Overview
Eastsound Water Users Association is seeking a motivated and dependable person to join our team as an Operator in Training (OIT) on a full-time basis. As a member of our operations staff, you will assist in supplying customers with safe and reliable drinking water while developing the skills required to become a certified water system operator.
This position works under the supervision of certified water operators and reports directly to the Operations Manager. The Operator in Training position is intended as a career-track position leading to Water Operator WTPO Level 1 certification and independent operator responsibilities.
This entry-level position provides hands-on training and experience in the operation and maintenance of EWUA facilities and distribution systems.
Responsibilities
- Water Treatment and Distribution Support: Assisting certified operators with the operation and maintenance of wells, treatment facilities, booster stations, reservoirs, and distribution system infrastructure to support reliable water service.
- System Maintenance: Assisting with routine inspections, preventative maintenance, and minor repairs on pumps, valves, pipelines, meters, and other system components.
- Monitoring and Testing: Assisting with water quality monitoring including chlorine residual testing, turbidity testing, routine sampling, and meter readings. Maintaining operational logs and accurately recording operational data and test results.
- Facility Inspections: Performing regular inspections of wells, reservoirs, pump stations, and treatment facilities to identify potential issues and maintain proper operating conditions.
- Emergency Response Support: Assisting operators in responding to leaks, main breaks, equipment failures, and service interruptions.
- Regulatory Compliance Support: Learning regulatory requirements and assisting with operational recordkeeping and documentation required for compliance with Washington State Department of Health regulations.
- Customer Service Support: Assisting with customer service requests including service investigations and field visits when required.
- Training and Professional Development: Participating in required training programs and working toward Washington WTPO Level 1 certification.
- On-Call Training Participation: Assisting certified operators with on-call duties as part of training and familiarization with system operations.
- Teamwork and Collaboration: Working closely with certified operators and other staff to support safe and reliable system operations.
Qualifications
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Certification Requirements: Ability to obtain Washington WTPO Level 1 certification within 18 months of hire.
- Experience: Previous experience in construction, mechanical work, utilities, landscaping, equipment operation, or related fields is desirable but not required.
- Technical Skills: Basic mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn operation and maintenance of water system equipment.
- Computer Skills: Basic computer skills including familiarity with spreadsheets and web-based software.
- License: Valid Washington State driver’s license required.
- Transportation: Must have access to a reliable personal vehicle for transportation to work sites and field assignments. Eastsound Water provides reimbursement for authorized work-related mileage and fuel expenses in accordance with Association policy.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift 50 pounds
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Ability to walk uneven terrain
- Ability to climb ladders
- Ability to perform physically demanding work when required
Personal Characteristics:
- Strong work ethic and reliability
- Willingness to learn technical skills
- Attention to detail
- Good communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Working Conditions
This position involves a combination of field work and facility work. Operators work outdoors in all weather conditions and may be exposed to mechanical equipment, treatment chemicals, and construction environments.
This position requires regular travel between EWUA facilities and work sites located throughout the Eastsound, Olga, Rosario, and Doe Bay service areas. Employees use personal vehicles for authorized work-related travel and are reimbursed for mileage and fuel in accordance with Association policy.
Occasional evening or weekend work may be required. Operators in Training may assist with on-call activities as part of training under supervision.
About Eastsound Water
Eastsound Water Users Association is a member-owned nonprofit water utility serving a large portion of the Orcas Island community, including Eastsound and the Olga, Rosario, and Doe Bay areas. EWUA is responsible for the production, treatment, storage, and distribution of drinking water in compliance with Washington State Department of Health regulations.
To apply for this job please send a resume and cover letter to info@eastsoundwater.org. Thank you for your interest!