Maintenance Worker - Water​/Sewer

Position: Maintenance Worker I - Water/Sewer
Salary: $27.90 - $33.04 Hourly
Location : Johnston, IA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: _WaterMaint1_
Department: Public Works
Division: Water/Wastewater
Opening Date: 06/04/2026
Closing Date: 6/26/2026 5:00 PM Central

DEFINITION: Under general supervision, performs various duties relating to the construction, maintenance, and repair of a water distribution system and wastewater collection system; performs related assignments or tasks as assigned.

• Performs maintenance and repair activities in the water distribution and wastewater collection systems - including but not limited to repairing water main, repair of valves, maintaining and repairing fire hydrants, CCTV inspections of sewers, sewer cleaning, and low pressure sanitary sewer system.
• Responds to service calls and other emergencies as directed during normal business hours and is available to be on-call outside of normal working hours.
• Conduct daily/weekly/monthly monitoring, water quality samples, and other related testing as established by industry standards and local, state, and federal rules, regulations, and laws.
• Maintains records of work performed, visual observations, equipment malfunctions, and related work and is able to recognize potential operation and/or mechanical problems.
• Operate and control electric motors, pumps, and valves to regulate water distribution system.
• Record and interpret readings from meters, gauges, probes and related controls and equipment.
• Spreads and levels earth, sand and gravel using public works vehicles, hand and power tools; lifts, carries and holds materials, cleans tools, equipment, materials and work areas.
• Cleans and repairs catch basins, manholes, culverts and storm drains using public works equipment, hand and power tools.
• Operates and maintains motor grader, end-loader, backhoe, tractors, mowers, jetter/vac and other related public works equipment; assists Maintenance Mechanic in the repair and maintenance of public works and other municipal vehicles and related equipment; checks gas, oil and fluids; washes vehicles.
• Removes snow and sands/salts streets and sidewalks using graders, dump trucks, end-loaders, snow blowers and related equipment.
• Drives trucks equipped with dump body, tanks and peripheral equipment to transport loose materials such as sand, gravel, crushed rocks and related materials to job site; loads truck by hand or by operating mechanical loader.
• Erects barricades, fences and rails to protect the public from hazardous conditions.
• Assists in emergency situations, such as, but not limited to, flood control, storm clean-up, water main breaks, sanitary sewer back-ups, etc.
• Performs related work as required.
• Regular work attendance is required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from high school or equivalent; and

Two years experience in the operation and maintenance of a water distribution system or wastewater collection system or public works setting.

State of Iowa Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) with air brake endorsement or ability to obtain within nine (9) months of employment.

State of Iowa Grade 1 Water Distribution Operator Certificate or the ability to obtain within twenty-four (24) months of employment.

State of Iowa Grade 2 Water Distribution Operator Certificate or the ability to obtain within forty-eight (48) months of employment.

Ability to pass DCI background check.

Required to complete a pre-employment offer physical examination and drug screening.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of tools, methods, operations, and materials used in public works maintenance
• Working knowledge of a water distribution system and wastewater collection system
• Basic electrical knowledge
• Knowledge of the operating characteristics of heavy and specialized equipment
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, city, state, and federal standards, regulations, and laws applicable to the job
• Knowledge of recognized occupational hazards and to follow established safety procedures
• Ability to perform a variety of laboring and semi-skilled tasks in the operation, maintenance, and repair of various types of public works equipment and building structures and premises
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions, work independently with minimal supervision, and prioritize work
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public
• Ability to keep accurate and legible records
• Problem solving ability
• Sound judgement and decision-making abilities
• Ability to handle confidential information in a sensitive manner
• Ability to be insured by insurance carrier as a driver

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Field environment, sometimes under adverse weather conditions.
• Work is performed in an environment with undesirable conditions: exposure to extreme heat and cold, odors, noise, dust, fumes, moving parts, electrical shock, burns and toxic agents.
• Occupational hazards are those generally associated with ongoing exposure to moving machinery/equipment leading to cuts, bruises, burns, strains, and potentially more serious…