Water Operator Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Water Operator (Technician, 1 or 2)
Non-Union Position
WTR-Operations Water Services-Hiland 4; Clackamas, Oregon (US-OR)
Regular FT, Non-Exempt
Posting # 5657
About Us:
NW Natural Water owns and operates water and wastewater utilities in communities throughout Texas, Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Since 2018, we have acquired more than 30 utilities and today serve more than 190,000 people via 76,000 connections.
Our parent company, NW Natural Holding Company (NYSE: NWN) (NW Natural Holdings), is headquartered in Portland, Oregon and has been doing business for over 165 years. The company operates through NW Natural Gas Company (NW Natural), SiEnergy Operating (SiEnergy), NW Natural Water Company (NW Natural Water), NW Natural Renewables Holdings (NW Natural Renewables), and other business interests, serving a combined population of over 2.6 million people.
Position Summary:
The Water Operator performs a variety of work in the operation, maintenance, and repair of water (and sewer, where applicable) systems. The Operator also responds to public inquiries and service requests as needed. This position is structured with multiple levels (Technician, Operator I, Operator II). The level at which a candidate is hired will depend on their qualifications, relevant experience, and applicable certifications.
This position does not directly oversee other employees on a permanent basis but does frequently have responsibility and oversight of personnel directly related to specific advanced projects as assigned. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. They will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other work- related duties requested by their supervisor.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Install and repair water mains, fire-hydrants, check valves and water service lines; tap water mains; perform ground excavation work; mix, rake and spread asphalt, and patch and/or repair excavations.
• Inspect, operate and exercise gate valves to prevent seizures; flush fire hydrants and dead-end water lines in cul-de-sacs to remove sediment; take water samples for testing.
• Locate, identify and mark distribution system facilities, including valves, fire hydrants and blow-offs
• Locate and identify leaks
• Install, relocate and adjust meter boxes and valve cans; install and replace water meters.
• Perform repair and maintenance on all water and wastewater facilities, including structures and grounds.
• Operate service trucks; routinely inspect and perform minor maintenance on assigned vehicles; remove and replace defective parts. Assist with transporting vehicles to repair shops.
• Comply with all NW Natural Water Services policies, procedures and safety regulations.
• Comply with NW Natural Water Services grooming and uniform policy.
• Provide effective communication, in written and verbal form, with management and/or other operators on the technical level required of this position.
• Participate in specialized training for the safe handling of hazardous materials and confined space entry.
• Participating in weekly team meetings
• Ability to work on a team, and independently with or without supervision.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

• Variety of hand tools, hand-held power equipment, light and medium duty vehicles and equipment including vacuum excavation.
• Computer and general office equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT:

• The environmental conditions and characteristics described here are representative of those employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• The working environment will vary from extreme outdoor conditions to indoor job duties. This position regularly works outside, year-round, in all weather conditions.
• Safety procedures must always be followed, as workers will continually be exposed to hazardous materials, confined space, electrical components and heavy equipment.
• The noise level in the field environment is usually moderate, except when operating hand-held power equipment.

Qualifications:

• High school education or equivalent
• Valid driver's license (or obtain within 90 days if out-of-state), required certifications/endorsements, and satisfactory driving record.
• Must consent to annual Motor Vehicle Records check and pass Criminal History check
• Must be able to safely lift a minimum of 50 pounds, more with additional help.
• Must be able to physically accommodate and use respirators and self-contained breathing apparatuses.
• Must be physically able to access and egress trenches, manholes and lift stations as well as water reservoirs and towers.
• Must be able to accommodate a weekend or variable shift, participate in a 24-hour emergency call rotation when assigned, and work beyond regularly scheduled hours as needed to meet operational and project deadlines.

Level and Certification Differentiation:
Required for all Operator levels: (Must be obtained within six months of employment)

• Oregon State Flagger certification card - employer provided
• Forklift card - employer provided
• First Aid & CPR - employer provided

Operator Technician
Focus: Entry level operations and maintenance under direction

• Performs routine tasks with training and oversight
• May assist higher level operators on more complex work
• Does not routinely lead or direct work activities

Experience / Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Prior utility, construction, or related field experience
• Ability to obtain required certifications within established timelines
• Note: Additional Operator 1 certification must be obtained within 18 months of employment.

Operator I
Focus: Fully trained operator performing assigned work independently

• Independently performs standard operational and maintenance tasks
• May provide task level guidance to Operator Technicians
• Participates in more complex repairs and troubleshooting

Experience / Qualifications

• 2 or more years of relevant water utility or closely related experience
• Demonstrated working knowledge of water distribution systems
• Operator 1 - Additional Certification Requirements
  
  • Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) / Oregon Health Authority certification:
  • Water Distribution Level I (D1) or
  • Water Treatment Level I (T1)

Level and Certification Differentiation (Continued):
Operator II
Focus: Advanced technical expertise and leadership on complex work

• Performs advanced operational, maintenance, and repair activities
• Frequently provides oversight or direction to other operators on complex or specialized projects
• Serves as a technical resource within the team

Experience / Qualifications

• 3 or more years of progressively responsible water utility experience
• Strong working knowledge of water system operations, troubleshooting, and safety practices
• Operator II - Additional Certification Requirements
  
  • Higher level Oregon certification consistent with role assignment, such as:
  • Water Distribution Level II (D2) and/or
  • Water Treatment Level II (T2)

What we offer:
Health & Wellness -

• Rich health insurance benefits with competitive employer contribution
• Free access to an online wellness resources platform

Work Life Balance -

• Accrue up to 15 Vacation Days annually
• 13 paid holidays
• 3 weeks paid parental leave

Financial -

• Competitive 401K company contribution and match
• 15% discount on NW Natural stock through Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Up to $5250 a year in tuition reimbursement

Base salary range: $25.00 - $34.41 (Technician), $28.00 - $37.86 (Level 1) or $31.00 - $42.40 (Level 2) per hour, depending on qualifications
Application Process: To be considered for this position, submit a complete electronic application including cover letter and resume via our website.
https://www.careers.nwnatural.com/nwnaturalwater
Deadline: 8/25/26
Disclosure: We are a drug free workplace and we comply with Federal Drug Free Workplace Act and Department of Transportation regulations. NW Natural Water participates in E-Verify. Individuals hired will have their Form I-9 information submitted to E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.
E-Verify Information
NW Natural participates in E-Verify. Individuals hired will have their Form I-9 information submitted to E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.
All applications must be submitted through NW Natural Water's Electronic Application System. Resumes submitted via email, fax or mail will not be accepted in lieu of an electronic application.
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
NW Natural Water does not accept unsolicited submissions or assistance from search firms for posted positions. Resumes submitted by search firms working under a valid and current written contract with NW Natural Water valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from NW Natural Water HR/Employment will be deemed the sole property of NW Natural Water. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by NW Natural Water as a result of the referral or through other means.