Water Distribution Operator Trainee

Salary: $17.50 - $19.92 Hourly
Location : City of Flint
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: 25-00085D
Department: Utilities - Water Service Center
Opening Date: 05/19/2026
Closing Date: 6/2/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Determined by Position
Bargaining Unit: 1600
Job Level: 16

Pre-Employment Requirements
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of all applicable pre-employment screenings and verification of eligibility to work in the United States, in accordance with applicable laws, civil service rules, and collective bargaining agreements.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
Under an on-the-job training program with close supervision installs, maintains and repairs water mains, valves, meters, hydrants and other appurtenances of the water supply system; performs related work as required. As the training progresses, supervision may be proportionately decreased and the responsibility of assignments increased. After completion of 2080 paid working hours, not including overtime,of on-the-job training, in the Water Service Center Division, the training period will be considered complete and the employee eligible for examination for promotion to Water Distribution Operator.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Installs water mains and new service lines; inserts tapping valves for new mains and service lines.

Lays and repairs water mains; repairs gate valves; installs, repairs and tests fire hydrants; constructs and repairs wells on line gates.

Installs service connections, including tapping water main and laying service pipe; connects and disconnects shut-off valves and stop box; digs and back-fills trenches; locates and digs up curb boxes as necessary; thaws frozen lines in winter.

Caulks joints, cuts pipe, cuts out broken pipe, puts on sleeves, shuts off gate valves, repairs stuffing boxes.

Installs and removes consumer water meters. Performs water turn on and offs.

Operates equipment such as air compressors, valve turning or other equipment associated with water distribution and repair.

Drives utility dump trucks or other vehicles; orders materials; makes out simple reports on work performed and materials used.

May work with one or more Water Service Center employees.

May clean and repack water meters and/or be assigned duties in the stockroom.

May be required to perform duties in Sewer Operations.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to communicate orally and carry out oral instructions.
• Skill in the use of the more common shop tools.
• Ability to perform manual labor for extended periods under unfavorable climatic conditions or in mud or water.
• Mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to meet the physical, mental and visual standards of the job.
• Ability and willingness to work in a manner that will not needlessly endanger the safety to one's self, other persons and equipment.
• Underground excavation and heavy equipment experience preferred.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

• Possession and maintenance of a valid Driver's License.
• Ability to obtain a commercial learners permit (CLP) within 30 days of date of hire.
• Ability to obtain a CDL B license within 90 days of date of hire.
• Ability to obtain an N endorsement within 90 days of date of hire.
• 
  * IMPORTANT - Failure to obtain the above requirements within the timelines could lead to termination of position.
• Progression in the training series to Senior Operator level is required to remain in the program. Must make continuous satisfactory progress in the training program including promotion to Operator within twelve (12) months to remain employed in the series. Operational knowledge and training progress will be assessed periodically by WSC supervision.
• Employee must successfully complete six (6) month probationary period.

Driving Record Requirement
Applicants must have a safe and responsible driving record. Candidates will not be considered if they have multiple accidents, excessive violations, a current suspension or disqualification, or a major violation (DUI, reckless driving, vehicular homicide, or endangerment) within the past seven (7) years.

Employees hired by the City must maintain residency as follows:
Exempt - within 25 miles of the nearest boundary of the City of Flint.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, traffic, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls;

and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color…