Distribution Operator Trainee Anderson

Job Title: Distribution Operator Trainee

Department: Water/Utilities

Salary: $39,026

Employment Status: Full‑Time with benefits

Reports To: Water Department Manager

FLSA Classification: Full Time, Exempt

Date Revised: March 2026

The Distribution Operator Trainee is responsible for installing, testing, maintaining and repairing the water distribution system components, and performing related technical work as required. This position works according to set procedures under close supervision.

To ensure the greatest possible protection for employees in the workplace, the City of Anderson requires cooperative efforts of all employees with help in establishing and maintaining a safe and healthful work environment. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) must be used whenever workplace hazards are discovered that could damage any part of the body. All employees must wear PPE as required by their job duties, and PPE is to be used in conjunction with other controls to increase employee protection.

• Carry out daily assignments involving the installation, maintenance and repair of water system components.
• Repair water leaks.
• Install water taps.
• Maintain water valves.
• Flush fire hydrants and water lines.
• Assist in installing, maintaining, repairing and/or replacing water meters.
• Operate a wide variety of heavy and light construction/specialized equipment to perform duties such as digging, craning heavy objects, back filling ditches, grading, clearing, probing for utility lines, tamping ditches, bolting valves and fittings together, etc.
• Repair properties after work is completed.
• Cleans and maintains assigned vehicles and equipment.
• Perform all work in compliance with applicable policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and standards of quality and safety.
• Receive and respond to inquiries, complaints and requests for assistance from customers, contractors and the general public in areas of responsibility.
• Prepare and submit detailed work records and reports.
• Attend training, meetings, etc., as required to enhance job knowledge and skills.

It is understood that every incidental duty connected with operations detailed in this job description are not always specifically described, and employees may be required to perform duties not within their job descriptions at the discretion of the City.

• Cleans and mows city properties, rights‑of‑way and easements.
• Works on a rotating on‑call schedule.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Requires high school diploma, GED or specialized vocational training.
• Must possess a valid state driver’s license; must be able to obtain a CDL license.
• Must be able to copy, transcribe, enter or post data or information.
• Must be able to speak or signal to people to convey or exchange information of a general nature.
• Experience operating or repairing complex machinery or equipment that requires extended training and experience, such as heavy equipment or water meters; may involve installation and testing. Operations scope is limited.
• Handles semi‑routine work following procedures with occasional problems.
• Performs calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, ratios, rates and percentages.
• Reads technical instructions, procedures, manuals and charts to solve practical problems; composes routine reports and specialized reports, forms and business letters with proper format; uses normal grammar and word form.
• Performs clerical, manual or technical tasks prescribed by standard practices but may require computation, several procedures and independent judgment.
• Maintains normal attention for accurate results.
• First Aid/CPR certifications, trenching and shoring certification, and confined space entry certifications are desirable.
• Receives instruction that is sufficient for satisfactory job performance.
• Performs medium‑to‑heavy work that involves walking, standing, climbing, stooping, crouching, bending, reaching, lifting, digging, pushing or raising objects and involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a…