Wastewater Collection Lead Operator

Its a great time to join the City of Boulder!

Application Deadline :

November 20 2025

Compensation Details :

Hiring Range

33.84 - 49.07

This is a full-time hourly position.

Scheduled Weekly Hours :

40

Benefit Eligibility Group :

BMEA (20 Hours)

Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.

Job Description Summary :

Under general supervision expedites supports plans and operates and performs skilled operation construction maintenance and repair of a large (CDPHE Class 4) wastewater systems to include multiple types of wastewater mains manholes lift stations and related Utilities duties as assigned. Participates as a member of the Utilities Maintenance team and works collaboratively with other workgroups and agencies to foster efficient proactive approach to Water maintenance.

Job Description :

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Interprets data trends comprehend written technical procedures and manuals.

Performs a variety of duties (construction maintenance and repair) requiring knowledge wastewater systems. This includes :

Perform routine maintenance on equipment as needed.

Assists in troubleshooting and repair processes to the collections systems.

Performs utility locates and uses pipe locators leak locators and sonde equipment. Locates underground water sewer and storm sewer lines for the Utilities Department private utilities contractors and property owners. Uses equipment to locate utility lines and main breaks including metal detector pipeline locator pipe and cable locator leak correlator GPS equipment and measuring devices.

Required to perform after hours standby duty on a rotating basis and respond to Public Works emergencies as necessary including snow and ice control shifts.

Responds to questions from the public about collections system / distribution system operations and maintenance activities as necessary. Ability to assist in effectively communicating and understanding cause and work towards resolution of the commercial or residential service complaints.

Maintains a working knowledge with the OSHA Regulations and associated safety procedures and remains alert to conditions hazards and events occurring at the jobsite. Always utilizes the best industry safety practices.

Required to cross-train in other divisions and disciplines as directed by supervisor.

Maintains accurate records of work performed and materials and equipment used and enters spatial and work order data into asset management software.

Performs related duties as required by management to meet the needs of the city.

Takes proper safety precautions to prevent accidents. Responsible for the safety of self others materials and equipment. Uses all required safety equipment and follows all safety regulations policies and procedures. Reports all accidents and damage to city property.

May act as backup for Wastewater Supervisor in absence thereof.

May be asked to stand in for supervisor on work sites special projects task forces or other work-related groups.

Knows and complies with all city and department policies and city values; participates in professional trainings and development; and adheres to attendance and workplace attire policies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Professional Competencies

Effective Communicator Able to clearly describe program goals and objectives. Able to assess a situation and adjust their style to meet the needs of the specific situation or audience.

Relationship Builder Is confident and professional in working with others. Recognizes the importance of collaboration and can build lasting relationships and connections with other city employees and community members. Works to grow and continually foster a high-trust high-teamwork environment. Can receive candid performance feedback and participate in open dialogue with supervisor and peers regarding team dynamics and work plan progress.

Customer Service - Compassionate and empathetic. Ability to gracefully set boundaries. Is patient with people and processes and models professional maturity in dealing with all people. Is socially perceptive modeling consideration and tact while maintaining focus on tasks at hand.

Organized - Has attention to detail and can map out processes meet deadlines and effectively track progress. Is dependable and reliable.

Adaptable Able to navigate changing priorities and evolving approaches. Links short-term planning with (strategic) task-oriented thinking to anticipate future consequences of current tactics.

Ability to obtain a valid Commercial Drivers License Class A within 9 months of hire and once obtained maintained in good standing

Ability to use the following types of tools and equipment and trains others in their safe and proper use : backhoe excavator single and tandem axle truck and snowplow frontend loader hand tools power tools long handle tools jackhammer grinder compressor tamper locating equipment.

Ability to perform a wide range of physical and manual tasks in an outdoor environment.

Ability to use all required safety equipment.

Ability to deal courteously and effectively with the public in difficult situations.

Ability to maintain complete and accurate records.

Ability to obtain certification for backhoe and loader under the Equipment Operators Certification and Training Program within one year of hire.

Ability to prioritize and manage multiple work efforts in a high activity work environment.

Lead an afterhours emergency response team.

Technical training on CCTV Equipment. National Association of Sewer Services Companies (NASSCO) pipeline assessment certification Program (PACP Certified).

Erosion and sediment control lead / professional certification.

Certified Floodplain Manager trained (Storm / Flood).

Certified competent person for trenching and shoring. Certified for Confined Space Entry.

Certified and experienced loader and backhoe instructor.

Have and maintain acceptable background information including criminal conviction history.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience in heavy construction.

Ability to use computers and other technology.

Ability to read and interpret design drawings blueprints maps quarter section books computer generated drawings and records measurements and locations mainlines manholes taps etc.

Bilingual in Spanish

ATSSA or equivalent certification as a traffic flagger and as a Traffic Control Technician (TCT).

First Aid / CPR certified through Red Cross or equivalent accredited institution.

Experience with snow operations including operating tandem with plow and spreader.

Knowledge of City Design and Construction Standards.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or equivalent.

Must be certified as State of Colorado Class IV Wastewater System Operator. At least six years of experience in utilities maintenance or construction (water and / or wastewater) or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Must be certified as State of Colorado Class I Water Distribution System Operator.

Valid Colorado Drivers License.

SUPERVISION

TITLE OF IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR : Wastewater Collections Supervisor

TITLE(S) OF POSITION(S) OVER WHICH THIS POSITION HAS DIRECT OVERSIGHT : None

This position is the highest level of utility operator. Provides support to the supervisor of his / her utility in maintaining and operating the system. Though this position has a great deal of responsibility for and oversight over other staff this position does not include any traditional duties held by supervisors and managers such as job performance management or disciplinary actions.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Demands : Ability to work in and around moving traffic and equipment; in areas of limited access; and confined spaces requiring standing walking bending and kneeling. Requires upper body strength to lift and carry equipment and supplies as needed.

Work Environment : Works year-round in an outdoor environment and at times in adverse weather conditions such as rain wind heat cold and snow. Works in an industrial setting subject to continuous interruptions and background noises. May experience stress from demanding deadlines public contact and changing priorities and conditions . May experience stress from encounters with concerned or distraught customers.

Machines and equipment used include but are not limited to the following : Hand and power tools long-handled tools backhoe excavator single and tandem axle truck and snowplow frontend loader hand tools power tools rodder jackhammer grinder compressor tamper locating equipment sewer jet bucket machine combo cleaners CCTV equipment hydro-excavators vactor style trucks two-way radio gas detection equipment pipe / leak locators correlators and computers (hand-held lap-top and stationary). Required to wear protective safety gear and use safety equipment to protect against potential biohazards possibly encountered .

Additional Job Description :

Last updated September 2023

The City of Boulder is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race national origin gender gender identity sexual orientation protected veteran status disability age or other legally protected statute. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation please send a request to

Key Skills

Administrative Skills,Facilities Management,Biotechnology,Creative Production,Design And Estimation,Architecture

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1