Water Operator (Wastewater Collection)

POSITION TITLE: Water Operator (Wastewater Collection) (Full-Time Hourly) (Classified)
REQUISITION #: req8494
DEPARTMENT: One Water Operations
LOCATION: UTILITIES SERVICE CTR - BLDG A
BENEFIT CATEGORY: Classified (Non-CBU) Classified Employee Benefit Highlights
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-Time Hourly
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
ANNUAL SALARY RANGE: $66,875.00 - 93,305.00 (Salaries are paid biweekly)
ANNUAL ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE: This is a step level position and the salary will fall within the range above.
SELECTION PROCESS: Application deadline is 3:00 p.m. MT on 7/4/2026. At the City, we are focused on finding the strongest candidate for the role, and we recognize that excellence can come from a wide variety of experiences and paths. When reviewing applications, we consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and lived experiences that align with the minimum qualifications. If you are interested in this opportunity, we encourage you to view your background broadly and highlight the skills and experiences that best prepare you 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

Job Summary

Work 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 Collections, and Stormwater Collections.

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

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)

At the City, we are focused on finding the strongest candidate for the role, and we recognize that excellence can come from a wide variety of experiences and paths. When reviewing applications, we consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and lived experiences that align with the minimum qualifications. If you are interested in this opportunity, we encourage you to view your background broadly and highlight the skills and experiences that best prepare you 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.

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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 (970) 221-6535 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 is committed to equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. Employment decisions will comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination in employment. The City does not tolerate behavior that results in the terms and conditions of employment being adversely impacted based on an employee’s protected status, or any behavior that violates this policy.

Consistent with the City’s respect for the rights and dignity of each employee, the City is committed to providing a work environment that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. The City prohibits discrimination or harassment based on protected characteristics, including race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including perceived sexual orientation), gender, gender identity, gender expression, disability, age 40 years or older, pregnancy or related condition, military, veteran status or uniformed service member status, genetic information, marital status or any other status protected under federal, state or local law.

The City is committed to providing a healthy and safe work environment. In addition to the City’s commitment to equal opportunity employment, the City strictly prohibits discrimination or retaliation against an employee who raises any reasonable concern about workplace violations of government health or safety rules or a significant threat to the health or safety of City employees or the public, if the City controls the workplace conditions giving rise to the threat or violation.

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