Overview
Eastsound Water Users Association is seeking a highly experienced and dependable person to join our team as a Water Operator – WTPO Level 3 on a full-time basis. As a senior member of our operations staff, you will help supply customers with safe and reliable drinking water through advanced operation and maintenance of EWUA facilities and distribution systems.
This position works independently with minimal supervision and reports directly to the Operations Manager. The WTPO Level 3 position is responsible for advanced system operations, complex troubleshooting, and technical leadership within the operations team.
Responsibilities
- Water Treatment and Distribution Operations: Independently operating and optimizing wells, treatment facilities, booster stations, reservoirs, and distribution system infrastructure to support reliable water service.
- System Maintenance: Diagnosing and repairing complex mechanical and operational problems involving pumps, motors, valves, pipelines, controls, and treatment equipment.
- Monitoring and Testing: Performing and overseeing required water quality monitoring including chlorine residual testing, turbidity testing, routine sampling, and meter readings. Reviewing operational data and making process adjustments as necessary. Maintaining operational logs and compliance records.
- Facility Inspections: Performing comprehensive inspections of wells, reservoirs, pump stations, treatment facilities, and distribution infrastructure to identify deficiencies and recommend corrective action.
- Emergency Response: Leading response efforts for leaks, main breaks, equipment failures, alarms, and service interruptions and coordinating restoration of service.
- Regulatory Compliance: Supporting regulatory compliance activities including inspections, reporting, and documentation required by the Washington State Department of Health.
- Customer Service: Investigating and resolving complex customer service issues including service interruptions and water quality concerns.
- On-Call Duties: Participating in the on-call rotation and responding to after-hours alarms and emergencies when assigned.
- Training and Technical Support: Providing guidance and training to Operators in Training and WTPO Level 1 and Level 2 operators.
- Teamwork and Collaboration: Working closely with other operators and management to support safe and reliable system operations and long-term system reliability.
Qualifications
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Certification Requirements: Washington WTPO Level 3 certification required.
- Experience: Extensive experience in water system operations or related utility work preferred.
- Technical Skills: Advanced ability to independently operate, troubleshoot, and optimize water system equipment and treatment processes.
- 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
- Attention to detail
- Good communication skills
- Ability to work independently and make sound operational decisions
- Ability to provide technical guidance to other operators
- Ability to work 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 participate in on-call duties and must be available to respond to emergencies when assigned.
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!