Water Distribution Operator Trainee

This is an entry-level position with no prior experience necessary. Under supervision, Trainees will perform manual and semi-skilled work in the maintenance of the City's Water Distribution System and receive support in obtaining their Class D Water Supply System Operator Certificate.

This position may involve shift work occasional weekend duty and/or requests to return to work for emergency water main repairs on a 24-hour basis, in all weather conditions.

Starting salary for this position is $29.257 hourly; after 6 months of on the job experience $32.914 hourly.

After successful completion of your trainee program and obtaining your Class D Water Certification, trainee's will be promoted to a Water Distribution Operator.

• Public Works will provide information sessions.
• Our Information Sessions offer you the opportunity to go beyond the website and talk to representatives about what skills Public Works is seeking and the application process.
• Please visit this link for the information sessions:
  Information Sessions - City of Minneapolis (minneapolismn.gov)

* The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

• Under supervision learn about the City's water distribution system and how to perform work related to the operation, maintenance, repair, and disinfecting system components.
• Learn about and how to utilize water distribution related technology tools such as ARC GIS, Enquesta, Star Programmer and Sono Phone.
• Learn and understand the impacts of varying soil profiles and erosion control.
• Under direct supervision, turn water service off and on for plumbing repairs, meter issues, or non-payment of the City Utility bill.
• Learn how to safely operate crew trucks, tapping machines, concrete saws, valve machines, jackhammers, pipe cutters, and a wide variety of other hand, hydraulic, and pneumatic and power equipment.
• Safely perform manual labor in excavations using appropriate tools and equipment outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Assist with locating and marking buried water infrastructure per Gopher State One Call requirements.
• Work with assigned crew members to learn how to troubleshoot issues and perform leak investigations to resolve water service concerns.
• Assist with disinfecting water mains after work is complete.
• As training is progresses assist with the operation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of water distribution system components, such as hydrants, valves, manholes, and water main to American Water Works Association standards, and with the installation, troubleshooting, testing, repair, and replacement of water meters and automated meter reading system devices.
• Actively pursue Water Supply System Operator D certification with the State of Minnesota.

Perform field work in all kinds of weather conditions. Exposure to outdoor elements, gases, fumes, chemicals, dust, dirt, traffic and noise. Perform confined space entry/work; heavy physical labor work including bending, twisting, stooping, etc.; ability to push, pull, lift, carry and maneuver heavy items weighing up to 100 pounds; ability to work in excavations with watermain pipe; ability to stand/walk/maneuver on rough, uneven surfaces.

Position may require compliance with OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard, including maintaining a clean-shaven face for proper respirator fit.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age by Tuesday, December 1st, 2026.

High School Diploma or GED.

N/A (Related Experience Desirable).

• Valid driver's license. Applicants must be able to present proof of a current valid driver's license at the time of the Workplace Simulation Test and at the time of hire.
• As a condition of continued employment, obtaining a State of Minnesota Class D Water Supply System Operator Certificate is required within 18 months of hire. The City will provide the required training.

An equivalent combination of education (in a highly related field) and experience may be considered.

The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought.

Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be…