City of Bend
The City of Bend is accepting applications for one (1) regular, full-time Utility Worker Lead 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.
Are you a skilled water utility professional who loves leading crews and solving complex field problems? As Bend’s Utility Worker Lead with the Meter & Safe Drinking Water group, you’ll be the go-to leader for day‑to‑day repair and replacement work on the City’s water, water reclamation, and storm drain systems. You’ll assign work, guide and train crew members, troubleshoot issues in real time, and ensure every job is done safely and efficiently.
This role is hands‑on and mission‑critical. You’ll operate and direct heavy equipment, coordinate field repairs, maintain accurate records, and respond to emergency calls to restore essential services. Upcoming opportunities include contributing to capital project planning, evaluating and specifying new equipment, and improving our data collection and safety practices. If you thrive in the field, enjoy mentoring others, and want to make a visible impact on community infrastructure, this is a great next step.
You’ll be part of a team that values safety, customer service, and continuous improvement, working closely with the Meter & Safe Drinking Water program and other utility crews. Your leadership will help keep Bend’s water systems reliable for the community—every day and especially when it matters most.
Responsibilities
Installation of new meter sets for new construction
Installation of hydrant meter boxes for new development
Diagnosing/troubleshooting/repair AMI/AMR water metering system
Locating City infrastructure, water, collections, stormwater
Replace water meters based off meter consumption
Water meter accuracy testing
Repair/replace backflow devices
Infrastructure inspections
Troubleshoot system issues such as pressure problems, leaks, service disruptions
Assists CIP projects
Leadership & Team Development Someone who
demonstrates initiative and takes ownership of challenges with confidence and creativity. This person is a proven leader who inspires and motivates others while maintaining a collaborative, team‑focused approach. They are hardworking and dependable, consistently delivering high‑quality results. A natural problem‑solver, they approach complex issues with practical solutions and a positive mindset. As a self‑starter, they thrive in dynamic environments and require little supervision to succeed. Highly organized, they manage multiple priorities effectively and maintain attention to detail. They are an excellent communicator who builds trust and fosters strong relationships across teams. Finally, they bring valuable hands‑on experience, applying technical knowledge and practical skills to ensure operational success.
Working knowledge of
water operations and maintenance, including the principles and practices that ensure efficient and compliant performance. The ideal candidate understands regulatory requirements and safety standards governing water and wastewater systems and can apply this knowledge to maintain compliance. They are familiar with supervisory methods and team leadership strategies, as well as process troubleshooting and optimization techniques to improve system reliability and efficiency. This foundation of technical and operational knowledge allows them to make informed decisions and support the success of the facility.
Skills in
leadership and team development, including the ability to coach, mentor, and inspire staff toward achieving shared goals. The ideal candidate excels in effective communication, both written and verbal, ensuring clarity and collaboration across all levels of the organization. They possess strong organizational and time‑management skills, enabling them to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment. Analytical thinking and problem‑solving are key strengths, allowing them to diagnose issues and implement practical solutions. Additionally, they bring hands‑on technical skills related to water reclamation processes and equipment, ensuring they can actively contribute to operational success while guiding the team with confidence.
Minimum Qualifications Education, Experience, Certifications and Licenses
High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.)
one year of specialized or technical training beyond high school
an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above
Experience Certifications and Licenses
Valid Oregon Class A commercial driver’s license with tanker endorsement
Oregon Water Distribution III
Oregon Wastewater Collections I
Application Deadline Applications must be received by January 13, 2026 (1/13/26) 12:00 PM (noon) Pacific Time to be considered for this selection process.
Application Requirements
Cover Letter
Resume
Valid Credentials, Certifications and Licensing
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.
Equity Statement 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.
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.
Starting Compensation Starting compensation is determined based on a pay equity analysis considering the candidate’s education, applicable work experience, and internal equity. Please include all relevant information on your application.
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Are you a skilled water utility professional who loves leading crews and solving complex field problems? As Bend’s Utility Worker Lead with the Meter & Safe Drinking Water group, you’ll be the go-to leader for day‑to‑day repair and replacement work on the City’s water, water reclamation, and storm drain systems. You’ll assign work, guide and train crew members, troubleshoot issues in real time, and ensure every job is done safely and efficiently.
This role is hands‑on and mission‑critical. You’ll operate and direct heavy equipment, coordinate field repairs, maintain accurate records, and respond to emergency calls to restore essential services. Upcoming opportunities include contributing to capital project planning, evaluating and specifying new equipment, and improving our data collection and safety practices. If you thrive in the field, enjoy mentoring others, and want to make a visible impact on community infrastructure, this is a great next step.
You’ll be part of a team that values safety, customer service, and continuous improvement, working closely with the Meter & Safe Drinking Water program and other utility crews. Your leadership will help keep Bend’s water systems reliable for the community—every day and especially when it matters most.
Responsibilities
Installation of new meter sets for new construction
Installation of hydrant meter boxes for new development
Diagnosing/troubleshooting/repair AMI/AMR water metering system
Locating City infrastructure, water, collections, stormwater
Replace water meters based off meter consumption
Water meter accuracy testing
Repair/replace backflow devices
Infrastructure inspections
Troubleshoot system issues such as pressure problems, leaks, service disruptions
Assists CIP projects
Leadership & Team Development Someone who
demonstrates initiative and takes ownership of challenges with confidence and creativity. This person is a proven leader who inspires and motivates others while maintaining a collaborative, team‑focused approach. They are hardworking and dependable, consistently delivering high‑quality results. A natural problem‑solver, they approach complex issues with practical solutions and a positive mindset. As a self‑starter, they thrive in dynamic environments and require little supervision to succeed. Highly organized, they manage multiple priorities effectively and maintain attention to detail. They are an excellent communicator who builds trust and fosters strong relationships across teams. Finally, they bring valuable hands‑on experience, applying technical knowledge and practical skills to ensure operational success.
Working knowledge of
water operations and maintenance, including the principles and practices that ensure efficient and compliant performance. The ideal candidate understands regulatory requirements and safety standards governing water and wastewater systems and can apply this knowledge to maintain compliance. They are familiar with supervisory methods and team leadership strategies, as well as process troubleshooting and optimization techniques to improve system reliability and efficiency. This foundation of technical and operational knowledge allows them to make informed decisions and support the success of the facility.
Skills in
leadership and team development, including the ability to coach, mentor, and inspire staff toward achieving shared goals. The ideal candidate excels in effective communication, both written and verbal, ensuring clarity and collaboration across all levels of the organization. They possess strong organizational and time‑management skills, enabling them to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment. Analytical thinking and problem‑solving are key strengths, allowing them to diagnose issues and implement practical solutions. Additionally, they bring hands‑on technical skills related to water reclamation processes and equipment, ensuring they can actively contribute to operational success while guiding the team with confidence.
Minimum Qualifications Education, Experience, Certifications and Licenses
High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.)
one year of specialized or technical training beyond high school
an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above
Experience Certifications and Licenses
Valid Oregon Class A commercial driver’s license with tanker endorsement
Oregon Water Distribution III
Oregon Wastewater Collections I
Application Deadline Applications must be received by January 13, 2026 (1/13/26) 12:00 PM (noon) Pacific Time to be considered for this selection process.
Application Requirements
Cover Letter
Resume
Valid Credentials, Certifications and Licensing
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.
Equity Statement 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.
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.
Starting Compensation Starting compensation is determined based on a pay equity analysis considering the candidate’s education, applicable work experience, and internal equity. Please include all relevant information on your application.
#J-18808-Ljbffr