Operator - Water Distribution, Sewer Collections, Storm Water

The City of Sumner Public Operations Department

The Department is recruiting for four (4) utilities positions:

• 1 Water Distribution Operator
• 1 Sewer Collections Operator
• 2 Stormwater Operators

These full‑time roles are essential for maintaining and improving the City’s utility infrastructure systems. Operators perform a wide variety of construction, repair, maintenance, and operational duties related to water distribution, sewer collections, and stormwater systems to support safe and reliable public services for the community.

The class is responsible for maintenance and construction work across the City’s sewer, storm, and water systems. Work is initially supervised by a Field Supervisor or the Superintendent, but experienced operators may perform assignments independently.

• Read water meters on an assigned route and record readings in a handheld device; check meter condition and replace faulty meters.
• Install, repair, and maintain water, sanitary and storm sewer lines and apparatus such as fire hydrants, valves, manholes, and catch basins.
• Fabricate, repair, and install road, warning, street, and speed signs.
• Repair concrete sidewalks and curbs; mix concrete; form, pour, finish, and paint pavement markings for traffic control.
• Use the City asset‑management system to plan and track maintenance of city assets.
• Perform other duties as requested.

• Install, repair, maintain, and replace sewer collection components including gravity and force mains, side sewer lines, manhole structures, emergency generators, grinder pumps, lift stations, valves, and other infrastructure.
• Assist with utility locates for city and developer/builder use.

• Install, repair, maintain, and replace stormwater system components such as mains, catch basins, roadside ditches, infiltration galleries, detention ponds.
• Assist with utility locates for city and developer/builder use.
• Perform weed and vegetation control services including herbicide and pesticide application.

• Install, repair, maintain, and replace water distribution components including mains, service lines, hydrants, meter reading and testing, storage reservoirs, emergency generators, air gaps, check valves.
• Collaborate with the billing office for timely shut‑off and turn‑on operations.
• Assist with utility locates for city and developer/builder use.

• At least 18 years of age.
• High‑school graduation or equivalent.
• Construction, maintenance, and repair experience with a public utility is desired.
• Any relevant education, training, or experience that provides the required knowledge and ability may be considered.

• Valid Washington State driver’s license.
• Class "A" CDL with a tower endorsement earned within two years of employment.
• First‑aid/CPR certification earned within six to twelve months of employment.
• Flagging certification earned within six to twelve months.
• Opportunity to obtain Public Operator's License and/or Sign and Markings Specialist certification if required.
• Water Distribution Manager I or Cross Connection Control Specialist certification.
• Sewer Collections Water‑Waste Collection Personnel Association (WWCPA) Sewer Collection System Certification I.
• Storm Water Herbicide/Pesticide Applicator's License, Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead, Trapper Certificate.

• Basic maintenance, repair, and construction techniques for street, storm, sewer, and water systems.
• Work hazards and safety precautions applicable to the job.
• Safe operation of power and manual hand tools.
• Operation of light vehicles.

• Perform physically demanding tasks requiring strength, agility, and endurance.
• Operate a computer or tablet.
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions; work independently on routine duties.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and the public.
• Work outdoors for extended periods under adverse weather conditions.
• Operate power and manual hand tools safely.
• Respond to work outside of normal working hours as needed.
• Provide customer…