Water Distribution Operator

Job Description

The Water Distribution Operator performs a variety of daily tasks to operate, maintain, and repair the City’s water distribution system. Work includes preventive and reactive O&M activities to ensure reliable system operation. Daily tasks involve repairs, replacements, and evaluation of water mains, valves, hydrants, service lines, water meters, air release valves, blow‑off valves, and other system appurtenances. Under the direct supervision of the Water Distribution Supervisor, the operator also performs system manipulations, system shutdowns, customer service investigations, and assists with other divisional tasks such as utility locating and marking and various water meter service activities.

The operator is responsible for responding to emergencies and is required to participate in the on‑call program, responding to after‑hours callbacks on a rotating schedule as needed. Work may be performed independently or in small teams.

• Performs predictive, preventive, and reactive operation and maintenance activities on the City’s domestic water system, including valve exercising, valve maintenance, hydrant maintenance, hydrant flushing, and customer service investigations.
• Repairs main breaks, isolates broken mains, sets up traffic control, and operates equipment such as backhoes, combination jet/vacuum trucks, ditch witch units, dump trucks, utility service trucks, jackhammers, underground piercing units, pneumatic and electric power tools, and other equipment for distribution system repair.
• Repairs and/or replaces water service lines, water valves, valve boxes, air release valves, blow‑offs, pressure‑reducing valves, fire hydrants, and other system appurtenances.
• Communicates planned and unplanned interruptions in water service to customers and ensures work areas are clean and hazard‑free after completion of each assignment.
• Utilizes the City’s CMMS software daily to accurately record and reflect proper equipment, labor, and asset utilization for each assignment.
• Investigates customer complaints related to water service such as low or high water pressure, water quality, air entrainment, system leaks, and more.
• Follows all standard operating procedures (SOP) and job hazard analysis (JHA) for distribution operations and maintenance, performing work safely with required safety equipment (PPE). Occasionally enters confined spaces in accordance with OSHA safety regulations.
• Performs additional duties such as chlorine residual testing, leak detection, emergency system marking as required by Arizona
  811.
• Assists other divisions within the Department and performs other duties as required.

• High‑School Diploma or GED equivalency is required.
• Background knowledge or interest in basic mechanical and/or repair processes; vocational or technical college education preferred.
• One (1) year of experience operating and maintaining a water distribution system, operating heavy equipment, and/or experience in a construction‑related field is required.
• Equivalent combination of education and job‑related experience may be considered on a year‑for‑year basis.
• Must possess an Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Water Distribution Operator Grade I Certification or be able to obtain the certification within six (6) months of hire and maintain it for the duration of employment.
• Must possess an Arizona Class ‘A’ CDL upon hire and must be able to obtain a tanker endorsement within six (6) months of hire and maintain the license for the duration of employment.

Avondale offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health and wellness benefits, financial perks, work‑life balance, and additional employee benefits. Employees enjoy a supportive and collaborative work environment with opportunities for professional growth.