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.

Grow Your Skills with a Career Ladder Position. 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 Wednesday, August 5, 2026. Applicants applying on or after this date will only be considered if a competitive applicant pool is not received.

This position is part of a formal career ladder tying pay progression to the advancement and complexity of assigned duties and responsibilities.

Starting Pay:
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.

The full pay range for each career ladder is below 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