Water Distribution Operator

City of Minneapolis•Minneapolis, MN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Under supervision, the Water Distribution Operator performs manual and semi-skilled work supporting the operation, maintenance, repair, and disinfection of the City of Minneapolis water distribution system. The position learns the system and related procedures, technology, soil and erosion-control considerations, and safe equipment operation. Work includes assisting with water services, infrastructure repairs, leak investigations, utility locates, hydrants, valves, water meters, and temporary water supplies, as well as communicating with residents and recording field data. The job involves field work outdoors in all weather conditions, including manual labor in excavations and confined-space work. Employees may work shifts, perform occasional weekend duty, or be called back for emergency water-main repairs on a 24-hour basis. The City provides required training for the State of Minnesota Class D Water Supply System Operator Certificate, which must be obtained within 12 months of hire.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years of age.
High school diploma or equivalent; an equivalent combination of education in a highly related field and experience may be considered.
One year of experience working with water distribution systems, including water mains, meters, and/or similar equipment.
Valid driver's license; proof must be presented at the Workplace Simulation Test and at hire.
Obtain a State of Minnesota Class D Water Supply System Operator Certificate within 12 months of hire; the City provides required training.
Mechanical aptitude and ability to learn and perform procedures used to repair and maintain water maintenance and distribution systems.
Ability to read and interpret Safety Data Sheets and follow safety precautions.
Ability to communicate effectively and interact with residents from diverse communities, including angry or hostile citizens during water turn-off situations.
Ability to anticipate tools and materials needed for basic tasks and follow verbal and written instructions.
Ability to become proficient in using mobile computers to complete work orders within six months of hire.
Ability to perform manual labor in all weather conditions and climb ladders, kneel, crouch, bend, twist, stoop, and enter confined spaces.
Knowledge of equipment and materials used in water-main construction and maintenance.
Knowledge of National Incident Management incident-command protocols.
Knowledge of and ability to follow confined-space entry procedures, including using air monitors and non-entry tripods and completing entry permits.
Physical ability to lift heavy equipment and materials.
Ability to read, write, and understand written and oral instructions and prepare, maintain, and keep accurate records.
Pass the required post-conditional-offer pre-employment medical examination, including respiratory, back, and hearing screening, and drug and alcohol testing.
Consent to any required criminal-background and/or qualifications check.

Nice To Haves

State of Minnesota Class D Water Supply System Operator License.
Ability to use computer software to retrieve and submit field data within six months of being assigned those duties.

Responsibilities

Learn the City's water distribution system and procedures for operating, maintaining, repairing, and disinfecting its components.
Learn and use water-distribution technology tools, including ARC GIS, mobile apps, and Sono Phone.
Turn water services off and on under direct supervision for plumbing repairs, meter issues, or non-payment of utility bills.
Safely operate crew trucks, tapping machines, concrete saws, valve machines, jackhammers, pipe cutters, and other hand, hydraulic, pneumatic, and power equipment.
Perform manual labor in excavations outdoors in all weather conditions.
Assist with locating and marking buried water infrastructure in accordance with Gopher State One Call requirements, including using its automated ticket software.
Work with crew members to troubleshoot issues and investigate leaks to resolve water-service concerns.
As training progresses, assist with operating, maintaining, repairing, and replacing water distribution components, including hydrants, valves, maintenance holes, and water mains, and with installing, troubleshooting, testing, repairing, and replacing water meters and automated meter-reading devices.
Pursue the State of Minnesota Class D Water Supply System Operator certification.
Assist in locating and operating valves to isolate water mains for repairs, maintenance, and testing.
Assist with locating and repairing leaks and repairing and maintaining gate valves in the distribution system.
Assist with installing temporary water supplies during major repairs or maintenance and with disinfecting and testing repaired or replaced water mains.
Install line taps for new construction.
Answer inquiries about the water distribution system and collect information about leaks, water-main breaks, and related matters, as needed.
Assist with turning water on and off for new and problem accounts.
Communicate with residents about water distribution system work.
Assist with maintaining, replacing, and repairing fire hydrants and restoring concrete around hydrants and maintenance holes.
Perform water-system work in conjunction with road repair, replacement, and other construction activity.
Use hand signals to direct heavy-equipment activities for equipment operators and truck drivers.
Use a jackhammer and other heavy tools for excavation work, as needed.
Replace or install water meters, as needed.
Use a laptop computer and/or iPad to retrieve and submit field data, as needed.
Perform other related duties as assigned.