Water Distribution Operator

City of Minneapolis, MN•Minneapolis, MN

53d•$29 - $34

About The Position

This position performs non-skilled and skilled manual laborer, drives trucks and operates equipment to support construction and maintenance activities within the Public Works Department. Under supervision, perform manual and semi-skilled work in the maintenance of the City's Water Distribution System. Additionally, the positions below are also open on the City of Minneapolis Career page, please review qualifications of each role before applying: Public Works Service Worker Trainee Public Service Worker I Public Works Service Worker II Water Distribution Operator Trainee Job Opportunities | Sorted by Job Title ascending | City of Minneapolis Availability: This position may involve shift work occasional weekend duty and/or requests to return to work for emergency water main repairs on a 24-hour basis, in all weather conditions.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent
One year of experience working with water distribution system, including, water mains, meter, and or similar equipment.
Valid driver's license. Applicants must be able to present proof of a current valid driver's license at the time of the Workplace Simulation Test and at the time of hire.
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age by Sunday, December 14th, 2025.
Mechanical aptitude.
Must be 18 years of age or older.
Ability to learn and perform various procedures and practices used in the repair and maintenance of water maintenance and distribution systems.
Must be able to read and interpret Safety Data Sheets
Good interpersonal skills in communicating with residents from diverse communities.
Ability to anticipate the tools and materials required to perform basic tasks.
Ability to follow through on verbal and written instructions.
Ability to become proficient in using mobile computers to complete work orders within 6 months of hire.
Ability to perform manual labor in all weather conditions.
Ability to climb ladders, kneel, crouch, bend, twist, stoop, and enter confined spaces
Ability to read, write and understand written and oral instructions.
Ability to prepare, maintain and keep accurate records.

Nice To Haves

It is highly desirable that persons have a State of Minnesota Class D Water Supply System Operator License.
It is highly desirable that persons have the ability to use computer software to retrieve and submit field data within six months of being assigned those duties
Knowledge of equipment and materials used in water main construction and maintenance.
Knowledge of National Incident Management incident command protocols.
Knowledge of and adherence to confined space entry procedures, including use of air monitors, non-entry tripods and completion of confined space entry permits.
Ability to deal with angry and hostile citizens in water turn off situations.
Knowledge of the safety precautions required in the job.
Physical ability to lift heavy equipment and materials.

Responsibilities

Under supervision learn about the City's water distribution system and how to perform work related to the operation, maintenance, repair, and disinfecting system components.
Learn about and how to utilize water distribution related technology tools such as ARC GIS, mobile apps and Sono Phone.
Learn and understand the impacts of varying soil profiles and erosion control.
Under direct supervision, turn water service off and on for plumbing repairs, meter issues, or non-payment of the City Utility bill.
Learn how to safely operate crew trucks, tapping machines, concrete saws, valve machines, jackhammers, pipe cutters, and a wide variety of other hand, hydraulic, and pneumatic and power equipment.
Safely perform manual labor in excavations using appropriate tools and equipment outdoors in all weather conditions.
Assist with locating and marking buried water infrastructure per Gopher State One Call requirements.
Work with assigned crew members to learn how to troubleshoot issues and perform leak investigations to resolve water service concerns.
As training is progresses assist with the operation, maintenance ,repair, and replacement of water distribution system components, such as hydrants, valves, Maintenance holes, and water main to American Water Works Association standards ,and with the installation, troubleshooting, testing, repair, and replacement of water meters and automated meter reading system devices.
Actively pursue Water Supply System Operator D certification with the State of Minnesota.
Assist in the location and operation of water system valves to isolate water mains to perform repairs, maintenance, and tests.
Assist in the location and repair of leaks on the water distribution system.
Assist in the repair and maintenance of gate valves in the water distribution system.
Assist in the installation of a temporary water supply during major water system repair or maintenance.
Assist in the disinfecting and testing of all water mains that have been replaced or repaired.
Assist in utility locates using the Gopher State One automated ticket software Install line taps for new construction.
May answer inquiries over the phone about the water distribution system, and take information about leaks, water main breaks and related matters.
Assist with turning water off and on in regard to new and problem accounts.
Communicate with the public in person to inform residents about water distribution system work.
Assist with the maintenance, replacement and repair of fire hydrants.
Assist with concrete restoration around fire hydrants and maintenance holes.
Perform water system work in conjunction with road repair and replacement and other construction activity.
Communicate through hand signals to direct heavy equipment activities for equipment operators and truck drivers.
May use jackhammer and other heavy tools in excavation work.
May replace or install water meters.
May use laptop computer and/or iPads to retrieve and submit field data.
Perform other related duties as assigned.