Certified Water Distribution Operator or Water Distribution Operator Associate

Salary: $19.50 - $28.06 Hourly
Location : Klamath Falls, OR
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Public Works
Division: WTR OPS
Opening Date: 02/18/2026

Summary

The City of Klamath Falls is accepting applications for Oregon Health Authority (OHA) certified Distribution Operators or Distribution Operator Associate. A Distribution Operator Associate is offered a career opportunity with on-the-job training and education to become an OHA certified Distribution Operator. The City's Water Division encourages and supports continued advancement opportunities. Water Distribution Operatorsdisplay an eagernesstolearn how tooperate andmaintainthevarious functions of the Water and Geothermal distribution systems'alliedfacilities.

This is a non-supervisory position.
To be successful, this employee must be able to demonstrate the ability to identify and resolve problems; effectively communicate to both team members and members of the community; and be attentive to detail. This position requires an individual that works well in a team setting. Once certified, must also have the ability to work independently. The City desires an individual that is career oriented and looking for future growth in the operation of the Water Division.

Each Distribution Operator level requires correlating Oregon Health Authority (OHA) certification.

SALARY: Distribution Operator Associate - Grade 108:

- $19.50 - $28.06 per hour

Distribution Operator I - Grade 113: $23.97 - $34.51 per hour

Distribution Operator II - Grade 115: $26.13 - $37.62 per hour

Distribution Operator III - Grade 117: $28.54 - $41.08 per hour

Distribution Operator IV - Grade 119: $31.22 - $44.96 per hour

The City of Klamath Falls is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Klamath Falls will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification. Shown are duties intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

As an entry level, non-certified position, all duties listed below must be closely monitored by a City employee who has a current Oregon Health Authority (OHA) State of Oregon Water Distribution certification.

• Learns computer-aided equipment and software associated with Water distribution systems.
• Assists in the installation of water and geothermal mainline pipe, installing water and geothermal mainline valves and fire hydrants, installing water and geothermal services, repairing and replacing water and geothermal meters, valves, hydrants, and meter settings.
• Assists Meter Services staff from Utility Billing Division as assigned.
• Operates and maintains utility-related machinery and equipment as assigned.
• Routinely operates a variety of vehicles and light to heavy equipment.
• Working as part of a work crew, completes leak repairs in the water and geothermal distribution system.
• Assists in checking pumps, reservoirs, pressures, and chlorination equipment for proper operating conditions as assigned.
• Assists in the collection and recording of readings from pump station flow meters, pressure gauges, disinfectant residual levels, and other data and information related to water utility operations.
• Learns how to follow written procedures and protocol to evaluate and distinguish normal and abnormal conditions within the water and geothermal systems.
• Performs a variety of routine and custodial tasks.
• Carries after hours on call phone as part of a rotation.
• Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and Skills
  • The position requires entry-level knowledge and a willingness to learn Water Distribution operations. Requires sufficient language and writing skills to prepare detailed technical documentation of activity. Requires sufficient math skills to record data, perform math and statistical computations. Requires sufficient human relations skill to convey technical concepts to others and conduct orientations and in-service training of peers.
• Abilities
  • Requires the ability to carry out the essential functions of the position with general supervision. Requires the ability to use tools, power equipment, and specialized process-related equipment. Requires the ability to employ safe work habits. Requires the ability to work varying shifts.
• Physical Abilities
  • Requires the ability to stand, walk, and manipulate (lift, carry, move, push, pull, guide) light to medium weights of up to 50 pounds on an intermittent basis and push, pull, or guide up to 100 pounds on an infrequent basis. Requires the ability to stoop, kneel, and crouch…