive hand movements. The position requires both near and far vision for inspecting work and operating assigned equipment. Lifting, carrying and pushing tools, equipment and supplies weighing 50 pounds or more are also required. Materials and chemicals may expose the employee to fumes, dust and air contaminants. Job may require work in confined spaces and utility excavations. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb ladders, use power and noise producing tools and equipment, and work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions. The employee regularly works in outside weather conditions, near moving mechanical parts. The employee is frequently exposed to wet or humid conditions, vibration and street traffic. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is frequently loud.
The City of Thornton offers employees an outstanding benefits package. Benefit eligibility is based on the status of the position. Please email Jobs@thorntonco.gov to receive a copy of our current Benefits Guide.
Benefits offered may include the following depending on the job type/status of the position:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life, Dependent Life & Supplemental Life Insurance Options
• Voluntary Accidental Death & Dismemberment Policy
• Flexible Spending Plan
• Post Employment Health Plan
• Retirement & Deferred Compensation Plans
• Short & Long-term Disability Plans
• Paid Holidays
• Vacation & Sick Leave
• Multilingual Incentive Pay
• Recreation Pass
• Wellness Program
• In-House Training Opportunities
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program

01
Do you have a high school diploma or GED?Note: we verify education prior to hire.

• Yes
• No

02
What current water distribution, water collections, or water plant operator certifications do you possess? If none, write NA.
03
Do you have a valid unrestricted driver's license?

• Yes
• No

04
Please specify what type of driver's license you possess:

• Class A Commercial Drivers License
• Class B Commercial Drivers License
• Class R; Regular drivers license
• Other
• None

05
In regard to your driving history, have you been convicted of reckless driving in the last 3 years?

• Yes
• No

06
In regard to your driving history, have you had any suspensions, cancellations, denials, revocations or any other loss of license in the last 3 years?

• Yes
• No

07
In regards to your driving history, have you been convicted of a DWAI or DUI in the last 3 years?

• Yes
• No

08
If you answered "yes" to the previous question, please list conviction(s) type, nature of offense(s), and date(s) of conviction. Otherwise enter "N/A" if not applicable in the space below.
Required Question