Water Distribution Operator

Performs responsible unskilled and semi-skilled work in the installation, replacement, repair and preventive maintenance of water lines, and water meter replacement and repair; assists with sewer work as needed. An employee in this class performs a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled work as a member of a crew engaged in the construction, installation and repair of water lines and appurtenances. Work includes making taps to water and sewer mains, installing hydrants, meters, and valves, and making repairs to the water and sewer system.

Other tasks include assisting in the operation of video camera equipment to identify system problems, performing preventive maintenance and repair to water and sewer pumping stations, and related tasks. Employees are subject working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, vibration, moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation, and oils.

Work is also subject to the final standards of OSHA on blood borne pathogens. Employees are also subject to on-call and call-back work. Work is performed under regular supervision and is evaluated through observation and inspection for adherence to instructions and standard trade and safety practices.

• Operates tapping machine to make water and sewer taps and service connections; sets meter boxes and installs meters.
• Installs new water and sewer service lines; repairs and replaces sewer and water lines, valves, hydrants, and other related structures.
• Installs, services and tests water meters and meter yokes.
• Participates in hydrant and valve exercising and maintenance programs.
• Operates backhoe, front end loader, dump trucks, jackhammers, tampers, jetting and rodding machine, skid steer, lawn mowers, pipe threading machines, tapping machines, trenchers, air compressors, and boring machines.
• Installs hydrants, meters, valves, clamps, and related pipeline apparatus; sets meter boxes; repairs and replaces fire hydrants.
• Sets up safety zones and flags traffic.
• Participates in pressure testing new lines.
• Maintains necessary parts and supplies on assigned truck; notifies supervisor on supply needs.
• Completes work order forms manually or on tablets or laptops.
• Operates the sewer rodder and/or jet machine to unclog sewer lines if needed and on-call.
• Performs other related tasks as required.

• Working knowledge of the tools, materials and equipment used in the installation, replacement, maintenance and repair of utility lines.
• Working knowledge of a variety of maintenance and manual methods and tasks involved in the installation, maintenance, repair and replacement of water and sewer lines and appurtenances.
• Working knowledge of the use of common hand and power tools.
• Working knowledge of the safe use and operation and preventive maintenance of common automotive and mechanical equipment.
• Working knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions needed in the work.
• Working knowledge of the application of technology to work assignments.
• Some knowledge of the municipal water service policies and procedures.
• Skilled in the operation of a light and medium size construction equipment.
• Skilled in customer contact.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and the public.
• Ability to read utility line maps and operation and service manuals and to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to complete simple reports.

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform very heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally; 50 pounds of force frequently; and 20 pounds constantly.
• Must possess the visual acuity to operate mobile equipment such as loaders and dump trucks in a safe manner to fit pipes and other parts, read gauges, and make written records.

• Graduation from high…