Senior Water System Maint Operator

Salt Lake City Corporation; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 80,919,000 - 106,450,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental, Vision and Life Insurance

Paid vacation and personal leave

Parental leave (6-12 weeks)

Tuition reimbursement up to $4,000

Retirement contributions (pension/401k

Job summary

Salt Lake City Corporation is seeking a Senior Water System Maintenance Operator to lead a crew in field water maintenance, operating heavy equipment including backhoes and loaders, and ensuring safe, efficient service delivery.

The role requires extensive experience, CDL license, and certification in safety and trenching. It includes 12 months of supervision duties, potential overtime, and full city benefits with a strong focus on public utilities infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Seven (7) years' paid work experience in water system maintenance and repair.
• Two (2) years' experience operating heavy equipment such as backhoes and front-end loaders.
• Ability to obtain or hold required certifications in confined space entry, trench/shoring, flagging, and forklift operation.
• Knowledge of water system maintenance policies and Salt Lake City utilities procedures.
• Valid Class A Utah CDL with endorsements as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead a specialized crew and operate assigned water maintenance equipment.
• Repair and replace pipes, mains, valves and hydrants.
• Complete permits for confined space entry, trenching and hot work; train new workers.
• Coordinate safety procedures, respond to emergencies and ensure compliance.
• Assist in system restoration and coordination with other utilities.

Job description

Public Utilities Water Maintenance

Full time

JR6297

Position Title:

Senior Water System Maint Operator

Bargaining Unit:

AFSCME

Job Description:

Reporting to a field supervisor, acts as lead person to a specialized crew, which operates assigned vehicles including backhoes, dump trucks, front end loaders, hydro excavators, forklifts, compressors and related equipment as a normal and continual assignment while performing specialized and routine water maintenance work at the journey level.

This position is eligible for full city benefits, including:

• Health Insurance

• Dental, Vision and Life Insurance

• Paid vacation and personal leave

• 6-12 weeks of paid parental leave available

• Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k)

• A robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

• Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually

• Discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services

TYPICAL DUTIES:

• As a lead person over a specialized crew, repairs and replaces broken pipes, mains, valves and hydrants using hand equipment, pavement breakers, tapping machines, hydraulic and pneumatic boring machines and cutters, welding and cutting torches, walk-behind concrete saws, backhoe, dump trucks, front end loaders, compressors and related heavy equipment as required.

• When heavy equipment is used, generally operates a backhoe.

• Performs duties in job restoration including the preparation for asphalt, concrete and landscape restoration.

• Recommends changes in water system configuration and components; operates system valves to shut down water supplies or restore service. Completes work orders and inventory sheets. Responsible for completing all necessary permits for confined space entry, trenching and shoring, and hot work. Trains and instructs new workers.

• Investigates jobs to determine necessary utility location, traffic signing, and coordination with property owners.

• Directs the ordering and placement of traffic control barricades, trenching and shoring devices. Conducts confined space and lock out/tag out evaluations in compliance with all local, state and federal safety regulations. Conducts safety meetings and enforces all on site safety procedures. Has authority to stop work if safety standards are not met and holds responsibility for compliance with safety regulations and procedures. May recommend disciplinary action for members of crew. Coordinates cuts with other utilities in the field.

• Performs all the duties of Water System Maintenance Operator.

• Performs other duties as necessary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Seven (7) years' (combined or equivalent) paid work experience performing water system maintenance and repair either as a water maintenance worker, water system maintenance operator, or in water systems construction.

• Two (2) years' paid work experience operating related heavy equipment including backhoes, 10‑wheel dump trucks and front‑end loaders on a documented and continual basis.

• Certification required, or ability to obtain within six months of hire, in Confined Space Entry, Trench and Shoring (Competent Person as defined by OSHA), Flagging and Traffic Control Device Placement, and Forklift Operation.

• Demonstrated knowledge of water system maintenance and the policies and procedures used by the Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities, and possession of a valid Class A Utah Commercial Driver's License and other CDL endorsements as required.

• Demonstrated knowledge of the use of hand and small power tools and the ability to perform field labor under varying climactic conditions.

• Demonstrated ability to respond to emergencies including 24-hour callout and standby according to a rotating schedule.

• Demonstrated ability to complete minor records and prepare simple inventory forms.

• Ability to relate well with co‑workers, supervisors and the general public under varying circumstances.

• Demonstrated ability to instruct others regarding job‑site safety procedures and accident prevention.

• Must comply with D.O.T. physical requirements.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Certification as a Water Distribution Operator IV

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Heavy physical activity. Required to push, pull or lift medium to heavy weights. Difficult working positions. Has to stand, walk or sit uncomfortably for extended periods. Exposure to disagreeable elements such as heat, cold, dampness, fumes, noise, dust or grease. Substantial exposure to health and occupational hazards.

• Intermittent exposure to stress as a result of human behavior.

• This crew may be assigned to extensive overtime, callouts, standby or rotating shift schedules.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

POSITION TYPE

Full-Time

POSITION SALARY RANGE

Senior Water System Maintenance Operator $28.24 - $37.15

DEPARTMENT

Public Services

Full Time/Part Time:

Full time

Scheduled Hours:

40

Salt Lake City is a place where your skills and dedication directly contribute to the community. With a team serving over 200,000 residents, we take pride in delivering meaningful work—from maintaining infrastructure to shaping public programs with integrity and professionalism.

We value experience, accountability, and results. Our organization recognizes talent and rewards contribution, offering employees opportunities to grow, lead, and make a lasting difference.

If you're driven by public service and want to help shape the future of our city, we’d love to work with you.

Salt Lake City offers a competitive and well-rounded benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and professional growth. To learn more, visit our Benefits & Wellness (https://www.slc.gov/hr/benefits-and-wellness/) site.

Health & Wellness

• Medical insurance

• Dental, vision, life insurance

• HSA (with $1,000–$2,000 City contribution)

• Wellness clinic for employees & families

• Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Financial Perks

• Tuition reimbursement (up to $4,000/year)

• Retirement contributions (pension and/or 401(k))

• Discounted pet insurance, legal services, and more

We know time away from work is essential for rest, personal needs, and family life. Salt Lake City offers generous paid leave to help you recharge and stay balanced. To learn more, visit our Benefits & Wellness (https://www.slc.gov/hr/benefits-and-wellness/paid-leave/) site.

• 12 vacation days to start

• 12 paid holidays + 1 personal holiday

• Up to 80 hours personal leave annually

• 6 - 12 weeks of paid parental leave

• Bonus leave credit for eligible rehires & public sector transfers

Our Recruitment Team is ready to assist you throughout the entire hiring process—from questions about job openings to application support. Reach the Recruitment Team at 801-535-6699

Or email: [e-mail]

The City is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Salt Lake City will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at 801-535-7900.

Salt Lake City is proud to be a partner of the Utah Patriot Program, providing employment opportunities for Veterans, Military and spouses. We are also a proud National Service Partner.