Water Operator; Distribution

Join Our Water Utility Team!

Are you looking for a hands‑on, community‑impacting career with room to grow? The City of Missoula is hiring a Water Distribution Operator to help maintain and improve the city’s water infrastructure. From repairing water mains to inspecting hydrants and ensuring safe, reliable service for our residents, this is a critical role in supporting public health and safety. If you’re experienced in utility or construction work—or ready to apply your skills in a new direction—this could be the opportunity for you.

This position is part of a structured career ladder, meaning your responsibilities—and your paycheck—can grow with your skills. You’ll work outdoors, operate a wide range of tools and equipment, and use technology like GIS to track infrastructure data. Whether you’re turning valves, installing new service taps, or troubleshooting issues in the field, you’ll be a key player in Missoula’s mission to provide safe and sustainable water service.

Priority screening of applications will begin on Monday, February 23, 2026. Applicants applying on or after this date will only be considered if a competitive applicant pool is not received.

All applicants must submit the City of Missoula application. Resumes will not be reviewed; all details should be entered on the application.

New hires start within our entry‑to‑market range, depending on experience and qualifications. The starting range for the position is $25.49 – $28.01/hour and will increase each year for longevity and cost‑of‑living adjustments.

• Career Ladder I – $25.49 – $29.69/hour
• Career Ladder II – $27.32 – $31.83/hour
• Career Ladder III – $29.29 – $34.19/hour

• Maintain operation of the water facilities, such as: valve turning, hydrant inspection, hydrant flow testing, hydrant maintenance, system flushing, water mains, etc.
• Review utility construction plans for adherence to water quality standards and compatibility with existing systems.
• Locate and operate a curb box to perform turn‑offs and ons for customers.
• Process service orders electronically and independently using the dedicated software.
• Obtain water samples following local, state, and federal regulations.
• Ensure compliance with plans, traffic safety regulations and construction codes, including appropriate depths, elevations, pressures, construction methods and materials for modifications to work plans; assist with ordinance enforcement, and stop‑work orders.
• Install water taps; repair and replace water mains; operate and inspect main valves and fire hydrants; maintain inspection and activity logs; share data with Fire department, when necessary.
• Read and interpret water system plans and maps.
• Coordinate with and direct contractors on private and public infrastructure projects.
• Utilize leak detection equipment to complete leak investigations.
• Conduct capital improvement inspections to ensure contractor compliance; recommend changes for efficiency; collaborate with Engineers if issues arise.
• Collaborate with utility engineering to design water infrastructure projects, including providing input regarding impact and implication of project, changes, compliance, etc.
• Assist the Water Equipment Operator on public and private water infrastructure projects.
• Locate and mark City utilities using maps and field notes; maintain records in database system and update water system drawings.
• Provide support and answer questions regarding code requirements and construction methods.
• Maintain and utilize various hand tools, equipment and assigned vehicles.
• Perform other duties as assigned, based on training and qualifications.

• Knowledge of utility construction methods, practices, and techniques, including when stages of violations and defects may be easily observed and corrected.
• Knowledge of, and ability to promote, department safety considerations, City safety policies, and OSHA standards, rules, and regulations, including utility inspection safety policies.
• Skill in utilizing computers, various software, and databases, including Microsoft 365, and…