Distribution Operator Trainee City of Anderson

Cityofandersonsc; Anderson (SC); On-site; USD 35,123 - 42,928; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full-time with benefits

Job summary

The City of Anderson is seeking a Distribution Operator Trainee responsible for installing, testing, and repairing water distribution system components. This full-time position offers benefits and requires close supervision.

Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED, and a valid driver's license, with the ability to obtain a CDL. The role involves physical demands and requires candidates who can handle varied workloads and drive heavy equipment.

Qualifications

• Must possess a valid state driver’s license; must be able to obtain a CDL license.
• Requires high school diploma, GED or specialized vocational training.
• Experience operating or repairing complex machinery or equipment.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, and repair water system components.
• Flush fire hydrants and water lines.
• Respond to customer inquiries and complaints.

Skills

High school diploma or GED

Valid state driver's license

Experience operating heavy equipment

Ability to perform calculations

First Aid/CPR certifications

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Heavy machinery

Water meters

Job description

Job Title: Distribution Operator Trainee

Department: Water/Utilities

Salary: $39,026

Employment Status: Full‑Time with benefits

Reports To: Water Department Manager

FLSA Classification: Full Time, Exempt

Date Revised: March 2026

Position Summary

The Distribution Operator Trainee is responsible for installing, testing, maintaining and repairing the water distribution system components, and performing related technical work as required. This position works according to set procedures under close supervision.

Position Responsibilities – Essential Job Functions

To ensure the greatest possible protection for employees in the workplace, the City of Anderson requires cooperative efforts of all employees with help in establishing and maintaining a safe and healthful work environment. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) must be used whenever workplace hazards are discovered that could damage any part of the body. All employees must wear PPE as required by their job duties, and PPE is to be used in conjunction with other controls to increase employee protection.

Department Specific Job Functions

• Carry out daily assignments involving the installation, maintenance and repair of water system components.
• Repair water leaks.
• Install water taps.
• Maintain water valves.
• Flush fire hydrants and water lines.
• Assist in installing, maintaining, repairing and/or replacing water meters.
• Operate a wide variety of heavy and light construction/specialized equipment to perform duties such as digging, craning heavy objects, backfilling ditches, grading, clearing, probing for utility lines, tamping ditches, bolting valves and fittings together, etc.
• Repair properties after work is completed.
• Cleans and maintains assigned vehicles and equipment.
• Perform all work in compliance with applicable policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and standards of quality and safety.
• Receive and respond to inquiries, complaints and requests for assistance from customers, contractors and the general public in areas of responsibility.
• Prepare and submit detailed work records and reports.
• Attend training, meetings, etc., as required to enhance job knowledge and skills.

It is understood that every incidental duty connected with operations detailed in this job description are not always specifically described, and employees may be required to perform duties not within their job descriptions at the discretion of the City.

Position Responsibilities – Additional Job Functions

• Cleans and mows city properties, rights‑of‑way and easements.
• Works on a rotating on‑call schedule.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Requires high school diploma, GED or specialized vocational training.
• Must possess a valid state driver’s license; must be able to obtain a CDL license.
• Must be able to copy, transcribe, enter or post data or information.
• Must be able to speak or signal to people to convey or exchange information of a general nature.
• Experience operating or repairing complex machinery or equipment that requires extended training and experience, such as heavy equipment or water meters; may involve installation and testing. Operations scope is limited.
• Handles semi‑routine work following procedures with occasional problems.
• Performs calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, ratios, rates and percentages.
• Reads technical instructions, procedures, manuals and charts to solve practical problems; composes routine reports and specialized reports, forms and business letters with proper format; uses normal grammar and word form.
• Performs clerical, manual or technical tasks prescribed by standard practices but may require computation, several procedures and independent judgment.
• Maintains normal attention for accurate results.
• First Aid/CPR certifications, trenching and shoring certification, and confined space entry certifications are desirable.
• Receives instruction that is sufficient for satisfactory job performance.
• Performs medium‑to‑heavy work that involves walking, standing, climbing, stooping, crouching, bending, reaching, lifting, digging, pushing or raising objects and involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a recurring basis and 50 to 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis.
• Exposes to bright/dim light, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, dust and pollen, animals/wildlife, traffic, moving machinery, electrical shock.
• Requires visual acuity and field of vision, hearing and speaking abilities, depth perception, color perception.
• Works in a stable environment with clear and uncomplicated written/oral instructions but with some variations from the routine.
• Needs regular and sustained attendance.

Beneficial Skills and Experience

• Basic knowledge of municipal water distribution systems, valves, hydrants, and water mains.
• Ability to read meters, pressure gauges, and distribution maps.
• Understanding of safe work practices and public utility safety procedures.
• Experience working outdoors and in varying weather conditions.
• Strong attention to detail when monitoring water pressure, flow, and system issues.
• Ability to communicate effectively with field crews and supervisors.
• Willingness to learn state water operations regulations and certification requirements.

ADA Compliance and EEO Statement

The City of Anderson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodation.

Physical Demands

Stand: Constantly, Frequently, Occasionally

Walk: Constantly, Frequently, Occasionally

Sit: Constantly, Frequently, Occasionally

Handling: Constantly, Frequently, Occasionally

Reach Outward: Constantly, Frequently, Occasionally

Reach Above Shoulder: Constantly, Frequently, Occasionally

Climb: Constantly, Frequently, Occasionally

Crawl: Constantly, Frequently, Occasionally

Squat or Kneel: Constantly, Frequently, Occasionally

Bend: Constantly, Frequently, Occasionally

Lifting Requirements: 10 pounds or less (Constantly, Frequently, Occasionally), 11 to 20 pounds (Constantly, Frequently, Occasionally), 21 to 50 pounds (Constantly, Frequently, Occasionally), 51 to 100 pounds (Constantly, Frequently, Occasionally), >100 pounds (Constantly, Frequently, Occasionally)

Pushing and Pulling Requirements: 12 pounds or less (Constantly, Frequently, Occasionally), 13 to 25 pounds (Constantly, Frequently, Occasionally), 26 to 40 pounds (Constantly, Frequently, Occasionally), 41 to 100 pounds (Constantly, Frequently, Occasionally), >100 pounds (Constantly, Frequently, Occasionally)

Definitions: N/A – Not Applicable, Activity is not applicable to this occupation; O – Occasionally (up to 33% of the time), F – Frequently (33–66% of the time), C – Constantly (more than 66% of the time).