Utility Operator

Job Summary

The principal function of an employee in this class is to perform skilled operations and maintenance work with a primary focus on water meter reading, utility locating, and customer service support within the water distribution and wastewater collection systems and other areas as directed. This position is responsible for accurately reading and maintaining water meters, performing utility locates through the One Call system, responding to service requests, and supporting system operations.

This position also operates a variety of equipment to maintain the water and sewer systems, cleans water and sewer mains, performs inspections, troubleshoots mechanical systems, helps maintain inventory, and ensures equipment is repaired and in proper working condition. The position may also assist with cross‑connection control/backflow program activities, including inspections and recordkeeping. The Utility Operator reports directly to the Utilities Supervisor and may be supervised by a Utility Operator II or III, but is granted some leeway for independent judgment and initiative.

The principal duties of this class are performed in enclosed spaces or an outdoor environment and may include working in adverse weather conditions and hazards involving the use of power tools and equipment and working in traffic areas. While expected to assist in all aspects of water distribution and wastewater collection, an employee in this class will primarily be assigned to either distribution or collection and may advance in classification with advancement in licensure in the assigned discipline.

The full salary range for the position is $21.63/hr – $29.54/hr the general hiring range for the role is $21.63/hr – $24.18/hr the hiring salary will depend on the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and education.

• Performs routine and special water meter reading, re‑reads, and meter inspections
• Identifies and reports damaged, malfunctioning, or tampered meters
• Performs utility locates for water, sewer, and other infrastructure through the One Call system
• Marks underground utilities using appropriate locating equipment and records
• Maintains accurate records of meter readings, locates, and field activities
• Responds to customer service requests including turn‑ons, turn‑offs, delinquents, and complaints
• Assists in troubleshooting water usage issues and potential leaks
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies and procedures and safety practices
• Assists in the repair of sewer breaks and water system breaks or failures
• Inspects, installs, repairs, and/or replaces water mains, sewer mains, meter systems, service taps, service lines, water valves, and manholes
• Assists with videoing, inspecting and cleaning of mains utilizing specialized equipment
• Makes necessary street repairs
• Maintains an adequate inventory of tools, materials and supplies
• Keeps accurate records and makes reports regarding daily work and inspection activities
• Assists in maintaining maps of the wastewater collection and water distribution system and maintenance management systems utilizing GIS tools
• Operates various equipment necessary to operate and maintain the water distribution and wastewater collection systems
• Responds to water and sewer customer service calls, including after hours as needed
• Assists other departments when needed including snow removal
• Operates and maintains sewer lift stations, repairs and adjusts pumps, and maintains logs
• Performs general building maintenance and grounds upkeep
• Assists in maintaining stock of water service and wastewater collection materials
• Assists in performing annual inventory
• May perform Utility department daily work orders, turn‑ons, turn‑offs, emergencies, delinquents, door hangers, meter reads and assist in troubleshooting water or sewer problems
• Assists with troubleshooting water and sewer leaks, both customer and utility owned
• Setup or assist with setting up traffic safety zones as assigned
• May supervise Utility Operator in Training

• Principles and practices of water distribution and wastewater collection system installation, operation and…