Water Distribution System Technician

Salary: $24.67 - $26.69 Hourly
Location : City of Sioux Falls, SD
Job Type: General AFSCME
Job Number:
Department: Public Works
Division: Water
Opening Date: 02/13/2026
Closing Date: 2/27/2026 5:00 PM Central

Job Summary
Perform semiskilled work in the installation, maintenance, and repair of a municipal Class IV water distribution system.

At the City of Sioux Falls we are committed to making a positive impact on our community and environment. As a leader in sustainable infrastructure and environmental stewardship, we work to ensure that our distribution system is efficient, effective, and resilient. We believe that every member of our team plays a crucial role in safeguarding our community's water resources and enhancing our quality of life.

As a Water Distribution Technician, you will be on the front lines of maintaining and improving our distribution system.

Typical schedule:

Monday - Friday 8:00a.m.

- 4:00 p.m. with summers working 4-day workweeks. In addition, be willing to work standby and varied schedules to accommodate a 24-hour-per-day, 7-day-per-week operation.

Job Responsibilities
1. Assist with various tasks in the repair and maintenance of water mains, hydrants, valves, and other services, including excavating and back filling service accesses; cutting, fitting, sealing, laying, and tapping new or repaired pipe; installing and repairing valves and other system hardware; constructing concrete hydrant aprons; and flushing, cleaning, and inspecting existing services, etc. Assist with the installation of new water mains on a limited basis.

2. Operate a variety of tools and equipment, including laptop computers with ArcGIS Arc Map, GPS equipment, hydraulic pumps and centrifugal water pumps, pipe locators, tapping and hydra-stop devices, jackhammers, chain saws, pipe threading machines, air compressors, trucks, backhoes, front-end loaders, flatbed trailers, ditching machinery, etc.

3. Perform manual labor, including hand shoveling; loading and unloading pipes, fittings, and other water-related equipment and materials from utilities vehicles; lifting, carrying, and moving materials and equipment at the work sites; cleaning work areas, etc.

4. Turn customers' services on or off; tap water mains, flare, and lay copper for service connections; and investigate complaints of leaks and low pressure and make necessary repairs.

5. May locate, trace, and mark water mains and services for emergency personnel. Locate and mark workable curb stops for cleaning and relining of existing water mains. May conduct leak detection sound surveys using computerized leak detection equipment. Operate water distribution main and hydrant valves. Maintain detailed records of detection survey and valve operating results.

6. Maintain and perform minor repair on trucks and other water service equipment.

7. Perform snow and ice control and removal procedures, including plowing, sanding, spreading deicing chemicals, loading trucks, hauling snow, shoveling sidewalks, or assisting mechanics in the maintenance of snow removal equipment.

8. Perform other such duties and functions as are necessary or incidental to the proper performance of this position.

Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from high school or GED certification with a minimum of one (1) year of experience in the installation, maintenance, and repair of mains, pipes, and services, heavy equipment operation or related work in the utility water systems; or any such combination of education, experience, and training as may be acceptable to the hiring authority.

Must have a valid Class I Water Distribution Certification within one year (12 months) of hire.

Willing to work standby and extended hours when required.

Must possess or be able to obtain within 90 days of hire a valid Class B commercial driver's license. A valid Class A commercial driver's license with tanker endorsement and no restrictions is required for Vactor equipment assignments.

Supplemental Information

• Knowledge of the methods, materials, practices, and tools required for water main installation and repair.
• Knowledge of municipal water systems.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards associated with general maintenance and construction.
• Mechanical aptitude.
• Understanding of pumps, valves, and pipe fittings in water systems.
• Ability to record and maintain written work records.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public.
• Ability to work independently while locating, leak surveying, and operating valves.
• Ability to read maps and drawings and to perform basic mathematics.
• Ability to proficiently and safely operate various types of light and heavy equipment, including backhoes, trenchers, trucks, pay loaders, etc.
• Ability to use various hand and power tools.
• Willingness to wear and use all required protective safety equipment.
• Ability to discriminate between subtle sound differences while working with tapping processes and leak detection.
• Ability to understand and follow basic instructions and direction from a…