Utility Worker Apprentice - Utilities

City of Bend, OR
Bend, Oregon
Full Time

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The City of Bend is accepting applications for four (4) regular, full-time Utility Worker Apprentice positions in the Operations Division of the Water Services Department. This is an hourly, non-exempt (overtime eligible) position represented by the City of Bend Employee Association (COBEA). The City may use this job posting to create an eligibility list for future hiring purposes. Please review the entire job posting, including the application requirements at the end.

As a Utility Worker Apprentice in Bend, every day brings something new. You might help fix a broken water pipe, clear a blocked sewer line, or check a pump station to make sure everything is working right. You'll learn how to use special tools, read maps, and follow safety rules while working with a team of experienced workers. Whether you're helping during a water emergency or inspecting sewer systems, your work helps keep Bend's water clean and flowing safely.

This job is a great way to start a long-term career. You'll get paid while learning new skills in both water and wastewater systems, and you'll earn certifications that help you move up to a Utility Worker I position. The work is active, hands-on, and important to the health of the community. If you like solving problems, working outside, and being part of a team that protects our environment and keeps the city running, this could be the perfect job for you.

Utility Worker Apprentice Classification Framework

Things to know before applying:

The following duties are a sample of major duties performed in this role and not intended to be an exhaustive list.

Respond to water and wastewater emergencies, such as broken pipes, sewer backups, or low water pressure.
Inspect and maintain water and sewer systems, including valves, hydrants, pump stations, and underground pipes.
Use tools and equipment to dig, repair, clean, and test water and wastewater lines.
Learn and follow safety procedures while working in streets, trenches, and confined spaces.
Assist with routine system checks, including reading meters and checking for leaks or blockages.
Work as part of a team to complete repairs and keep the city's water systems running smoothly.
Keep records of work completed, including service calls, inspections, and repairs.
Train and study for certification, with support from experienced staff and paid training provided by the City.

We are looking for someone who...

Is a self-starter who takes initiative and shows up ready to learn.
Communicates clearly and respectfully with teammates and the public.
Stays calm and focused during emergency situations or unexpected challenges.
Enjoys hands-on work outdoors in all kinds of weather.
Is curious about how things work and wants to build a long-term career in public service.
Works well in a team but can also handle tasks independently.
Takes pride in doing work that protects public health and the environment.

Has skills in...

Problem-solving in the field, especially when things don't go as planned.
Following instructions and procedures with attention to detail.
Using equipment like vac trucks, locators, or pressure gauges (or a willingness to learn).
Time management and staying organized during busy or unpredictable days.
Customer service, especially when interacting with residents during service calls.
Learning quickly and applying new knowledge to real-world situations.

Candidates who meet the listed minimum qualifications, including an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered for an interview. Please ensure your application includes information about your education, relevant paid and unpaid work experience, and applicable licenses and certifications. Avoid referencing your resume in the job duties section of the application.

Licensing Requirements at time of application:

Valid Oregon driver's license and ability maintain

Mandatory License/Certification Requirements within 18 months of hire (based upon area of assignment):

Utility Worker Classification

Oregon Class A CDL driver's license with tanker endorsement
Oregon Water Distribution Level I certification
Oregon Wastewater Collections Level I certification

Collection System Utility Worker Classification

Oregon Class A CDL driver's license with tanker endorsement
Oregon Wastewater Collections Level I certification

Application Deadline: Applications must be received by Thursday, August 28, 2025 (8/28/25) at 12:00 (noon) Pacific Time or until 50 applications are received.

Application Requirements: To be considered for an interview, applicants must complete an online application including the following attachments (failure to include required attachments may result in disqualification):

Cover Letter
Resume
Valid Credentials, Certifications and Licensing

All candidates who submit complete applications will be invited to interview and tour our facility.

Initial interviews will be scheduled for the week of September 2, 2025

An eligibility list will be created from this recruitment to be utilized for future positions at various levels and departments. The eligibility list will be valid for up to six (6) months.

Veterans' Preference: Applicants seeking Veterans' Preference as a qualified veteran or disabled veteran must attach appropriate documentation to their application. For more information click here.

Benefits: The City of Bend offers an excellent competitive benefits package for Employees and Dependents for health and dental coverage, retirement benefits, and a robust paid leave program. Details are available on the benefits tab of the job posting.

The City of Bend remains committed to building a workforce that advances diversity and inclusion within our community and all we do. We recognize that not everyone starts from the same place, and that gender, race, ability, sexual orientation, and other identities face different barriers. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating an inclusive, safe, and respectful workplace where employees can thrive without these barriers. A more extended version of the City of Bend's Organizational Equity Statement is available upon request.?

Starting Compensation: Starting compensation is determined based on a pay equity analysis considering the candidate's education, applicable work experience, and internal equity.

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification. Shown are duties intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

Assists in, performs, and learns to dig holes and trenches; shore excavations; back-fills trenches and holes with hand tools for pipe repair and installation; places and removes barricades; flags traffic.
Assists in the activities of water, wastewater, and stormwater data collection and asset condition reporting. Operates a pickup truck, passenger vehicle or smaller automotive equipment, and may transport fellow employees, tools, debris and other work related items.
Assists in, performs and learns to complete utility locates and water turn ons/offs.
Assists in, performs, and learns to repair leaks in water mains and services; repair valves, tap mains, and cut pipe; repairs and maintains fire hydrants; and replaces water meters.
Assists in, performs and learns to replace meter boxes; cleans and maintains reservoir areas and facilities.
Assists in, performs and learns to maintain and repair wastewater collection and stormwater systems, including piping, catch basins, stormwater bio filters, lift stations, and water quality equipment.
Assists Utility Workers or assigned designee in performing the manual tasks related to their work and learns to use a variety of hand and power tools.
Assists in, performs and learns to perform miscellaneous duties around storage yards and buildings; patrols and cleans area, loads and unloads trucks; stores materials; checks tools in and out, cleans tools; washes and gasses trucks.
Reads work orders; assists in and learns to obtain needed supplies, complete forms and write simple reports on work, time and materials used.
Assists in, performs, and learns to operate and maintain applicable systems and equipment; i.e., metering systems, CCTV cameras, smoke machines, radio units, valves, valve boxes, and/or other applicable items. Troubleshoots and repairs equipment problems.
Helps with installation and repair of water and sewer lines and other related facilities, including excavating and repairing broken lines.
Performs work in assembling, laying and aligning water distribution and water reclamation collection mains and service lines.
Assists with maintenance tasks on metering systems, manholes, catch basins, pump stations, lift stations, reservoirs, and other facilities; maintains and repairs piping associated with pump stations, well sites, and other facilities.
Operates trucks, combination sewer cleaners, trenchers, skip loaders, backhoes, compressors, jackhammers, tapping machines, and a wide variety of other motorized equipment. Operates and uses power tools and other light equipment incidental to general duties.
Complies with safety requirements of the position and actively promotes safe work practices.
Prepares and maintains a variety of records and logs related to maintenance, repair and monitoring activities.
In an emergency event or an officially declared State of Emergency, responds as directed to ensure the restoration of essential public services, facilities and infrastructure.
Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Knowledge of:

Simple Mathematical principles (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division);
Basic construction principles;
Basic Mechanical operations & troubleshooting;
Tools and equipment utilized in the trade;
Customer service principles;
Occupational hazards and safe work methods

Skill in:

Using a computer and related software applications;
Using applicable tools and equipment of the trade, including operating light-to-heavy equipment;
Writing legibly;
Collecting and recording data;
Performing mathematical calculations;
Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Education, Experience, Certifications and Licenses Required:

High school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.); 0-2 years of experience to sufficiently perform the essential duties of the job as those listed above is preferred, but not required.

Licensing Requirements at time of application: