Water Distribution Specialist

The City of La Crosse is accepting applications for a full-time Water Distribution Specialist to become an essential member of the Water Department. It is the responsibility of the Water Department to install, operate, repair, and maintain the wells, reservoirs, water main, service connections, fire hydrants and the main pumping station within the city. The individual in this position will work with a dedicated team of employees who work together to provide sufficient quality water for the City of La Crosse.

The purpose of this position is to be part of a crew which repairs and maintains the water distribution system, so customers have quality, sufficient water with minimal interruption. Incumbents in this class regularly operate motorized excavating, construction, and maintenance equipment. Equipment varies but includes backhoes, dump truck, and other assigned equipment. Work focuses on the operation & maintenance of the municipal water supply distribution system.

This position works under the general supervision of the Assistant Superintendent of Water Distribution. Starting wage for this non-exempt position is $25.75 per hour (80 hours bi-weekly).

Requirements:
High school diploma or equivalent, with training in excavation, road construction, plumbing, utility work; or any combination of education and experience which provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities. A valid commercial driver's license (CDL), minimum Class B, with Tanker Endorsement, or ability to obtain CDL within 60 days in position, is required. CPR and First Aid certifications are required within one year of hire.

Benefits:
The City of La Crosse offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical benefit plans, Wisconsin Retirement Plan, deferred compensation, Roth IRA, life insurance, accident insurance, income continuation insurance, voluntary dental and vision plans, paid holidays, vacations, and sick leave. Benefit perks: traditional or high deductible (with HSA) medical plan options available; participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System with 7.20% employer contribution;

10 paid holidays, ability to earn up to 12 sick days per year, and vacation time available as of date of hire.

Selected candidate is subject to background check, post-offer/pre-employment drug screen, physical and job screen. Applications are accepted until February 15th, 2026. To be considered, submit an employment application by visiting the City of La Crosse website and clicking on City Services, then clicking Career Opportunities or by visiting  of Position

The purpose of this position is to be part of a crew that repairs and maintains the water distribution system so that customers have quality, sufficient water with minimal interruption. This position works under the general supervision of the Water Distribution Supervisor.  When working on a crew, the position works under the direction of the Water Utility Foreman.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Incumbents in this class regularly operate motorized excavating, construction and maintenance equipment. Equipment varies by department but includes backhoes, dump truck, and other assigned equipment. Work focuses on the operation & maintenance of the municipal water supply distribution system.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this classification. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Repair, maintain and install water mains, pipe joints, valves, services and branches while maintaining the quality of the water.

Perform hydrant repairs for various models in the water distribution system.

Loads and transports equipment, tools and materials used for utility repairs and maintenance.

Prepares site for excavation, including setting up barricades and other traffic control.

May install trench excavation and bracing equipment.

Operates excavating equipment, such as backhoes, skid steers and hand excavation tools to prepare sites for concrete construction, paving, utility facility installations/repairs, flood control, landscaping and other public works.

Operates a variety of public works maintenance equipment such as back hoe, dump trucks, pumps, mechanic's hand tools, shovels, rakes, power saws, pipe tapping equipment, welders, torches, air hammer, pneumatic mole, Guillotine saw, pipe freezing equipment, vac truck, pipe locator, valve turning machines, jack hammer, and other assigned equipment.

Monitors equipment operation for malfunctions. Notifies supervisory personnel regarding need for equipment repairs. Performs routine maintenance such as fueling and lubricating equipment. May assist with field repairs, or perform minor repairs to equipment in the field.

Clean work sites.

Perform preventative maintenance duties, including exercising valves, testing hydrants, making rehabilitation repairs, locating and marking appurtenances, accessing box alignments, and locating leaks.

Perform service pipe thawing to restore water…