The posting
It’s a great time to join the City of Boulder!
Application Deadline:
October 11, 2026
Compensation Details:
Hiring Range
23.58 - 34.19
This is a full-time hourly position.
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Benefit Eligibility Group:
BMEA (20+ Hours)
Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.
Job Description Summary:
Under general supervision, the Wastewater Operator expedites, supports, plans, and operates and performs skilled operation, construction, maintenance, and repair of a large (CDPHE Class 4) wastewater systems to include multiple types of wastewater mains, manholes, lift stations. Participates as a member of the Utilities Maintenance team and works collaboratively with other workgroups and agencies to foster efficient, proactive approach to Water maintenance.
The hiring range for these positions are commensurate with experience:
Wastewater Collections Operation I - $23.58 – $34.19 Wastewater Collections Operation II - $25.93 – $37.60
Wastewater Collections Operation III - $28.52 - $41.36
Wastewater Collections Operation IV - $31.38 - $45.54
Job Description:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Constructs, maintains and repairs wastewater systems, including performing routine maintenance on equipment as needed. Assists in troubleshooting and repair processes to the collections systems according to delegated authority for a Class 4 Wastewater Collections Operator under Colorado Regulation 100 and in accordance with the Wastewater Collections Operating plan.
- Performs utility locates and uses pipe locators, leak locators and sonde equipment. Locates underground water, sewer and storm sewer lines for the Utilities Department, private utilities, contractors, and property owners. Uses equipment to locate utility lines and main breaks including metal detector, pipeline locator, pipe and cable locator, leak correlator, GPS equipment and measuring devices.
- Interprets data trends, comprehend written technical procedures and manuals.
- Performs after hour’s standby duty on a rotating basis and respond to Public Works emergencies as necessary including snow and ice control shifts.
- Responds to questions from the public about stormwater system operations and maintenance activities as necessary.
- Cross-trains in other divisions and disciplines as directed by supervisor.
- Maintains accurate records of work performed and materials and equipment used and enters spatial and work order data into asset management software.
- Performs related duties as required by management to meet the needs of the city.
- Participates in professional trainings and development.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Wastewater Collection Operator I and II
- Ability to clearly describe program goals and objectives and assess a situation and adjust their communication style to meet the needs of the specific situation or audience.
- Ability to maintain a working knowledge with the OSHA Regulations and associated safety procedures and remains alert to conditions, hazards and events occurring at the jobsite. Alway utilize the best industry safety practices.
- Ability to maintain complete and accurate records.
- Ability to model professional maturity and tact while staying task focused.
- Ability to perform a wide range of physical and manual tasks in an outdoor environment.
- Ability to take proper safety precautions to prevent accidents. Responsible for the safety of self, others, materials, and equipment. Use all required safety equipment and follow all safety regulations, policies, and procedures. Report all accidents and damage to city property.
- Ability to use the following types of tools and equipment and trains others in their safe and proper use: backhoe, excavator, single and tandem axle truck and snowplow, frontend loader, hand tools, power tools, long handle tools, jackhammer, grinder, compressor, tamper, locating equipment.
- Ability to work confidently and professionally with others. Ability to recognize the importance of collaboration and can build lasting relationships and connections with other city employees and community members. Skill in growing and continually fostering a high-trust, high-teamwork environment. Ability to receive candid performance feedback and participate in open dialogue with supervisor and peers regarding team dynamics and work plan progress.
- Able to navigate changing priorities and evolving approaches. Able to link short-term planning with strategic) task-oriented thinking to anticipate future consequences of current tactics.
- Skill in actively listening to commercial or residential service complaints, pinpointing root causes, and collaborating with customers to deliver clear, effective resolutions.
- Skill in compassionate empathy, patient boundary-setting, and socially perceptive interactions.
- Skill in organization. Ability to map processes, track progress, meet deadlines, and manage multiple priorities effectively. Ability to perform functions dependably and reliably.
- Must successfully pass a background check before first day of work and maintain acceptable screening.
Wastewater Collection Operator III
In addition to the Wastewater Collection Operator I and II minimum qualifications:
- Ability to navigate changing priorities and evolving approaches. Able to link short-term planning with (strategic) task-oriented thinking to anticipate future consequences of current tactics.
- Skill and ability to lead an after-hours emergency response team.
Wastewater Collection Operator IV
In addition to the Wastewater Collection Operator I, II and III minimum qualifications:
- Ability to coach and develop coworkers to help them grow professionally.
- Ability to manage conflict and settle disputes with the best interest of the organization in mind.
- Ability to read blueprints and other construction drawings.
- Skill and experience with snow operations including operating tandem with plow and spreader.
- Skill in advanced problem-solving skills on the job.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Wastewater Collection Operator I and II
- Ability to communicate fluently in English and Spanish.
- Ability to read and interpret design drawings, blueprints, maps, quarter section books, computer generated drawings, and records measurements and locations, mainlines, manholes, taps, etc.
- Six (6) months’ experience in utilities operations and maintenance or construction (wastewater collections).
- First Aid with CPR Certification through Red Cross or equivalent accredited institution.
Wastewater Collection Operator III
In addition to the Wastewater Collection Operator I and II preferred qualifications:
- Knowledge of City Design and Construction Standards.
- Skill and experience in heavy construction.
- Skill and experience with snow operations including operating tandem with plow and spreader.
- BMP installation and maintenance training.
Wastewater Collection Operator IV
In addition to the Wastewater Collection Operator I, II and III preferred qualifications:
- No additional preferred qualifications.
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Wastewater Collection Operator I
- High school diploma GED; or equivalent of two (2) years related experience may substitute for the education requirement only.
- No experience required.
- Must hold and maintain a valid drivers' license.
- Commercial Driver’s License Class A or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months. Must maintain in good standing.
- State of Colorado Class 1 Wastewater Collections System Operator Certification or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
- Backhoe and Loader Certification under the Equipment Operator's Certification and Training Program or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
- Traffic Flagger Certification from ATSSA or equivalent or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
- Confined Space Certification or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
- Competent Person Trenching, Shoring and Excavation Certification or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
- OSHA 10-hour Certification or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
Wastewater Collection Operator II
- High school diploma or GED; or equivalent of two (2) years related experience may substitute for the education requirement only.
- Two (2) years’ experience in utilities operations and maintenance or construction.
- Must hold and maintain a valid drivers' license.
- Commercial Driver’s License Class A or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months. Must maintain in good standing.
- State of Colorado Class 2 Wastewater Collections System Operator Certification.
- Backhoe and Loader Certification under the Equipment Operator's Certification and Training Program or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
- Traffic Flagger Certification from ATSSA or equivalent or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
- Confined Space Certification or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
- Competent Person Trenching, Shoring and Excavation Certification or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
- OSHA 10-hour certification or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
Wastewater Collection Operator III
- High school diploma or GED; or equivalent of two (2) years related experience may substitute for the education requirement only.
- Three (3) years’ experience in utilities maintenance or construction.
- Must hold and maintain a valid drivers' license.
- Commercial Driver’s License Class A or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months. Must maintain in good standing.
- State of Colorado Class 3 Wastewater Collections System Operator Certification.
- Completion of QPswppp level 2 through Colorado Stormwater One.
- Backhoe and Loader Certification under the Equipment Operator's Certification and Training Program or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
- Traffic Flagger Certification from ATSSA or equivalent or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
- Confined Space Certification or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
- Competent Person Trenching, Shoring and Excavation Certification or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
- OSHA 10-hour certification or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
- NASSCO pipeline assessment Certification (PACP/LACP/MACP Certified) or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
Wastewater Collection Operator IV
- High school diploma or GED; or equivalent of two (2) years related experience may substitute for the education requirement only.
- Four (4) years’ experience in utilities maintenance or construction (wastewater).
- Must hold and maintain a valid drivers' license.
- Commercial Driver’s License Class A or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months. Must maintain in good standing.
- State of Colorado Class 4 Wastewater Collections System Operator Certification.
- Backhoe and Loader Certification under the Equipment Operator's Certification and Training Program or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
- Traffic Flagger Certification from ATSSA or new hires have equivalent or ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
- Confined Space Certification or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
- Competent Person Trenching, Shoring and Excavation Certification or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
- OSHA 10-hour certification or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
- NASSCO pipeline assessment Certification (PACP/LACP/MACP Certified) or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
SUPERVISION
Supervision Received: Wastewater Collection Supervisor
Supervision Exercised: None
WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
- Physical and Mental Effort: Ability to work in and around moving traffic and equipment; in areas of limited access; and confined spaces requiring standing, walking, bending, and kneeling. Requires upper body strength to lift and carry equipment and supplies as needed.
- Work Environment: Works year-round in an outdoor environment and at times in adverse weather conditions, such as rain, wind, heat, cold, and snow. Works in an industrial setting subject to continuous interruptions and background noises. May experience stress from demanding deadlines, public contact, and changing priorities and conditions. May experience stress from encounters with concerned or distraught customers.
- Machines and Equipment Used: Hand and power tools, long-handled tools, backhoe, excavator, single and tandem axle truck and snowplow, frontend loader, hand tools, power tools, rodder, jackhammer, grinder, compressor, tamper, locating equipment, sewer jet, bucket machine, combo cleaners, CCTV equipment, hydro-excavators, vactor style trucks, two-way radio, gas detection equipment, pipe/leak locators, correlators and computers (hand-held, lap-top, and stationary). Required to wear protective safety gear and use safety equipment to protect against potential biohazards possibly encountered.
As part of the City of Boulder’s commitment to a future with equitable access to health, prosperity, and fulfillment that is not limited by a person’s race, ethnicity, age, gender, ability, religion, sexuality, or socioeconomic status, it is the city’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all individuals. The city does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law or policy.
