Certified Water Systems Operator

Eagle River Water & Sanitation District is looking to add to our expert team of Water Systems Operators. Ready to work in a job where you get to work with skilled professionals and make meaningful contributions to your local community? We are currently hiring a Certified Water Systems Operator to join our team and contribute to our vision of operational excellence.

If you are a seasoned water industry professional who wants to continue to grow at a large utility, with a career that is focused on water quality, regulatory compliance, and operations of three surface water and eight ground water treatment facilities, this is the role for you. An ideal candidate for this role has significant water treatment and operating experience with an understanding of water quality regulatory compliance and reporting. We are open to translatable industry-related skills and are willing to train where needed.

THE DAY-TO-DAY

This is a unique Water Systems Operator role where you'll support leaders and ORCs in critical treatment decisions, playing a key part in our vital operations. This position has additional responsibilities from the traditional operator role, offering opportunities for program management, optimization, and special studies. If you are ready to make an impact, this role is your chance to grow and innovate in the water industry.

• TREATMENT PROCESS: Engages in advanced water treatment plant and distribution system operations via SCADA, including starting and stopping pumps, opening and closing valves, ensuring adequate water quality and quantity in the distribution system, and adjusting storage tanks set points as needed. Monitors turbidity, chlorine residual, and fluoride levels to meet state and federal standards and adjusts plant operations accordingly. Monitors equipment and treatment processes. Performs QA/QC sampling and documentation.
• LABORATORY TESTING & DATA MANAGEMENT:  Demonstrates understanding of laboratory water quality analyses and online instrumentation related to water treatment. Conducts special studies of raw and/or treated drinking water. Completes laboratory analysis for water samples using approved methodologies. Tests water quality using benchtop and portable equipment. Calibrates, maintains, and performs QA/QC on all water testing equipment. Ability to compile, organize, interpret, and graphically display data. Enters water quality data into LIMS software. Organizes analytical reports for long-term records retention and regulatory management. Assists with monthly regulatory data reporting. Responds to customer water quality questions and concerns as needed.
• REGULATORY COMPLIANCE: Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of state (CDPHE) and federal (EPA) drinking water regulations. This candidate must have the ability to oversee regulatory and water quality programs, including Total Coliform Rule, Lead and Copper Rule, Disinfection Byproducts Rule, etc. Collects water quality samples in the field and arranges for compliance samples to be performed at contracted laboratories.
• MAINTENANCE & EQUIPMENT OPERATION: Performs general maintenance and troubleshooting of pumps, motors, chemical feed equipment, online instrumentation, and laboratory equipment.
• LEADERSHIP: Takes the lead in organizing daily operations for the water operations team, including coordinating sample collection, troubleshooting maintenance issues, and overseeing water quality initiatives. Mentors staff by providing hands-on training and promoting best practices to ensure consistency and compliance with water quality standards. Assists in prioritizing tasks and allocating resources to support efficient project completion, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

• High School Diploma or GED, associate or bachelor’s degree in a STEM-related field is preferred.
• Water Treatment Operator Class A certification is preferred. We are open to other certified water operators based on professional experience.
• Water quality testing or laboratory experience is preferred. Experience with Regulation 11 compliance, reporting, and overseeing regulatory programs is preferred.
• Mechanical aptitude and experience working with hand tools, pumps, and motors is preferred.
• Computer proficiency required, including basic Microsoft Office skills including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Must possess a valid Colorado Driver's license within 30 days of full-time employment.

SCHEDULE

This role will be scheduled to work Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4pm. Must be willing to work overtime, holidays, and weekends, as necessary. Must be willing to work on-call shifts in a seven-day rotation (compensation provided for on-call).

COMPENSATION

We encourage the growth and development of our employees! There are four levels of Water Systems Operator with different titles and pay ranges depending on certifications, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The District will support you in earning your licenses. Pay range and title depend on certifications and experience. Starting range depends on qualifications but generally falls within the minimum and midpoint of the pay range. Pay ranges for each level are as follows:

• Water Systems Operator I: $26.41 - $36.97
• Water Systems Operator II (requires CCWP Water Treatment Operator C License): $29.12 - $40.77
• Water Systems Operator III (requires CCWP Water Treatment Operator B License): $32.10 - $44.94
• Senior Water Systems Operator (requires CCWP Water Treatment Operator A License): $35.39 - $49.55

BENEFITS

At ERWSD, we value life-work balance and are leaders in the industry with our holistic benefits package, which includes but is not limited to:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employee housing or $479 monthly housing stipend
• Wellness program
• Retirement savings plans (414h and 457)
• 13.5 paid holidays
• Paid time off program
• Relocation assistance (if applicable)
• $650 annual recreation benefit
• Tuition reimbursement
• Loan programs (ski pass, computer, EVs)

All District employees must submit to a pre-employment drug screen and extensive background check. For a full position description, email erwsdjobs@erwsd.org.

This role will remain posted until filled.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.