Flood and Greenways Operator I

It’s a great time to join the City of Boulder!

Application Deadline:

May 30, 2026

Compensation Details:

Hiring Range

23.58 - 34.19

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 direct supervision, the Flood and Greenways Operator I operates and performs basic operation, construction, maintenance and repair of a Flood and Greenways system (MS4 permitted) and Stormwater systems to include multiple types of stormwater mains, manholes, catch basins, ditches, drainageways, flood control and stormwater facilities. Participates as a member of the Utilities Maintenance team and works collaboratively with other workgroups and agencies to foster efficient, proactive approach to Flood maintenance.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Constructs, maintains and repairs wastewater systems, including performing routine maintenance on equipment as needed. Assists in troubleshooting and repair processes to the collections systems according to delegated authority for a Class 1 Wastewater Collections Operator under Colorado Regulation 100 and in accordance with the Wastewater Collections Operating plan.
• Assists with construction, repair and maintenance of drainage channels, mains, services, manholes, storm sewer lines, catch basins, vaults, drainage channels, floodways, and irrigation ditches in accordance with industry standards, best practices and state and federal water regulations.
• Assists with interpretation of data trends, and written technical procedures and manuals.
• Uses a variety of tools, equipment and heavy machinery and trains others in their safe and proper use on city owned property and in the right-of-way.
• Performs routine maintenance on equipment as needed.
• Reads and interprets design drawings, blueprints, maps, quarter section books, computer generated drawings, and records measurements and locations of manholes, mainlines, storm drains, etc.
• Assists in troubleshooting and repair processes to the Flood and Storm sewer systems.
• Locates underground water, sewer and storm sewer lines for the Utilities Department, private utilities, contractors and property owners.
• Reads, inspects, installs, tests, repairs, and maintains City utility infrastructure.
• Performs after hours standby duty on a rotating basis and responds to Utilities 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. Assists customers in troubleshooting issues with the utility system.
• Cross-trains 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.
• Serves on facility committees such as safety, emergency response, design review, and capital improvement replacement projects.
• Assists with the development of the annual operations work plan. Assists in formulating and updating standard operating procedures including development and implementation of safety related procedures and programs.
• Performs related duties as required by management to meet the needs of the city.
• Participates in professional trainings and development.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Ability to clearly describe program goals and objectives, assess a situation and adjust communication style to meet the needs of the specific situation or audience.
• Ability to maintain 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.
• Ability to maintain complete and accurate records.
• Ability to model professional maturity and tact while staying task focused.
• Ability to navigate changing priorities and evolving approaches. Able to link short-term planning with (strategic) task-oriented thinking to anticipate future consequences of current tactics.
• Ability to operate a variety of hand, power, and long handled tools and equipment to perform installation, maintenance, and repair tasks.
• Ability to perform a wide range of physical and manual tasks in an outdoor environment.
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task in a high activity work environment.
• Ability to read blueprints and other construction drawings.
• Ability to take 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.
• Ability to work confidently and professionally with others. Ability to recognize the importance of collaboration and can build lasting relationships and connections with other city employees and community members. Skill in growing and continually fostering a high-trust, high-teamwork environment. Ability to receive candid performance feedback and participate in open dialogue with supervisor and peers regarding team dynamics and work plan progress.
• Knowledge of and compliance with all city and department policies and city values, including adherence with attendance and workplace attire policies.
• Knowledge of stormwater and open drainageway system operation, maintenance, construction and repair.
• Skill in actively listening to commercial or residential service complaints, pinpointing root causes, and collaborating with customers to deliver clear, effective resolutions.
• Skill in compassionate empathy, patient boundary-setting, and socially perceptive interactions.
• Skill in organization. Ability to map processes, track progress, meet deadlines, and manage multiple priorities effectively. Ability to perform functions dependably and reliably.
• Valid Driver’s License and ability to maintain and acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to communicate fluently in English and Spanish.
• Ability to read and interpret legal contracts, design drawings, blueprints, maps, quarter section books, computer generated drawings, and records measurements and locations, mainlines, manholes, taps, etc.
• Skill and experience in heavy construction.
• Six (6) months’ experience in utilities operations and maintenance or construction (stormwater).
• First Aid/CPR Certification through Red Cross or equivalent accredited institution.  

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• High school diploma or GED; or equivalent of two (2) years related experience may substitute for the education requirement only.
• No experience is required.
• Commercial Driver’s License Class A or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months. Must maintain in good standing.
• State of Colorado Class 1 Wastewater Collections System Operator Certification within nine (9) months of hire.
• Backhoe and Loader Certification under the Equipment Operator's Certification and Training Program, or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
• Traffic Flagger Certification from ATSSA or equivalent or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
• Confined Space Certification or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
• Competent Person Trenching, Shoring and Excavation Certification or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.
• OSHA 10-hour certification or new hires have ability to obtain within nine (9) months.

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received:  Flood and Greenways Supervisor

Supervision Exercised:  None

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Physical and Mental Effort: Ability to work in and around moving traffic and equipment, in areas of limited access and confined spaces requiring standing, walking, bending, and kneeling to locate, inspect, and maintain wastewater and storm water systems. Requires upper body strength to lift and carry equipment and supplies as needed. May experience stress from demanding deadlines, public contact, and changing priorities and conditions. May experience stress from encounters with concerned or distraught customers.
• 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. Required to perform after hours standby duty on a rotating basis and responds to Utilities emergencies as necessary including snow and ice control shifts.
• Machines and Equipment Used: Hand and power tools, long-handled tools, backhoe, excavator, single and tandem axle truck and snowplow, frontend loader, hand tools, power tools, 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.

As part of the City of Boulder’s commitment to a future with equitable access to health, prosperity, and fulfillment that is not limited by a person’s race, ethnicity, age, gender, ability, religion, sexuality, or socioeconomic status, it is the city’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all individuals. The city does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law or policy.