What are the responsibilities and job description for the Facility Operator - Winter Park position at Denver Water?
Commuting from Denver: A Denver Water vehicle will be provided for commuting to the Winter Park location.
OR
Residing in Grand County: The employee may choose to live and work in Grand County, reporting to the Winter Park location. This option includes a $500 monthly housing stipend.
Posting: Summary: Denver Water’s Moffat Collection System, a nearly 100-year-old network of dams, tunnels, canals, and pipes, transports water from the west slope to Denver via the Moffat Tunnel. Covering 100 square miles in the Fraser River Valley, it collects and diverts snowmelt into the system. Facility Operators manage water flows at 38 diversions, record weather and water data, perform maintenance, and work outdoors year-round in varying conditions.
Spring runoff marks the busiest season, requiring operators to drive over 100 miles daily to monitor and adjust flows, clear blockages, and ensure system security. Environmental stream flows and diversions are regularly checked, and vegetation, ditch, and culvert maintenance is an ongoing task. Summer and fall bring additional responsibilities, such as brush clearing, concrete patching, painting, and facility repairs, often with the help of youth corps teams.
In winter, Operators focus on equipment upkeep, snow removal, and system monitoring while also working toward certifications. Though water flow slows, the system continues operating, with transportation via snowmobiles or Sno-Cats ensuring year-round maintenance. By late April, flows begin increasing again, marking the cycle’s renewal.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position does not have formal supervisory responsibilities over other employees.
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 area. 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:
Minimum 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
- Must be able to possess and maintain a valid Class 'R' Colorado driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record.
- Must possess a valid Class 'B' Colorado Commercial Driver's License within 6 months of appointment.
- 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 Protection Testing
- This position is subject to respiratory protection testing as directed per Denver Water Physician.
Salary : $500
