Distribution Utility Technician

WCID17; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

WCID17 in Austin, TX is seeking a Distribution Utility Technician to operate and maintain the potable water distribution system. This role combines hands-on maintenance with system-wide upkeep to ensure proper operation of water infrastructure.

The ideal candidate will help with taps, leaks, meters, and line installations, while coordinating with supervisors and public agencies. On-call duty and safety are integral parts of the job.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid state driver’s license and TCEQ C certification (or higher) in Water Distribution.
• Class A CDL with tanker endorsement; on-the-job training may be provided.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and lead technicians in water/tap installations and investigations.
• Perform repairs to water and sewer leaks, including digging and safety precautions.
• Conduct preventive and corrective maintenance on water/sewer lines; operate hydro jets and related tools.
• Locate water/sewer lines using GIS/maps and plan for new mains; assist in line interconnects.
• Prepare work orders; coordinate permits and required inspections.

Skills

Supervisory techniques

Interpreting procedures

Maps and line locating

Mathematical computations

Reading blueprints/plans

Safety compliance

Customer relations

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: AUSTIN, TX 78734, Salary Range: $20.00 Hourly, Class Title: Distribution Utility Technician

EEOC: Utility Technicians

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Summary of Position

Under general direction, the Distribution Utility Technician is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and technical support of the District’s potable water distribution system. This role combines hands‑on technical maintenance with system‑wide preventative upkeep to ensure the proper operation of water and related utility infrastructure.

Organizational Relationships

• Reports to the Distribution Supervisor
• Directs: Assigned employees
• Other: Has frequent contact with the public, consultants, contractors, builders, suppliers, and Government Agencies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities – Supervises and leads technicians in the following:

• Water tap installation for new services.
• Performs tap investigations.
• Repairs to water and sewer leaks, including digging holes and trenches, using proper safety equipment, and placing necessary shoring.
• Ensures proper leak site dress‑ups by pouring sandy loam over an affected area or arranging for asphalt or concrete work upon completion of leak maintenance or tap installation.
• Preventive and corrective maintenance on water and sewer lines, including unclogging lines using hydro jets, routers, and hand rods, exercising and/or replacing valves, entering confined spaces, and testing for low water pressure.
• Assists in planning for new water mains, service lines, valves, taps, and interconnects.
• New line installations.
• Prepares work orders.
• Corrects situations that prevent meter reading, such as clearing brush, cleaning meters, digging out boxes, etc.
• Connections and disconnects as required.
• Test water pressure when necessary.
• Locates water and sewer lines using GIS maps.
• Assists in the installation, repair, and/or replacement of water meters, boxes, valves, and regulators.
• Contacts customers when problems arise or when water service is interrupted.
• Assists the Water Operations Supervisor and Distribution Supervisor with flushing plans.
• Position requires on-call duty to respond in emergencies.
• Procures equipment, supplies, and services as required.
• Responsible for the cleanliness and proper maintenance of all vehicles assigned to them.
• Assists in maintaining correct maps of the distribution system.
• Obtains and coordinates all necessary construction permits for line installation from the county, Texas Department of Transportation, or other entities as required.
• Tolerate outside working conditions, including exposure to adverse weather conditions.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Maintain water quality through hydrant flushing.
• Perform fire hydrant maintenance through exercising and painting.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: personnel policies and procedures; supervisory techniques; mathematical practices; basic first aid procedures; and equipment used in the repair and maintenance of water and sewer lines.

Skill/Ability to:

Interpret procedures and policies; locate water and sewer lines using maps; repair and maintain water and sewer lines and associated valves and pumps using safety standards to prevent hazards; operate a backhoe, and various handheld tools; understand, follow, and give instructions; make mathematical computations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the general public; tolerate outside working conditions, including exposure to adverse weather conditions; and maintain appropriate necessary certifications. Must be able to read and interpret construction plans and specifications. Must be able to lift 50lbs continuously throughout the day. Must be willing to respond to emergency calls 24 hours a day.

Required Experience and Training

High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Certificates and Licenses Required

• Valid state driver’s license.
• TCEQ “C” certification or higher in Water Distribution. Experience may be considered in lieu of licensure.
• Class A commercial driver’s license with tanker endorsement – On the job training may be provided.

Other Important Information

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable persons with disabilities to perform essential functions.