Water Maintenance Worker

REPORTS TO:
Chief Water Distribution Operator

FY2025 POSITION PAY GRADE: 40

DEPARTMENT: Water Distribution

SALARY RANGE: $21.46 per hour - $26.15 per hour

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY: The Water Maintenance Worker performs skilled and semi-skilled work in the construction, maintenance, repair, and operation of the municipal water distribution system. Responsibilities include installing and repairing water mains, service lines, hydrants, valves, and meters; responding to water main breaks and emergency situations; operating heavy equipment and power tools; and ensuring compliance with safety standards, environmental regulations, and departmental procedures.

The position requires working outdoors in varying weather conditions.

OBJECTIVES:

• Contributes to the delivery of safe and reliable water services.
• Committed to following safety procedures, learning to operate equipment and tools, and working effectively as a team.
• Develop skills in the construction, maintenance, and repair of municipal water distribution systems.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Water System Maintenance

• Install, maintain, repair, and replace water mains, service lines, valves, hydrants, meters, and related infrastructure.
• Locate underground utilities before excavation activities.
• Perform preventive maintenance on water distribution assets.
• Flush hydrants and water mains to maintain water quality.
• Exercise and inspect valves to ensure proper operation.
• Repair water leaks and respond to emergency water main breaks.
• Assist with pressure testing, disinfection, and commissioning of new water lines.

Equipment Operation

• Operate dump trucks, backhoes, excavators, skid steers, trenchers, loaders, compressors, pumps, and other equipment safely.
• Operate hand and power tools used in excavation and water system maintenance.
• Perform routine equipment inspections and basic preventative maintenance.
• Report equipment defects and maintenance needs.

Meter and Service Work

• Install, replace, and repair water meters and service connections.
• Assist with meter testing and troubleshooting customer service issues.
• Turn water services on and off as authorized.

Emergency Response

• Respond to emergency water system failures, leaks, and customer service disruptions.
• Participate in after-hours emergency call-out rotation.
• Establish safe work zones during emergency repairs.
• Restore work sites following repairs.

Safety and Compliance

• Follow OSHA regulations, confined space procedures, trench safety requirements, and departmental safety policies.
• Maintain compliance with environmental and drinking water regulations.
• Ensure work zones are properly barricaded and traffic control devices are installed.

Recordkeeping

• Complete work orders, maintenance logs, inspection reports, and equipment records.
• Document repairs, materials used, labor hours, and locations.
• Assist in maintaining GIS and infrastructure records when required.

Customer Service

• Respond courteously and professionally to inquiries from residents.
• Explain service interruptions and repair activities to customers.
• Coordinate with contractors, utility companies, and other municipal departments.

Other Duties

• Assist other Public Works divisions during emergencies or special projects.
• Participate in snow removal, storm response, and disaster recovery operations when assigned.

Perform related duties as assigned

COMPETENCIES:

• Knowledge of municipal water distribution systems
• Water main and service line installation and repair
• Hydrant and valve maintenance
• Underground utility locating
• Equipment and machinery operation
• Basic plumbing principles
• Blueprint and utility map interpretation
• Preventive maintenance practices

Safety Competencies

• OSHA safety compliance
• Trench safety awareness
• Confined space procedures
• Traffic control practices
• Lockout/Tagout procedures
• PPE compliance

Core Competencies

• Teamwork and collaboration
• Accountability
• Problem-solving
• Initiative
• Time management
• Effective communication

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education

• High school diploma or GED required.

Experience

• One to three years of experience in water distribution, construction, utilities, or related public works operations preferred.
• Municipal utility experience preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid state driver's license required.
• Class E drivers license (or ability to obtain within six months).
• Water Distribution Operator certification preferred or ability to obtain within the timeframe established by the municipality.
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred.

WORK SCHEDULE AND CONDITIONS:

• Work is performed indoors and outdoors, in varying sometimes extreme weather conditions.
• Work schedules will vary based on departmental needs. This position is a full-time role. Normal work schedule is Monday – Friday

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Lift and carry up to 75 pounds independently and heavier loads with assistance or mechanical equipment.
• Walk, stand, climb, kneel, crouch, crawl, bend, and reach for extended periods.
• Perform repetitive hand and arm movements.
• Work in confined spaces, trenches, excavations, and around heavy…