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Water Distribution Maintenance Operator I

City of Salem | Salem, OR

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Posted Date 5/07/2025
Description

Job Summary

 

This is an internal-only recruitment, open only to those who are currently employed with the City of Salem at the time of the job announcement's closing.
Water Distribution Maintenance Operator I description image
 
The City of Salem Public Works department is a  Maintenance Operators! We are looking for an individual with strong communications skills and enjoys working with the public. We're looking for candidates who have experience in underground construction, municipal water distribution or in a related field.

Make an impact
 Support Salem’s water distribution system comprised of approximately 750 mile of water distribution mains, 50,000 water service connections and meters, 5,500 fire hydrants, and 22,000 water valves.
 
Learn and grow
 This is an entry level position for the operation and maintenance of the City of Salem’s water distribution system. You'll receive direct supervision from a water distribution field supervisor invested in your work and career development.
 
What you will do
 Your typical duties will include construction, repair, and maintenance of water services, mainlines, fire hydrants, water valves, and large and small water meters. The normal work schedule for this position is 7:00am to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday, with occasional overtime required.
 
Additional information on job responsibilities:
  • Installation of new or replacing water assets such services, mains, valves, hydrants, and meters
  • Occasionally work in confined spaces including water meter vaults and valve manholes.
  • Work in the public right of way, on private property inside dedicated easements, and often times in high traffic areas inside a work zone.
  • Work will include all aspects of top hand duties, such as frequent hand digging with a shovel, running jack hammers, jumping jacks, and other medium to small hand tools as required by the task for the day.
  • Obtain and process information orally and through technology via email, GIS, IPS, Hansen, and in-house mapping software programs.
If you are someone who is eager to learn, highly motivated, enjoy working in a strong team- oriented environment, and enjoy working in a community and customer service-based organization, then consider applying!
 
What can we offer you for all your hard work?
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
  • Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies.
  • Competitive pay.
  • Employer-paid PERS contribution of 6%.
  • Opportunity for voluntary pre-tax contributions to a 457b account.
  • Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
  • Voluntary long-term care.
  • Employee wellness program.
  • Employee assistance program.
  • Employee health clinic.
  • Position schedule is 7:00am to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday.
The City of Salem offers a comprehensive and equitable base salary within the listed range based on your experience, skills, and education. We encourage you to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Learn more about Equal Pay.  

What are the minimum qualifications?
  • Must pass the pre-employment background check, drug test (including marijuana), and/or physical exam.
  • Must have an Oregon Class A Commercial Driver License (CDL) and a tanker endorsement or ability to obtain both within six months of hire.
    • We provide training for those who do not currently have a CDL.
  • Must have a driving record that meets the City of Salem's driving standards.
  • One-year general maintenance, repair, paving, or construction experience in street right-of-way, street maintenance, public works facilities, utility systems, and public improvement. Preference will be given to experience in specific area of assignment.
  • High School Diploma or G.E.D. preferred, but not required.

Hiring managers do not have access to view resumes as part of the application review process, please make sure to give detailed information in your application that includes your experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as requested in the supplemental questions and job advertisement.


About us:
 The Public Works Department values employees and their professional development.  If you are someone that takes pride in collaborating on innovative ideas, proactively responding to community needs, and being a good environmental and financial steward, we look forward to meeting you! The Public Works Department promotes a healthy work life balance, while maintaining the utmost dedication to the health, safety and welfare of our community, including our team!
 
 The City of Salem is the second largest City in the State of Oregon. Located in the lush Willamette Valley, Salem is the capital city of Oregon with a population over 170,000. Centrally located, Salem is 47 miles south of Portland and an hour from the Cascade Mountains to the east and an hour from the ocean beaches to the west. Salem is an exceptional community for living and working with exciting new and comfortable well-established neighborhoods and carefully preserved historic buildings.
 
A serene river scene featuring a modern arch bridge and a kayaker paddling through misty waters, surrounded by lush greenery.


A full-service City, Salem has eight primary departments: Community Services, Finance, Fire, Enterprise Services, Legal, Police, Public Works, and Community and Urban Development. Several departments also have functional divisions within their department. The City has five labor unions and employs roughly 1,350 talented and dedicated staff members. The Urban Renewal Agency and the Salem Housing Authority are separate municipal corporations. The Agency contracts with the City for services and the Authority is led by the Housing Administrator within the Urban Development department. 

Where can I find out more about the position?
Go to the menu option for Class Specifications and search for  PW Maint Oper I

How can I apply?
The City of Salem invites individuals of all diverse communities and backgrounds to apply for our available job opportunities as we strive to provide the best service to everyone. The City of Salem is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all and has a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that by welcoming differences, encouraging new ideas and views, listening to and learning from each other, we are better able to serve the community.

To apply, click on the green “Apply” button to complete your application. Hiring managers do not have access to view resumes as part of the application review process, please make sure to include how you meet the qualifications outlined in the class specification in your application.   

Applicants that meet the minimum qualifications as outlined above but not selected for this position may be placed on an eligibility list, and candidates may be hired from the list. Eligibility lists are valid for six months. The City will send email notifications to eligible candidates about potential hiring opportunities so please ensure your email settings accept our system generated email notifications.

You may subscribe for automatic notification of job openings at the City through the Job Interest Cards – sign up today!

For more information about employment at the City of Salem, please visit our website at www.cityofsalem.net/jobs.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT AN IMPLIED CONTRACT AND MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE
Salary24.52 - 29.72 Hour
Location
In-Person
Position Type
Full Time
Experience
2-5 years
Job Category
Government & Public Administration

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