Water Operator (Distribution)

City of Missoula • Missoula, MT

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Join Our Water Utility Team! Are you looking for a hands-on, community-impacting career with room to grow? The City of Missoula is hiring a Water Distribution Operator to help maintain and improve the city’s water infrastructure. From repairing water mains to inspecting hydrants and ensuring safe, reliable service for our residents, this is a critical role in supporting public health and safety. If you're experienced in utility or construction work—or ready to apply your skills in a new direction—this could be the opportunity for you. Grow Your Skills with a Career Ladder Position This position is part of a structured career ladder, meaning your responsibilities—and your paycheck—can grow with your skills. You’ll work outdoors, operate a wide range of tools and equipment, and use technology like GIS to track infrastructure data. Whether you’re turning valves, installing new service taps, or troubleshooting issues in the field, you’ll be a key player in Missoula’s mission to provide safe and sustainable water service. Priority screening of applications will begin on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Applicants applying on or after this date will only be considered if a competitive applicant pool is not received. To Apply: All applicants must submit the City of Missoula application. Resumes will not be reviewed. All details should be entered on the application. This position is part of a formal career ladder tying pay progression to the advancement and complexity of assigned duties and responsibilities. Starting Pay: New hires start within our entry-to-market range, depending on experience and qualifications. The starting range for the position is $25.49 - $28.01/hour and will increase each year for longevity and cost of living adjustments. The full pay range for each career ladder is below and will increase each year for longevity and cost of living adjustments. Career Ladder I - $25.49 - $29.69/hour Career Ladder II - $27.32 - $31.83/hour Career Ladder III - $29.29 - $34.19/hour

Requirements

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to one (1) year of water operator, underground utility, excavation, construction, or another relevant field.
• Must have a valid Montana driver’s license with a verified acceptable driving record, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis at the time of application.

Nice To Haves

• State of Montana Water 3A, or higher, Distribution Operator Certification, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain operation of the water facilities, such as: valve turning, hydrant inspection, hydrant flow testing, hydrant maintenance, system flushing, water mains, etc.
• Review utility construction plans for adherence to water quality standards and compatibility with existing systems.
• Locate and operate a curb box to perform turn-offs and ons for customers.
• Process service orders electronically and independently using the dedicated software
• Obtain water samples following local, state, and federal regulations.
• Ensure compliance with plans, traffic safety regulations and construction codes, including appropriate depths, elevations, pressures, construction methods and materials for modifications to work plans; assist with ordinance enforcement, and stop-work orders.
• Install water taps; repair and replace water mains; operate and inspect main valves and fire hydrants; maintain inspection and activity logs; share data with Fire department, when necessary.
• Read and interpret water system plans and maps.
• Coordinate with and direct contractors on private and public infrastructure projects.
• Utilize leak detection equipment to complete leak investigations.
• Conduct capital improvement inspections to ensure contractor compliance; recommend changes for efficiency; collaborate with Engineers if issues arise.
• Collaborate with utility engineering to design water infrastructure projects, including providing input regarding impact and implication of project, changes, compliance, etc.
• Assist the Water Equipment Operator on public and private water infrastructure projects.
• Locate and mark City utilities using maps and field notes; maintain records in database system and update water system drawings.
• Provide support and answer questions regarding code requirements and construction methods.
• Maintain and utilize various hand tools, equipment and assigned vehicles.
• Perform other duties as assigned, based on training and qualifications.

Benefits

• The starting range for the position is $25.49 - $28.01/hour and will increase each year for longevity and cost of living adjustments.
• The full pay range for each career ladder is below and will increase each year for longevity and cost of living adjustments. Career Ladder I - $25.49 - $29.69/hour Career Ladder II - $27.32 - $31.83/hour Career Ladder III - $29.29 - $34.19/hour

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed