Facility Operator - Winter Park

Working for Denver Water offers a rewarding and comprehensive employment experience marked by exceptional benefits and a strong organizational culture. Employees enjoy a robust 401(k) plan with employer contributions, a secure pension fund to support long-term financial well-being, and high-quality benefits that include a generous PTO package as well as medical, dental, and vision coverage. 

Denver Water’s Moffat Collection System, a nearly 100-year-old network of interconnected dams, tunnels, canals, and pipes, was built to convey water from the west slope to Denver via the Moffat Tunnel. It stretches across 100 sq. miles of private and public land in the mountainous Fraser River Valley. 

Winters’ snow packed mountains melt out to charge up summers’ fast-moving streams that are diverted into the collection system. The facility operator is responsible for recording daily weather and water data, making operational water changes at 38 different diversions to achieve requested flows, providing maintenance for the collection system, and working as a team or independently to benefit Denver Water’s operations in Winter Park. Work is outdoors where cold, rain, snow, and sunshine are ever part of the work environment. 

Spring melt stokes up runoff marking the start of “high water season”. The facility operator begins a day by recording daily values (weather, diversion flows and environmental stream flows), communicating with supervisors to gather information and goals for the day, then ventures out—directing efforts towards flow requirements and additional fieldwork encountered. “Runoff” is busy; driving over 100 miles a day is common to ensure safe management of the water resources. Field checks are made to assure environmental streamflow’s, security, and diversion flows. Overcoming vegetation, ditch and culverts blockages is an ongoing expectation. 

Snowpack burns off bringing Summer – Fall; a time where various projects, e.g. brush cutting, concrete patching and painting add to the workday. These assignments are worked once daily operational duties are completed. Common assignments include leading youth corps to clear away vegetation, spraying weeds, painting, patching concrete or repairing facilities. 

Winter charges up the snowpack, and time is dedicated for gaining certifications, cleaning house, maintaining equipment, clearing snow, and monitoring the system.  The Moffat Collection System delivers water through winter; flows decrease in early winter and start to pick up by late April. Snowmobile or Sno-Cat patrols provide transportation to continue work objectives during winter.

Under general supervision, operate and maintain the safe storage and delivery of raw water.  Maintain ditches, canals, dams, reservoirs, recreational campsites, and restroom facilities.  Perform valve changes to regulate the flow and water levels. 

If the Employee resides outside of Grand County in the Denver Metro Area, they will be able to commute in a Denver Water issued vehicle and report to the Winter Park office.  The employee will work in Winter Park during the summer months, generally defined as May – November.  When the employee transitions to winter season work December – April they will be stationed at an SOS site near to the metro area (Ralston Reservoir, Kassler Pump Station, or similar facilities).

If the Employee resides in Grand County a $500 monthly housing stipend is available.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities   

• Take and record information, including reservoir elevations, streamflow readings, and weather data.
• Patrol assigned departmental property to prevent vandalism, trespassing, and fires and cooperate with various local public and private agencies. 
• Maintain and repair roads, buildings, and other structures in assigned areas. Perform related unskilled and semi-skilled labor including lifting, digging, carrying, mixing concrete, grounds and road repair, and carpentry work. 
• Maintain liaison with visitors to department facilities. Work with local agencies concerning recreational opportunities at these facilities. 
• Operate valves to regulate flows, check emergency valves periodically, and maintain outlet piping, valves, and valve chambers. 
• Operate and maintain equipment including trucks, bulldozers, front-end loaders, road graders, air compressors, and pumps. 
• Ensure safety and security of Denver Water facilities and property.
• Must be able to perform safety sensitive functions.
• Perform related work as required.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience 

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum 2 years of related work experience.
• Any equivalent combination of certifications, education, or experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities for the position.

Licenses, Registration, and Certifications 

• Colorado Water Distribution Class 1 Certificate required within 12 months of appointment. 
• FEMA ICS 100, 200, 700, 800 within18 months of hire. 
• Must be able to possess and maintain a valid Class ‘R’ Colorado driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record at time of hire. 
• Must possess a valid Class ‘B’ Colorado Commercial Driver’s License within 6 months of appointment.   

Safety Sensitive Statement 

• This is a safety sensitive job where an employee’s direct action/inaction may lead to immediate harm to self, team, or the public and/or will have significant risk to the mission of Denver Water. To promote the safety, employees in this job must possess English proficiency adequate to effectively communicate with customers and coworkers, including proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. 

Respiratory Statement 

• This position is subject to respiratory protection testing as directed per Denver Water Physician. 

An offer of employment may be contingent upon satisfactory results of a post-offer drug test and alcohol. Denver Water tests for the following: amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana (THC), opiates, and phencyclidine (PCP). A strength test may also be conducted due to the physical requirements of the position. This strength test may include lifting, pushing, and pulling various amounts of weight as well as crouching, squatting, and lifting one’s own body weight from various positions. If the position is deemed safety-sensitive or requires a CDL, you will be placed on the random drug and alcohol testing list, which means you may be tested if your name is selected while employed at Denver Water. 

Applicants for employment at Denver Water must be authorized to work in the U.S.  Denver Water will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. 

Salary : $500