Utility Worker Lead

The City of Bend is accepting applications for one (1) regular, full-time Utility Worker Lead in the Operations Division of the Water Services Department. This is an hourly, non-exempt (overtime eligible) position represented by the City of Bend Employee Association (COBEA). The City may use this job posting to create an eligibility list for future hiring purposes. Please review the entire job posting, including the application requirements at the end.

Are you a skilled water utility professional who loves leading crews and solving complex field problems? As Bend’s Utility Worker Lead with the Meter & Safe Drinking Water group, you’ll be the go-to leader for day‑to‑day repair and replacement work on the City’s water, water reclamation, and storm drain systems. You’ll assign work, guide and train crew members, troubleshoot issues in real time, and ensure every job is done safely and efficiently.

This role is hands‑on and mission‑critical. You’ll operate and direct heavy equipment, coordinate field repairs, maintain accurate records, and respond to emergency calls to restore essential services. Upcoming opportunities include contributing to capital project planning, evaluating and specifying new equipment, and improving our data collection and safety practices. If you thrive in the field, enjoy mentoring others, and want to make a visible impact on community infrastructure, this is a great next step.

You’ll be part of a team that values safety, customer service, and continuous improvement, working closely with the Meter & Safe Drinking Water program and other utility crews. Your leadership will help keep Bend’s water systems reliable for the community—every day and especially when it matters most.

• Installation of new meter sets for new construction
• Installation of hydrant meter boxes for new development
• Diagnosing/troubleshooting/repair AMI/AMR water metering system
• Locating City infrastructure, water, collections, stormwater
• Replace water meters based off meter consumption
• Water meter accuracy testing
• Repair/replace backflow devices
• Infrastructure inspections
• Troubleshoot system issues such as pressure problems, leaks, service disruptions

• Assists CIP projects

Someone who demonstrates initiative and takes ownership of challenges with confidence and creativity. This person is a proven leader who inspires and motivates others while maintaining a collaborative, team‑focused approach. They are hardworking and dependable, consistently delivering high‑quality results. A natural problem‑solver, they approach complex issues with practical solutions and a positive mindset. As a self‑starter, they thrive in dynamic environments and require little supervision to succeed.

Highly organized, they manage multiple priorities effectively and maintain attention to detail. They are an excellent communicator who builds trust and fosters strong relationships across teams. Finally, they bring valuable hands‑on experience, applying technical knowledge and practical skills to ensure operational success.

Working knowledge of water operations and maintenance, including the principles and practices that ensure efficient and compliant performance. The ideal candidate understands regulatory requirements and safety standards governing water and wastewater systems and can apply this knowledge to maintain compliance. They are familiar with supervisory methods and team leadership strategies, as well as process troubleshooting and optimization techniques to improve system reliability and efficiency.

This foundation of technical and operational knowledge allows them to make informed decisions and support the success of the facility.

Skills in leadership and team development, including the ability to coach, mentor, and inspire staff toward achieving shared goals. The ideal candidate excels in effective communication, both written and verbal, ensuring clarity and collaboration across all levels of the organization. They possess strong organizational and time‑management skills, enabling them to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment. Analytical thinking and problem‑solving…