Water Service ~ Utilities

Title

Water Service Worker – Utilities

Department of Public Works

Performs general laboring work involving the construction, maintenance and repair of the Town's water distribution, treatment, and storage system and of the Town's sewage collection system. Involves general laboring duties, but the employee may occasionally operate various pieces of equipment.

Monday – Friday; 40 hours per week including on‑call duty hours on a rotating department schedule.

FY 2026:
Step 1 $ 22.01/hour or Step 2 $ 22.90/hour (varies due to valid certifications).

Non‑Exempt, hourly employee.

Supplied by:
Department Supervisor, DPW Director, and DPW Assistant Director. Exercised:
None; works in collaboration with all DPW staff.

• Exercises independent judgment while coordinating with other employees.
• Performs general laboring duties such as manual labor, installation, and repair of water and sewer mains.
• Installs, repairs, and reads water meters; repairs fire hydrants.
• Operates various Public Works equipment, including service trucks and dump trucks.
• Performs duties required to maintain Public Works facilities and equipment.
• Performs tasks on behalf of the Utilities Division for other municipal agencies and private enterprises.
• Performs tasks necessary for the operation and maintenance of water and sewer treatment facilities, including treatment plants and pumping stations.
• Conducts winter operations, including operating the sidewalk plow and shoveling hydrants.
• Occasionally performs duties of other equipment operators as needed.

• High school graduation or equivalent combination of schooling and training.
• Valid State driver’s license; CDL certification preferred and required within one year of employment.
• Vermont Class D Water Operator Certification within two years of employment.
• Ability to learn and maintain the repair, installation, and maintenance of water mains, services, hydrants, meters, and valves.
• Knowledge of common construction and maintenance tools and equipment.
• Capability to maintain accurate records of work performed.
• Exemplary judgment, courtesy, and tact in dealing with the public; able to determine proper disposition of problems and appointments.
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality.
• Strong time‑management skills with an eye for detail and task prioritization.
• Ability to handle multiple responsibilities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Willingness to examine existing systems and propose refinements or improvements.
• Forward‑thinking mindset open to innovation and change.
• Ability to build and maintain positive, harmonious working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Commitment to creating a welcoming workplace, respecting cultural diversity, and providing a respectful environment for all.
• Effective verbal and written communication with the public, elected officials, and other government agencies.
• Capacity to think quickly under pressure and adapt to changing situations.
• Commitment to learning and retaining instructions, policies, and procedures while staying current in the field.

Requires manual handling and reaching; frequent standing, walking, sitting, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and occasionally crawling. Noise levels can be loud. Physical effort commonly involves lifting up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 100 pounds. Work may be outdoors or indoors, near moving machinery, and may involve fumes and electrical shock risks. Early morning or weekend hours may be required based on workload.

United Steel, Paper & Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial, & Service Workers International Union Local #944.

6 months from hire date.

The Town of Brattleboro is committed to providing a welcoming workplace and respectful environment for all. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ applicants, and other underrepresented groups who bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the team.

This position is categorized as safety‑sensitive. Successful applicants must pass background checks, medical exams, reference checks, and a drug screening (including cannabis). While adult‑use and medical cannabis are legal in Vermont, our safety‑sensitive positions maintain a drug‑free policy.