Utility Worker Apprentice

Utility Worker Apprentice

Salary

$56,759.04 - $72,440.37 Annually

Location

Juniper Ridge - 21051 NE Talus Pl, Bend, OR

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

20260077

Department

Water Services

Division

8915

Opening Date

06/24/2026

Closing Date

7/5/2026 12:00 PM Pacific

Max Number of Applicants

75

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

About the Role

The City of Bend is accepting applications for three (3) 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 with the City of Bend, you'll gain hands-on experience supporting the essential systems that keep the community's water and wastewater infrastructure operating safely and reliably. This is a dynamic, field-based role where the work can vary widely from day to day. You may assist with system upgrades to water meters and service lines, respond to pressure-related service calls, help address sanitary sewer overflows, or cross-train with other crews to broaden your skills. Additional responsibilities can include fire hydrant maintenance and supporting contractors on new development projects.

Working alongside experienced team members, you'll learn to operate specialized equipment, follow safety protocols, and deliver high-quality service as a frontline representative of the City. This role requires strong attention to detail, as your work directly impacts public safety, environmental protection, and system performance. You'll also serve as an important point of contact for community members, helping ensure responsive and professional service.

This apprenticeship offers a clear pathway to a long-term career in public works. You'll receive a combination of classroom and on-the-job training in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, while earning certifications in both water and wastewater collections-as well as opportunities for advanced credentials. If you're looking for an active, hands-on role where you can build skills, solve real-world problems, and make a meaningful impact in your community, this is an excellent place to start.

Utility Worker Apprentice Classification Framework

What Youll Do

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.

Ideal Candidate

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.

And has skills or interest 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.

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:

• Current and valid Drivers license per City policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.

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

• Utility Worker Classification

• Oregon Class A CDL drivers 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 drivers license with tanker endorsement

• Oregon Wastewater Collections Level I certification

What to Know Before Applying

Application Deadline: Applications must be received by Sunday, July 5, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (noon) Pacific Time, or until a maximum of seventy-five (75) applications have been received, whichever occurs first. Priority consideration will be given to the first fifty (50) complete applications submitted.

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 July 13, 2026

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.

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.?

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

Diversity & Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The City of Bend is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. At the City of Bend, we dont just accept differences; we value them. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and support the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA) and the Oregon Equal Pay Act.

Employee Benefit Overview

August 1, 2025 - July 31, 2026

Regular Full Time Benefits:

Coverage is effective on the first day of the month, coinciding with or following date of hire.

(If the first day of work is on the first calendar day of the month, coverage is effective that day.)

High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)

Medical, Vision and Prescription Coverage

Underwritten by PacificSource Health Plans

Full-time employees currently pay 10% of the total monthly premium. Benefit-eligible part-time employee premiums are pro-rated according to their regularly-scheduled hours, either at 50% (employees working 20-29 hours per week) or 75% (employees working 30-39 hours per week) of the full monthly premium.

Employee monthly premium:EmployeeEmployee & DependentsFull-time Employees$71.48$178.70Part-time 1 Employees (30-39 hours per week)$178.72$446.77Part-time 2 Employees (20-29 hours per week)$357.43$893.54

Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)

Third Party Administrator -- PacificSource Administrators (PSA)

This is an employer-funded account designed to reimburse employees for IRS-qualified medical expenses. Reimbursements are tax-free, and any unused HRA Comp-A fund amounts at the end of the plan year are transferred to the employee's VEBA account following first full year of employment (see below for VEBA account information). Coinsurance (Med-G) funding remaining at plan year end is forfeited and does not roll to the VEBA.

Employee monthly premium portion:

Employee

Employee & Dependents

Full-time EmployeesHRA (Comp - A)

Coinsurance (Med - G)$2,000

$1,250$4,000

$1,250Part-time 1 Employees (30-39 hours per week)HRA (Comp - A)

Coinsurance (Med - G)$1,500

$937.50$3,000

$1,335.75Part-time 2 Employees (20-29 hours per week)HRA (Comp - A)

Coinsurance (Med - G)$1,000

$625$2,000

$890.50

Employees also have the option to self-fund a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for unreimbursed medical expenses to offset potential out-of-pocket liability under the medical/dental plans and potentially shelter their HRA Comp-A account to allow for larger rollover to their VEBA account at plan year end.

First Stop Health - Telemedicine: The City of Bend provides First Stop Health (FSH) telemedicine benefits for FREE to all medical-enrolled employees and up to seven (7) of their immediate family members.

Dental Plan

Underwritten by MODA

$2,000 calendar year benefit maximum per covered individual includes $1,000 one-time orthodontia benefit.

Full-time employees currently pay 10% of the total composite monthly premium.

Part-time benefit-eligible employee premiums are pro-rated according to their regularly scheduled work hours (50% for employees working 20-29 hours per week; 75% for those working 30-39 hours per week).

Employee composite monthly premium:

Employee with/without Dependents

Full-time Employees$15.40

Part-time 1 Employees (30-39 hours per week)$38.53

Part-time 2 Employees (20-29 hours per week)$77.05

VEBA Plan

Administered by HRA VEBA

Individual employee account that receives tax-free rollover amounts from the City-funded HRA Comp-A account remaining at the end of each plan year. The account belongs to the employee and may be invested in mutual funds similar to deferred compensation. The account can grow, tax free, and be used for future medical expenses and can be used either while still employed or after separation/retirement.

Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)

Administered by PacificSource Administrators (PSA)

Participation in the City of Bends Flexible Spending Plan is voluntary and allows employees to pay for IRS-approved health care-related expenses and dependent care through pre-tax payroll deduction.

Life, Personal Accident (AD&D) & Long-Term Disability Plans

Underwritten by New York Life

Group Basic Term Life Insurance: Benefit-eligible employees working at least 20 hours per week are eligible for a coverage amount of one times the employees annual salary, to a maximum benefit of $150,000, with a minimum benefit of $50,000. Coverage includes person accident coverage for loss of life and/or limb, per scheduled benefit package amounts.

Group Long-term Disability Insurance: Benefit-eligible employees working at least 20 hours per week are eligible for a a benefit of up to 66.67% of employee's covered earnings to a maximum of $9,000 per month.

Voluntary Life and AD&D: Active, full time employees of the City of Bend regularly working a minimum of 20 hours per week are eligible for additional voluntary coverage for the employee, spouse/domestic partner and dependent children.

Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)

The City of Bend participates in the PERS Retirement System. Employees become PERS members after working six full calendar months in a qualifying position requiring at least 600 hours worked per 12-month period. Contributions on the employee's behalf begin following completion of the six-month waiting period. The City makes "employer" contribution based on the employee's Tier I, II or OPSRP member status. The City also makes the "employee" member contribution of 6% of salary. For complete PERS program details, visit the website http://www.oregon.gov/pers

Employee Assistance Program

Underwritten by Canopy

This City-provided, confidential service helps employees privately solve problems that may interfere with work, family and life in general. Services are free to employees, their dependents and household members.

The City of Bend also offers the following voluntary benefit programs which are elective and funded through payroll deduction:

• AFLAC Supplemental Insurance (various plans are offered)
• MASA ground and air ambulance membership
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plans sponsored by Nationwide Retirement Solutions & Mission Square Retirement

___

Temporary Medical Only Benefits:

Coverage is effective on the first day of the month, coinciding with or following date of hire. (If the first day of work is on the first calendar day of the month, coverage is effective that day.)

High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)

Medical, Vision, Prescription coverage

Underwritten by PacificSource Health Plans

Full-time, temporary employee(s) currently pay 10% of the total employee(s) monthly premium. Full-time, temporary employees are eligible for employee-only medical coverage. However, there is family coverage available should the employee choose to enroll and assume financial responsibility for the difference of premium.

Employee composite monthly premium:

EmployeeEmployee & DependentsFull-time Employees$71.48$1,143.69Deductible$2,000$4,000

Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)

Administered by PacificSource Administrators (PSA)

Participation in the City of Bends Flexible Spending Plan is voluntary and allows employees to pay for IRS-approved health care-related expenses and dependent care through pre-tax payroll deduction.

Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)

The City of Bend participates in the PERS Retirement System. Employees become PERS members after working six full calendar months in a qualifying position requiring at least 600 hours worked per 12-month period. Contributions on the employee's behalf begin following completion of the six-month waiting period. The City makes "employer" contribution based on the employee's Tier I, II or OPSRP member status. The City also makes the "employee" member contribution of 6% of salary. For complete PERS program details, visit the website http://www.oregon.gov/pers

Employee Assistance Program

Underwritten by Canopy

This City-provided, confidential service helps employees privately solve problems that may interfere with work, family and life in general. Services are free to employees, their dependents and household members.

The City of Bend also offers the following voluntary benefit programs which are elective and funded through payroll deduction:

• MASA ground and air ambulance membership
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plans sponsored by Nationwide Retirement Solutions and Mission Square Retirement

If you have Federal student loan debt, (private student loans not included), or are considering going back to school, you may benefit from the Student Loan Forgiveness Program.

• If you make 120 qualifying payments on your Federal student loan while working full-time for a qualifying employer, your Federal student loan debt may be forgiven.

Always check the loan servicer and type of loan you have to ensure you qualify.

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Employer City of Bend

Address 710 NW Wall Street

Bend, Oregon, 97701

Phone 541-388-5525

Website http://www.bendoregon.gov