Water System Operator 1 (Public Utility Worker 1)

The City of Gresham is seeking individuals to join our Water Operations Division team and serve our community in a new role as a Water System Operator 1 (Public Utility Worker 1). Gresham team members work together to safely deliver potable water to our community. The Water System Operator 1 is an entry level position that assists in the installation, maintenance and repair in the City of Gresham water system. This role will work outside and receive on the job training while assisting other teammates installing, repairing and maintaining water related infrastructure including water mains, water services, valves, water meters and fire hydrants in a utility construction and customer service environment.

Review of applications will take place the week of August 25th, 2025
 
As Oregon's fourth-largest city, Gresham is a welcoming community of hard-working people where tradition and heritage meet innovation and opportunity. Gresham is a dynamic and rapidly growing city where families and businesses have a mutual desire and drive to thrive. City of Gresham employees care deeply about the community they serve and go 'one step beyond' to deliver services in collaborative, inventive, practical, and nimble ways. Our work is challenging, fast-paced and rewarding.

We believe that to deliver the highest level of service to all Gresham community members, it is crucial we employ a diverse workforce, foster an inclusive working environment, and ensure our policies and systems result in equitable outcomes. The City seeks candidates who will support these values by continuously incorporating equity in their daily work and actively contributing to a workplace culture that respects unique viewpoints, life experiences and cultural perspectives. Come build the future with us.The Water System Operator 1 is an entry level position that assists in the installation, maintenance and repair in the City of Gresham water system.

What you will get to do:

• Assist experienced operators with the operation, maintenance and repair of the Gresham water system to include:
  • Installing, maintaining and repairing water distribution systems.
  • Performing manual labor to install and repair water meters, water services, water mains and fire hydrants.
  • Removing and replacing broken meters.
  • Conducting traffic control and flagging
• Assist experienced operators in completion of Oregon Health Authority and Gresham Water Division goals to include:
  • System flushing
  • Fire hydrant inspections and maintenance
  • System valve inspections and maintenance
  • Water meter replacement program
  • Provide outstanding customer service
  • Understand and utilize asset tracking software on computers and mobile devices
• Maintain and care for Water Division tools and equipment to include:
  • Maintain, clean and organize Water Division tools and equipment such as traffic control devices to prevent costly delays in daily operations and emergency events.
• Learn through essential training opportunities to include:
  • Proficiency in using all Water Distribution industry specialist tools and equipment while gaining clear understanding of how they are used in a sanitary manner to preserve human health.
  • Safe delivery of drinking water and functionality of fire suppression systems.
  • On-the-job peer training and education provided by experienced operators, supervisor and superintendent in field work settings and instructional settings.
  • Oregon Health Authority requirements for Community Water Systems.

Qualities we are looking for:

• A curious and observant learner with an aptitude to acquire and apply relevant knowledge for job role success.
• Someone who enjoys working outdoors in all weather conditions and prefers hands-on work.
• An effective communicator who listens attentively, responds appropriately, and asks questions to clarify and gain understanding.
• A willingness to to learn, grow and become a contributing and collaborative team player.

Knowledge of:

• Laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances affecting City policies and operations
• City government administration, organization, functions, and services
• Practices, principles, procedures, regulations, standards, and techniques as they relate to public works operations, construction, repair, and maintenance
• Safety methods and practices used in public works operations, equipment operation, pesticide application, and the use of hand and power tools
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public and City staff
• Communication principles, practices, and techniques
• Modern office practices and methods, computer equipment, and software applications

Ability to:

• Exercise discretion in confidential and sensitive matters
• Interpret, apply, and enforce compliance with applicable policies, procedures, laws, and regulations
• Operate hand tools, power tools, and light equipment
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all internal and external contacts
• Operate office equipment and technology tools including personal computers, laptop computers and printers, and presentation equipment
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing; present information, proposals, and recommendations clearly and persuasively
• Physically perform the essential job functions

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Up to one year of related experience
• Valid Driver's license
• Good driving record (according to matrix below)

Required certifications:

• CPR/AED and First Aid certification is required within 6 months of hire

DRIVING MATRIX: You will be disqualified from this process if you possess any of the following driving infractions:  

• A major traffic offense or accident that results in death or major injury.
• Driving under the influence (DUI) offense within the last 5 years.
• Have more than 3 moving violations within a 3-year period or more than 2 within a one- year period.  
• Have more than 2 accidents within a 3-year period.

To apply for this position, click 'Apply' at the top of this job posting.

 Required application materials:

• Complete online application(Do not type 'see resume' in any fields or leave work experience fields blank in the application template.)
• Answers to supplemental questions

The City of Gresham offers a comprehensive and equitable base salary within the listed range based on your experience, skills, and education verified in your application. We encourage you to clearly describe how you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Learn more about Oregon Equal Pay.
 
If you desire a modification of this process to accommodate a disability, please provide your request in writing to HRRecruiting@GreshamOregon.gov, or by phone to 503-618-2729, upon submitting the required application documents. 

A review of application materials including your response to supplemental questions submitted will determine which candidates will be invited to an interview.
 
Communication with candidates will be done primarily through e-mail. Sometimes these messages may land in a spam or junk mail folder. We encourage you to monitor your inbox as well as the inbox within the governmentjobs.com portal for important updates related to this process.
 
Veteran's PreferenceThe City of Gresham provides qualifying veterans and disabled veterans with preference in employment in accordance with state law. Any candidate wishing to have their qualifying veteran's preference applied to the process must submit a qualifying document (DD Form 214 or 215) at the time of application providing proof of eligibility that includes discharge status. Disabled veterans must also submit a copy of their Veteran's disability preference letter from the US Department of Veteran Affairs at the time of application, unless the information is included in the DD Form 214 or 215.
 
Our CommitmentThe City of Gresham is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants without unlawful regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, familial status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, Oregon, or local law.
 
Please direct questions about this position to 503-618-2729 or HRRecruiting@GreshamOregon.gov.
 
If you need assistance with the online application, please contact NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627.
 
Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check, driving record review, job-related physical, and drug screen.

Salary : $47,881 - $61,104