Distribution Operator at Upper Michigan Water

Hope Utilities; Michigan; On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401(k) plan with employer contribution

Life Insurance

Job summary

Hope Utilities in Michigan is seeking a Distribution Operator to support the Upper Michigan Water system. You will operate backhoes, maintain assets, handle daily work orders and assist with deliveries and storage of materials.

This role requires general knowledge of water distribution equipment, ability to follow safety rules, and flexibility for on‑call hours including emergencies. Requires a Michigan driver’s license and the potential to obtain EGLE Level 2 certification within two years.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must possess a valid Michigan driver’s license in good standing.
• Employment is contingent upon passing a physical examination and drug test.
• Ability to receive EGLE Level 2 Water Distribution certification within two years after hire.

Responsibilities

• Operate backhoe to install, repair, and replace water lines, meters, valves and hydrants.
• Maintain shop inventory, operate machinery, complete daily work orders.
• Perform general landscaping/maintenance tasks within the plant sites, office and distribution system.
• Load and unload materials and equipment; assist in delivery, storage and transfer of chemicals.
• Operate various hand and power tools and test instruments.
• Learn and apply all safety rules and regulations.
• Perform routine operational duties and learn to perform more complex or critical assignments.
• Respond to and perform emergency repairs at irregular hours.
• Ability to be subject to 24‑hour on‑call, variable working hours, overtime, weekends and holidays. May be required to perform stand‑by duties and respond to emergencies.

Skills

Water distribution

Tool operation

Safety compliance

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Pumps

Valves

Meters

Generators

Job description

Distribution Operator at Upper Michigan Water

Responsibilities

• Operate company backhoe to install, repair, and replace water lines, meters, valves and hydrants.
• Maintain shop inventory, operate machinery, complete daily work orders.
• Perform general landscaping/maintenance tasks within the plant sites, office and distribution system.
• Load and unload materials and equipment; assist in delivery, storage and transfer of chemicals.
• Operate various hand and power tools and test instruments.
• Learn and apply all safety rules and regulations.
• Perform routine operational duties and learn to perform more complex or critical assignments.
• Respond to and perform emergency repairs at irregular hours.
• Ability to be subject to 24‑hour on‑call, variable working hours, overtime, weekends and holidays. May be required to perform stand‑by duties and respond to emergencies.

Minimum Training and Experience Required To Perform Essential Functions

• General knowledge of the use of equipment used in water distribution or treatment processes, such as pumps, motors, valves, meters, generators and compressors.
• Ability to recognize and use tools and equipment necessary to perform limited repairs to equipment.
• Knowledge of the safe and proper operation of various types of hand and power tools, pick‑up trucks, tractors and similar vehicles.

Other Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must possess a valid Michigan driver’s license in good standing.
• Employment is contingent upon passing a physical examination and drug test.
• Ability to receive EGLE Level 2 Water Distribution certification within two years after hire.

Physical Abilities Required to Perform Essential Functions

• Ability to analyze, compare, count, differentiate, copy, and record information and data.
• Ability to explain, demonstrate and clarify to others within well‑established policies, procedures and standards.
• Ability to follow specific instructions and respond to simple requests from others.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with supervisor and personnel.
• Ability to use functional reasoning and apply rational judgment in performing diversified work activities.
• Ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information or processes.
• Ability to perform movements requiring skill and training, such as assembling equipment.
• Ability to exert effort in strenuous physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling. Ability to lift and move the weight of a large bag of cement or the equivalent.
• Ability to withstand exposure to inclement weather conditions, working in wet and/or odorous areas, working in tanks and/or confined spaces.

Benefits

• Health Insurance: Eligible for Medical, Rx, Dental, Vision, and HSA ($500/$1000 Employer Contribution)
• Retirement Plans: Eligible for the Hope Utilities 401(k) plan with a 4% company contribution and company match up to 4% of eligible compensation
• Income Protection: Company‑paid Life Insurance, Business Travel Accident Insurance, Sickness Benefit, Long‑Term Disability, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Critical Illness and AD&D.

Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.