Water Operator

Description Position Description Water Operator DEPARTMENT:
Public Works POSITION TYPE:
Full-Time | Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO:

Public Works Director / Water Lead LAST REVISED:
August 31, 2026 WAGE: $20.00 - $24.00

BENEFITS:
This position qualifies for benefits.

Working under the direction of the Public Works Director and Water Lead, the Water Operator performs entry-level duties related to the installation, maintenance, repair, and operation of the City’s municipal water distribution system. This position assists with water meter operations, marking City-owned underground utilities in response to Blue Stakes requests, system maintenance, emergency repairs, and other activities necessary to provide safe and reliable water service to the community.

The Water Operator works closely with Public Works staff, City Hall, contractors, developers, property owners, and residents and is expected to provide courteous, professional service while following applicable safety requirements, City policies, and water system regulations.

• Reads, installs, replaces, tests, maintains, and troubleshoots residential and commercial water meters and related components.
• Assists with investigating abnormal meter readings, leaks, damaged equipment, and other meter-related concerns.
• Coordinates with City Hall staff to research and resolve utility service, meter, and customer account inquiries.
• Completes assigned service orders and maintains accurate documentation of work performed.
• Assists with turning water service on or off as authorized by the City.

• Responds to Blue Stakes utility locate requests within required timelines.
• Locates and accurately marks underground City water lines and related infrastructure prior to excavation.
• Follows applicable Blue Stakes requirements, APWA color codes, City procedures, and industry standards.
• Maintains accurate records of completed locate requests and field markings.
• Assists with maintaining locating equipment, marking supplies, and related materials.

• Assists with the installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of water mains, service lines, valves, hydrants, meter setters, and other water distribution infrastructure.
• Responds to and assists with the repair of water main breaks, service line leaks, and other water system failures.
• Assists with excavation, trenching, back filling, and site restoration associated with water system repairs and improvements.
• Performs routine inspection and preventative maintenance of water system facilities and equipment.
• Assists with identifying leaks, damaged infrastructure, and other conditions that may affect water system reliability.

• Assists with routine flushing of the water distribution system.
• Assists with water sampling, testing, and other activities required to support drinking water quality and regulatory compliance.
• Monitors system conditions and reports unusual readings, leaks, pressure concerns, equipment failures, or other irregularities to the Water Lead.
• Maintains accurate operational, maintenance, inspection, and service records as assigned.
• Assists certified operators with routine operation and maintenance of the municipal water system.

• Safely operates hand tools, power tools, pumps, compactors, and other utility-related equipment.
• Assists qualified equipment operators with backhoes, mini-excavators, loaders, and other heavy equipment during excavation and repair activities.
• Performs routine inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of assigned tools, vehicles, and equipment.
• Maintains work areas, vehicles, equipment, and materials in a clean, safe, and organized…