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Water Utility Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Utilities and Energy (U&E) provides steam, chilled water, electricity, and other district energy services to the University of Oregon's main campus in Eugene, Oregon. Our team is comprised of ...

Practice Leader - Water/Wastewater

Portland, OR · On-site

$23 - $31.75/hr

Overview Kimley-Horn has an opportunity for a motivated Practice Leader to expand our Water/Wastewater and Utilities practice in Portland, OR! As a Practice Leader, you'll be at the helm of leading ...

Practice Leader - Water/Wastewater

Portland, OR · On-site

$23 - $31.75/hr

Overview Kimley-Horn has an opportunity for a motivated Practice Leader to expand our Water/Wastewater and Utilities practice in Portland, OR! As a Practice Leader, you'll be at the helm of leading ...

Practice Leader - Water/Wastewater

Portland, OR · On-site

$23 - $31.75/hr

Overview Kimley-Horn has an opportunity for a motivated Practice Leader to expand our Water/Wastewater and Utilities practice in Portland, OR! As a Practice Leader, you'll be at the helm of leading ...

Utility Locator

Bend, OR · On-site

$20/hr

Correctly, safely, and efficiently locate underground utilities, including telecommunications, electric power, cable TV, gas, water, and sewer systems. * Thoroughly search for underground utilities ...

New

Utility Locator

Bend, OR · On-site

$20/hr

Correctly, safely, and efficiently locate underground utilities, including telecommunications, electric power, cable TV, gas, water, and sewer systems. * Thoroughly search for underground utilities ...

Utility Locator

Bend, OR · On-site

$20/hr

Correctly, safely, and efficiently locate underground utilities, including telecommunications, electric power, cable TV, gas, water, and sewer systems. * Thoroughly search for underground utilities ...

New

Utility Locator

Salem, OR · On-site

$20/hr

Correctly, safely, and efficiently locate underground utilities, including telecommunications, electric power, cable TV, gas, water, and sewer systems. * Thoroughly search for underground utilities ...

Utility Locator

Salem, OR · On-site

$20/hr

Correctly, safely, and efficiently locate underground utilities, including telecommunications, electric power, cable TV, gas, water, and sewer systems. * Thoroughly search for underground utilities ...

New

Utility Locator

Salem, OR · On-site

$20/hr

Correctly, safely, and efficiently locate underground utilities, including telecommunications, electric power, cable TV, gas, water, and sewer systems. * Thoroughly search for underground utilities ...

New

This opportunity is ideal for an engineer who is passionate about solving real-world utility ... Strong understanding of water and wastewater engineering * Strong technical knowledge and practical ...

Lotus Water and BKF are proud to have merged, this position sits within the Water Resilience ... We are looking for a Utility Planner to join our growing Pacific Northwest team. This role is ideal ...

Lotus Water and BKF are proud to have merged, this position sits within the Water Resilience ... We are looking for a Utility Planner to join our growing Pacific Northwest team. This role is ideal ...

Lotus Water and BKF are proud to have merged, this position sits within the Water Resilience ... We are looking for a Utility Planner to join our growing Pacific Northwest team. This role is ideal ...

$78K - $107K/yr

Experience measuring utility water sales. * Experience modelling water supply resources such as FEFLOW, HydroGeoSphere, PFLOTRAN, or MODFLOW. Come join our energetic and innovative team! We offer you ...

$78K - $107K/yr

Experience measuring utility water sales. * Experience modelling water supply resources such as FEFLOW, HydroGeoSphere, PFLOTRAN, or MODFLOW. Come join our energetic and innovative team! We offer you ...

$78K - $107K/yr

Experience measuring utility water sales. * Experience modelling water supply resources such as FEFLOW, HydroGeoSphere, PFLOTRAN, or MODFLOW. Come join our energetic and innovative team! We offer you ...

$78K - $107K/yr

Experience measuring utility water sales. * Experience modelling water supply resources such as FEFLOW, HydroGeoSphere, PFLOTRAN, or MODFLOW. Come join our energetic and innovative team! We offer you ...

Showing results 21-40

Water Utility information

See Oregon salary details

$10

$20

$34

How much do water utility jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for water utility in Oregon is $20.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $23.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Water Utility vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectWater UtilityWater Treatment Plant Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma; relevant certificationsHigh school diploma; state-specific operator license
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, office, customer servicePlant facilities, technical equipment
Industry UsagePublic water supply managementOperation and maintenance of water treatment systems
Job FocusOverseeing water services, infrastructureOperating treatment equipment, ensuring water quality

Water Utility professionals manage overall water services, infrastructure, and customer relations, while Water Treatment Plant Operators focus on operating treatment systems to ensure safe water quality. Both roles require certifications and work within the water industry, but their daily tasks and responsibilities differ.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by professionals working in a water utility, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in water utilities often encounter challenges such as maintaining aging infrastructure, responding quickly to emergency repairs, and ensuring compliance with rigorous environmental regulations. Adapting to new technologies and managing customer expectations can also present difficulties. These challenges are typically addressed through ongoing training, effective teamwork, and proactive maintenance planning. Collaboration with engineers, field technicians, and regulatory agencies is essential to ensure a reliable and safe water supply for the community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water utility professional?

To thrive as a Water Utility professional, you need a solid understanding of water treatment processes, distribution systems, and relevant regulations, typically supported by a high school diploma or associate degree and applicable state certifications. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water testing equipment, and maintenance tools is vital for daily operations. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication enhance your ability to respond to emergencies and collaborate with team members. These skills ensure the safe, reliable delivery of clean water and compliance with regulatory standards.

What is a water utility?

Water utility workers are professionals responsible for managing, maintaining, and ensuring the safe delivery of clean water to homes and businesses. Their duties include operating water treatment plants, repairing water lines, testing water quality, and responding to emergencies such as leaks or contamination. They play a crucial role in public health and environmental protection by making sure communities have reliable access to safe drinking water.
What are the most commonly searched types of Water Utility jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Water Utility jobs in Oregon are:
What job categories do people searching Water Utility jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Water Utility jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Water Utility jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Water Utility job openings:
Infographic showing various Water Utility job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,379 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

$40.03 - $61.37/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


University Of Oregon rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

383rd of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Utility Plant Operator

Apply now Job no: 536784
Work type: Classified Staff
Location: Eugene, OR
Categories: Construction/Planning, Facilities/Grounds/Skilled Trades

Department: Campus Planning & Facilities Management - Utilities and Energy
Classification: Co-Generation Engineer
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: $40.03 - $61.37 per hour
FTE: 1.0

Review of Applications Begins

August 6, 2026; open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit a complete application.
A completed application includes:
A complete online application
A resume that clearly outlines relevant work history, including dates of employment. These details are crucial in evaluating whether applicants meet the qualifications for the position.
We are interested in finding the best candidate for the position. We encourage you to use your application to let us know what is meaningful to you about the role and what transferable skills or other qualities you would bring.
If you have questions about the application process or the position, please reach out to fass@uoregon.edu

Department Summary

Campus Planning and Facilities Management (CPFM) is a vibrant unit within the Finance and Administration portfolio. CPFM is comprised of five departments, and approximately 270 employees: Facilities Services, Utilities & Energy, Campus Planning, Office of Sustainability, and Design & Construction. CPFM is responsible for planning, building, maintaining, and operating the infrastructure that supports the University. As stewards of a physical legacy, CPFM enables the university community to achieve its potential by providing a campus that is safe, clean, beautiful, inspiring, and environmentally responsible.
CPFM values its commitment to collaboration, service excellence, diversity, problem-solving, and stewardship. CPFM takes pride in the campus' ability to function seamlessly, while fostering an environment for educational excellence.
Utilities and Energy (U&E) provides steam, chilled water, electricity, and other district energy services to the University of Oregon's main campus in Eugene, Oregon. Our team is comprised of approximately 25 diverse and specialized staff including utility electricians, co-generation engineers, maintenance technicians, and administrative staff. Our Central Power Station is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. Major assets that we operate, maintain, and repair include:
10MW combined heat and power (CHP) plant
2 industrial natural gas fired boilers
7,500 ton chilled water plant
3 million gallon thermal energy storage tank
6.5MW emergency power generation
4 miles of distribution tunnels with connections to more than 80 buildings
Instrumentation and controls
We work closely with Design and Construction, Facilities Services, Safety and Risk Services, the Sustainability Office, Research and Innovation, Information Services, Housing, and our local utility providers to deliver safe, reliable, cost and energy efficient utilities to the University of Oregon.

Position Summary

This position serves as a Utilities and Energy campus wide operator/dispatcher for the University of Oregon, and acts as the point of contact for utility distribution issues at the University of Oregon. This position will safely operate the UO steam plant, which consists of two high-pressure saturated steam boilers with the combined capacity of 125,000 lbs per hour; One Combined Cycle Co-Generation plant (CTG/HRSG) capable of generating 7.5 MW (Gas Turbine) and 65,000 lbs of 600-psi steam: 3.5 MW (Steam Turbine). It will also operate the UO chilled water plant that consists of (5) electric centrifugal chillers with capacity of 7,500 tons of cooling with the additional 3 million gallon thermal tank, 18 cooling towers, pumps and associated equipment. The operator is responsible for the distribution of the 12,470 Volt electrical load to the UO campus buildings, and will assist with configuring the plant to "Island Mode" if loss of power occurs from EWEB. The incumbent is responsible for regulating access, providing training, maintaining the operation, and monitoring all work performed in the UO utility distribution tunnel system. This position monitors BAS (building automation system) alarms, and controls within the UO steam plant, and chiller plant, and building HVAC system. The incumbent in this role must maintain the skills necessary for the ever-changing technology based automation systems, by training and learning daily. The incumbent will be expected to complete preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on all power plant, and building equipment.
Interactions/contacts:
Interactions/contacts occur daily with CPFM and the campus community in the course of performing work and responding to emergencies. This position works with electrical and maintenance staff within the Utilities and Energy Department on a daily basis. This position will also be in contact with outside contractors, vendors and regulatory agencies (LRAPA and DEQ).
Decisions:
Position works as a member of a team. Decisions made by this position affect the entire University. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining a continuous flow of electricity, steam, chilled water and other utilities to the University in normal and emergency situations. Additional job-related decisions may include: when to start or stop equipment, interpreting equipment data and applying corrective actions.
Supervision:
Work is reviewed regularly by the Operations Supervisor to ensure it is performed efficiently, safely, and meets both expectations and applicable requirements. A performance appraisal is conducted annually.

Work Schedule:

This position works non-typical hours/shifts and is classified as Essential Personnel.

During the six-month trial service period, employees will complete a structured training program that includes rotations on day shift, swing shift, and/or graveyard shift over weekdays and weekends to support training and operational needs. 

  • Day Shift: 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., weekdays
  • Swing Shift: 3:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m., including weekends and three weekdays.
  • Graveyard Shift: 11:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m., including weekends and three weekdays.

Upon successful completion of the trial service period, employees will be assigned to a shift based on operational needs and seniority within the team, in accordance with the SEIU Collective Bargaining Agreement. Candidates should be aware that the assigned long-term schedule will most likely be on either the swing shift or graveyard shift and will include weekend coverage.

Guidelines:
This position must work within the Federal, State, local and the University of Oregon rules and regulations, including maintaining compliance with permits, working within regulations, and performing duties in a safe manner.
Special Requirement:
It is an essential requirement of this position to qualify for and maintain UO driver's certification eligibility, which includes maintaining an Oregon driver's license throughout employment in this position.

Minimum Requirements

Completed Boiler and Turbine Operator apprenticeship or equivalent combination of education and experience to include knowledge of turbine generators, centrifugal absorption chillers, high pressure boilers and related technical systems involving electrical, steam, and refrigeration.
Position requires valid Oregon driver's license and acceptable driving record.

Professional Competencies

Ability to perform duties in a way that advances and supports the mission of the department and university.
Ability to collaborate effectively within a diverse team environment and foster positive relationships for problem solving.
Skilled in taking initiative and proactively addressing tasks that need to be done.
Proficient in paying close attention to detail.
Ability to maintain a safe and safety-conscious workplace.
Ability to maintain a respectful workplace and model a positive and proactive attitude.
Skilled in modeling and upholding the highest ethical standards.
Proficient in delivering superior customer service.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience operating highpressure boilers (100+ PSI), industrial chillers (1,000+ tons), steam turbines, and working safely around highvoltage equipment and lines.
Knowledge and handson background with gas turbines, heat recovery boilers, and utility distribution systems, including steam and chilled water.
Working knowledge of maintenance and operation of boilers, chillers, air compressors, DA tanks, RO units, pumps, and valves.
Experience using industrial and facility software systems such as FactoryTalk, Siemens, PME, Milestone Cameras, and CMMS platforms including AiM.
Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, and Zoom for documentation, communication, and reporting.

FLSA Exempt: No


All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

This is a classified position represented by the SEIU Local 503, Oregon Public Employees Union.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.

The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online.

Advertised: July 15, 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

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