Water Worker ; AFSCME​/UNION

Position: Water Worker I (AFSCME/UNION)
Position Type:
Public Works/Water Worker I
- Distribution & Sewer

Date Posted:
11/24/2025

Location:
Water Plant

Closing Date:
Open until FilledSALARY RANGE: $35.799-$41.885/hourly

* Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for range.

Schedule: 40 hours per week 7am-3pm

NATURE OF WORK:
This is entry-level manual labor involving on-the-job training to perform maintenance and repair on the municipal water distribution and sewer conveyance systems. Work involves participating in the detection of water/sewer line leaks, maintenance and repair of the water/sewer system and maintenance on other water/sewer system facilities. Employees may be assigned tasks of a similar or higher-level classification to gain experience and training in preparation for advancement.

Safety equipment such as hard hats, safety glasses, reflective vests, gloves and steel-toed shoes and other protective equipment are worn.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Specific assignment will include some or all of the following):

• Assists in the repair of water mains, water service lines, valves and fire hydrants using hand and power tools.
• Assists in the installation, repair and maintenance of the municipal sewer conveyance system including pipelines, manholes and catch basins using hand and power tools.
• Repairs and restores streets, sidewalks, alleys and parkways.
• Breaks asphalt and other pavement, using hydraulic pavement breaker, air hammer, pick and shovel.
• Performs work as needed in the excavation of streets, alleys, curbs and sidewalks, including back-fill and temporary patching.
• In a learning capacity, operates and maintains backhoe and heavy equipment, power tools and hand tools.
• Drives various trucks to transport crew, materials, equipment, and spoils. Loads and unloads trucks as appropriate to work assignment.
• Services, adjusts and makes minor repairs to equipment, such as pumps, compressors and small gasoline engines and attachments.
• Compacts excavation trenches using air, gasoline and hydraulic powered compactors.
• Plows snow and spreads salt on City streets, parking lots and sidewalks.
• Measures distances of excavation sites using tape measure and marks outline of areas to be trenched according to direction of supervisor.
• Assists in providing information to update distribution and sewer atlas maps.
• Performs utility locations.
• Works in conjunction with a pipeline/catch basin cleaning company or any City contractor, which is contracted by the City; acts as an inspector/recorder and assists the contractor in performing the needed cleaning.
• Communicates with supervisor and other workers using radio and telephone.
• Provides information showing actions taken, manpower and equipment utilization and disposition of materials.
• Posts and removes temporary street signs and notifies residents of water service disruptions.
• Assists other divisions as directed.
• Cleans and maintains City property and facilities.
• Erects, repairs and maintains fences and other small structures.
• May perform custodial tasks.
• Will be required to work occasional overtime (holidays, evenings and weekends).
• Responsible for snow plowing and removal of snow and ice from streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and other city locations.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:
Possession of high school diploma or GED;
Must possess one (1) year experience with a water or sewer utility or other public utilities and/or heavy construction; and any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the following knowledge, abilities and skills:

• Must possess a valid driver's license and a safe driving record.
• Must possess a commercial driver's license permit; and a valid commercial driver's license must be obtained within 6 months of the date of hire.
• Must obtain National Incident Management System (NIMS) ICS 100, 200, 700, & 800 Certification within 18 months of hire.
• Some knowledge of standard practices, methods, tools, materials and equipment used in water/sewer line repairs.
• Some knowledge of safety standards and precautions connected with water/sewer line activities.
• Ability to use and maintain tools and equipment associated with water/sewer lines.
• Ability to visually and audibly detect water/sewer line problems and respond appropriately.
• Ability to operate City trucks.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to perform simple addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
• Ability to read and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively communicate with the public.
• Ability to follow instructions and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to utilize the computerized maintenance management system to complete work orders using a tablet or similar technology.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

• Ability to lift parts, climb in and out of trenches, sit or stand for extended periods of time in confined spaces.
• Ability to detect and recognize odors; focus on small and/or distant objects.
• Frequent exposure to dangerous equipment, loud noise…