Operator (All Levels)

Job Listing Overview

Operator (All Levels) 

Non-Union Position
WTR-Operations Water Services-Hiland 3; Territory covers Cloverdale, OR to Corvallis, OR 
Regular FT, Non-Exempt
Posting # 5660  

 

About Us:

 

NW Natural Water owns and operates water and wastewater utilities in communities throughout Texas, Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Since 2018, we have acquired more than 30 utilities and today serve more than 190,000 people via 76,000 connections.

 

Our parent company, NW Natural Holding Company (NYSE: NWN) (NW Natural Holdings), is headquartered in Portland, Oregon and has been doing business for over 165 years. The company operates through NW Natural Gas Company (NW Natural), SiEnergy Operating (SiEnergy), NW Natural Water Company (NW Natural Water), NW Natural Renewables Holdings (NW Natural Renewables), and other business interests, serving a combined population of over 2.6 million people.

NOTE:
 

This position will not be assigned to a specific work center location. 
The primary service territory for this position is Cloverdale, OR to Corvallis, OR. 
This position requires a 2-hour on-call response time to the surface water treatment plant facilities in the primary territory.  
Position Summary:
 

The Operator monitors and manages water treatment plants and distribution systems. The Operator will be responsible for oversight of water treatment plant equipment and processes to meet permit requirements and plant performance goals across five unique surface water treatment plants. This also includes performing field tasks related to operation and repair of the water distribution system, including emergency response. The level at which a candidate is hired will depend on their qualifications, relevant experience, and applicable certifications.

 

This position does not directly oversee other employees on a permanent basis but does frequently have responsibility and oversight of personnel directly related to specific advanced projects as assigned. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. They will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other work- related duties requested by their supervisor.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
 

Monitor and maintain water treatment plant equipment (such as filters, pumps, UV, chemical dosing and related equipment)
Collect samples in accordance with OHA compliance standards.
Participate in system wide flushing and valve exercising operation.
Read and record meter and gauge readings related to plant operations and input into electronic database
Locate, identify and mark distribution system facilities, including valves, fire hydrants and blow-offs
Locate and identify leaks
Report malfunctioning equipment and perform minor maintenance
Assist in distribution leak repair and capital improvement projects.
Perform other related work as required
Operate service trucks; routinely inspect and perform minor maintenance on assigned vehicles; remove and replace defective parts. Assist with transporting vehicles to repair shops.
Comply with all NW Natural Water Services policies, procedures and safety regulations.
Comply with NW Natural Water Services grooming and uniform policy.
Provide effective communication, in written and verbal form, with management and/or other operators on the technical level required of this position.
Participate in specialized training for the safe handling of hazardous materials and confined space entry.
Participate in weekly team meetings
Ability to work on a team, and independently with or without supervision.
 

WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT:

 

The environmental conditions and characteristics described here are representative of those employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
The working environment will vary from extreme outdoor conditions to indoor job duties. This position regularly works outside, year-round, in all weather conditions.
Safety procedures must always be followed, as workers will continually be exposed to hazardous materials, confined space, electrical components and heavy equipment.
The noise level in the field environment is usually moderate, except when operating hand-held power equipment.
 

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

 

Variety of hand tools, hand-held power equipment, light and medium duty vehicles and equipment including vacuum excavation.
Computer and general office equipment.
Qualifications:
 

High school education or equivalent
Valid driver’s license (or obtain within 90 days if out-of-state), required certifications/endorsements, and satisfactory driving record. 
Must consent to annual Motor Vehicle Records check and pass Criminal History check
Must be able to safely lift a minimum of 50 pounds, more with additional help.
Must be able to physically accommodate and use respirators and self-contained breathing apparatuses.
Must be physically able to access and egress trenches, manholes and lift stations as well as water reservoirs and towers.
Ability to safely work with hazardous chemicals
Must be able to accommodate a weekend or variable shift, participate in a 24-hour emergency call rotation when assigned, and work beyond regularly scheduled hours as needed to meet operational and project deadlines.
 

Level and Certification Differentiation 

 

Required for all Operator levels: (Must be obtained within six months of employment)

Oregon State Flagger certification card – employer provided
First Aid & CPR – employer provided
 

Operator Technician

 

Focus: Entry level operations and maintenance under direction

 

Performs routine tasks with training and oversight
May assist higher level operators on more complex work
Does not routinely lead or direct work activities
 

Experience / Qualifications

 

High school diploma or equivalent
Prior utility, construction, or related field experience
Ability to obtain required certifications within established timelines
Note: Additional Operator 1 certification must be obtained within 18 months of employment.
Level and Certification Differentiation (Continued):
 

Operator I

 

Focus: Fully trained operator performing assigned work independently

 

Independently performs standard operational and maintenance tasks
May provide task level guidance to Operator Technicians
Participates in more complex repairs and troubleshooting
 

Experience / Qualifications

 

2 or more years of relevant water utility or closely related experience
Demonstrated working knowledge of water distribution systems
Operator 1 – Additional Certification Requirements
Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) / Oregon Health Authority certification: 
Water Distribution Level I (D1) or
Water Treatment Level I (T1)
 

 

Operator 2

 

Focus: Advanced technical expertise and leadership on complex work

 

Performs advanced operational, maintenance, and repair activities
Frequently provides oversight or direction to other operators on complex or specialized projects
Serves as a technical resource within the team
 

Experience / Qualifications

 

3 or more years of progressively responsible water utility experience
Strong working knowledge of water system operations, troubleshooting, and safety practices
Operator 2 – Additional Certification Requirements
Higher level Oregon certification consistent with role assignment, such as: 
Water Distribution Level II (D2) and/or
Water Treatment Level II (T2)
Level and Certification Differentiation (Continued):
 

Operator 3

 

Focus: Senior operator providing advanced technical expertise, troubleshooting, and leadership on critical system operations and projects.

 

Performs highly skilled operational, maintenance, and repair activities
Leads complex troubleshooting efforts and provides guidance on system performance and reliability
Serves as a subject matter expert and mentor to less experienced operators
Supports planning, coordination, and execution of major maintenance, construction, or improvement projects
 

Experience / Qualifications

 

5 or more years of progressively responsible water utility experience
Advanced knowledge of water distribution and/or treatment system operations, maintenance, regulatory compliance, and safety requirements
Demonstrated ability to diagnose complex operational issues and implement corrective actions
Experience providing technical guidance, training, or lead direction to other operators
Operator 3 – Additional Certification Requirements
Higher-level Oregon certification consistent with role assignment, such as: 
Water Distribution Level III (D3) and/or
Water Treatment Level III (T3)
 

 

Operator 4

 

Focus: Recognized technical leader responsible for the most complex operational, maintenance, regulatory, and system reliability activities.

 

Provides technical leadership on critical system operations and strategic projects
Leads response and resolution efforts for major operational challenges, emergencies, and system incidents
Advises management on operational best practices, regulatory compliance, and system improvements
Serves as a mentor and resource for operators across all levels
 

Experience / Qualifications

 

7 or more years of progressively responsible water utility experience
Expert-level knowledge of water distribution and/or treatment systems, regulatory requirements, and operational best practices
Demonstrated leadership in managing complex projects, emergency response activities, and system optimization efforts
Proven ability to provide technical direction, training, and mentorship to operators and work teams
Operator 4 – Additional Certification Requirements
Higher level Oregon certification consistent with role assignment, such as: 
Water Distribution Level IV (D4) and/or
Water Treatment Level IV (T4)
What we offer:

Health & Wellness –

Rich health insurance benefits with competitive employer contribution
Free access to an online wellness resources platform 
 

Work Life Balance –

Accrue up to 15 Vacation Days annually
13 paid holidays
3 weeks paid parental leave
 

Financial –

Competitive 401K company contribution and match 
15% discount on NW Natural stock through Employee Stock Purchase Program
Up to $5250 a year in tuition reimbursement  
  

Hourly Range: $25.00 – $34.41 (Technician), $28.00 – $37.86 (Level 1), $31.00 – $42.40 (Level 2), $34.00 – $46.65 (Level 3) or $37.00 – $52.24 (Level 4) per hour, depending on qualifications 
 

Application Process: To be considered for this position, submit a complete electronic application including cover letter and resume via our website.

https://www.careers.nwnatural.com/nwnaturalwater

 

Deadline: 8/25/26

 

Disclosure: We are a drug free workplace and we comply with Federal Drug Free Workplace Act and Department of Transportation regulations. NW Natural Water participates in E-Verify. Individuals hired will have their Form I-9 information submitted to E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.

 

E-Verify Information
NW Natural participates in E-Verify. Individuals hired will have their Form I-9 information submitted to E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility.

 

All applications must be submitted through NW Natural Water’s Electronic Application System. Resumes submitted via email, fax or mail will not be accepted in lieu of an electronic application.

 

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.  

 

NW Natural Water does not accept unsolicited submissions or assistance from search firms for posted positions. Resumes submitted by search firms working under a valid and current written contract with NW Natural Water valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from NW Natural Water HR/Employment will be deemed the sole property of NW Natural Water. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by NW Natural Water as a result of the referral or through other means.