System Technician

RiseMe; Kearny (NJ); On-site; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Veolia North America is seeking a dedicated Water Distribution Technician to operate and maintain the local water system in New Jersey. The role includes meter readings, hydrant work, valve operations, and routine maintenance across facilities and equipment.

The position requires 3+ years in water distribution, NJ Driver’s license, and a focus on safety and regulatory compliance. Expect on-site field work with potential on-call duties and project support across locations.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in water distribution operations.
• Experience with water sampling and valve operation.
• Ability to read meters and perform basic math/measurements.
• Strong safety mindset and adherence to procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist with installation, replacement, repair, and maintenance of water mains, hydrants, valves, and meters.
• Operate, monitor, and maintain water distribution facilities and equipment.
• Perform leak inspections and assist with leak detection and repair.
• Conduct utility mark-outs in accordance with procedures and regulations.
• Respond to alarms, emergencies, and customer service requests promptly.
• Read, record, and maintain meter, inspection, and service documentation.
• Complete work orders and reports accurately and timely.
• Identify and report abnormal conditions and safety hazards.
• Coordinate with supervisors, contractors, and customers to complete work safely.

Skills

Meter reading

Valve operation

Leak detection

Safety procedures

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

Position Purpose:

Operates and maintains the water distribution system. Supports the installation, inspection, maintenance, repair, and replacement of water mains, service connections, hydrants, valves, meters, and related distribution components. Responds to customer service requests, performs water meter readings and changes, and provides occasional support to Veolia operations and other locations as needed.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assist with the installation, replacement, repair, and maintenance of water mains, service connections, fire hydrants, valves, meters, and related appurtenances.
• Operate, monitor, and maintain water distribution facilities, systems, and related equipment.
• Perform leak inspections on water mains and service connections and assist with leak detection, investigation, and repair activities.
• Conduct utility mark-outs in accordance with applicable procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Respond promptly and professionally to alarms, emergency call-outs, customer complaints, and service requests, including meter readings, meter changes, high-bill investigations, low-pressure concerns, discolored water, and other distribution-related issues.
• Collect water samples for process-control and regulatory compliance monitoring in accordance with established procedures.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance, inspections, troubleshooting, repairs, and housekeeping for facilities, vehicles, tools, and equipment.
• Maintain the cleanliness, appearance, security, and general condition of facilities and company vehicles under Veolia's responsibility.
• Properly operate, clean, inspect, and maintain utility tools, vehicles, and equipment, including tapping machines, portable ditch pumps, generators, pipe- and leak-detection equipment, jackhammers, backhoes, and related equipment.
• Assist with excavation, trenching, shoring, backfilling, compaction, pipe installation, hydrant work, valve operations, and restoration activities, as required.
• Assist with water main shutdowns, isolations, flushing, pressure checks, disinfection, and returning repaired or newly installed facilities to service.
• Perform hydrant inspections, flushing, repairs, and maintenance, including documenting deficiencies and reporting conditions requiring follow-up.
• Assist with meter installation, testing, maintenance, replacement, and related service-line work.
• Read, record, and maintain accurate meter, inspection, maintenance, sampling, repair, and service documentation.
• Complete work orders, service reports, inspection forms, equipment logs, and other required records accurately and in a timely manner.
• Identify and report abnormal operating conditions, damaged infrastructure, safety hazards, equipment problems, leaks, and other conditions requiring corrective action.
• Maintain an appropriate inventory of tools, materials, parts, and supplies; report shortages and assist with loading, unloading, and securing materials.
• Coordinate with supervisors, contractors, customers, public agencies, and other personnel as necessary to complete assigned work safely and efficiently.
• Follow applicable traffic-control, excavation, confined-space, lockout/tagout, personal protective equipment, and other safe-work requirements.
• Participate in emergency standby and scheduled on-call rotations as directed by management.
• Comply with all company safety policies, procedures, programs, environmental standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Provide backup support to other New Jersey projects as needed.
• Perform special projects and other related duties as assigned by management.

Work Environment:

• Work is performed in operational environments, both indoors and outdoors, with exposure to noise, machinery, varying temperatures, inclement weather, and other adverse conditions for extended periods.
• May occasionally be required to enter and work in confined spaces.

Education/Experience/Background:

• High School Diploma/GED is required.
• 3+ years of experience with water distribution operations, sampling and valve operation required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to read, write, communicate effectively in English, and perform basic mathematics, measurements, and unit conversions.
• Ability to read, interpret, and accurately record information from meters, gauges, control panels, computer systems, work orders, and technical documents.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to operate, inspect, troubleshoot, and maintain water distribution equipment and tools while recognizing abnormal conditions and safety hazards.
• Ability to follow procedures, complete required documentation, use basic computer systems, respond to emergencies, and work effectively with others.

Required Certification/Licenses/Training:

• NJ License Class W1 preferred.
• Valid New Jersey driver's license required, CDL Class B preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, including walking up to approximately five miles per shift; frequent use of hands for handling, grasping, and fine motor tasks.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders; work on catwalks, platforms, and elevated structures up to 50 feet; and work in various positions, including standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, and reaching overhead or in front of the body.
• Ability to use hand tools weighing up to 15 pounds with arms extended for periods of up to 40 minutes.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly and occasionally up to 60 pounds for distances of approximately 10 feet.
• Requires close visual and auditory attention to identify equipment malfunctions, abnormal conditions, and safety hazards.

Pay Range:

$25.00 to $28.00 per hour.

Benefits:

Veolia's comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off policies, as well as health, dental, vision, life insurance, savings accounts, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteering and more. In addition, employees are also entitled to participate in an employer sponsored 401(k) plan, to save for retirement.

Sick leave - 56 hours; Observed Holidays - 11 days; Vacation - 15 days

Eligible for up to 3% Annual Performance Bonus

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country's largest private water operator and technology provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Veolia has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across North America.