Utilities Field Equipment Operator (Multiple Vacancies)
City of Moline
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
The City of Moline is seeking a hands-on Water Supply Operator to help keep our water and sewer systems running smoothly. You will install, repair, and maintain infrastructure while working independently and occasionally leading a field crew.
Applicants should have an Illinois Class A CDL within 60 days, a Collection System Operator Certificate within 12 months, and experience with water distribution maintenance. This is a full‑time, on‑site role with competitive pay.
Qualifications
- Knowledge of chemical, biological, hydrological, and physical sciences related to water systems.
- Understanding of safety hazards and public health risks in water distribution.
- Skilled in plumbing and underground construction work.
- Proficient with Arc Map GIS, Lucity Work, and Microsoft Office.
- Ability to read and interpret plans, maps, and diagrams.
- Skilled in using electronic locating and leak detection equipment.
- Experience with GIS/work orders and documenting maintenance activities.
Responsibilities
- Repair and maintain water and sewer mains, service lines, and hydrants following SOPs.
- Collect water samples and test chlorine residuals.
- Respond to emergency callouts for water/sewer issues and safety hazards.
- Locate underground utilities and leaks using detection tools and maps.
- Document work activities in paper and digital systems.
- Operate excavators, loaders, and other field equipment.
- Follow safety procedures for excavation, traffic control, and confined spaces.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Valid Illinois Class C Water Supply Operator Certificate preferred.
Non-Negotiable Starting Pay: $32.6828 Hourly / $67,980.22 Annually
The City of Moline is a welcoming, hardworking community located along the Mississippi River in the heart of the Quad Cities. With a population of just over 42,000, Moline offers the perfect mix of small-town feel and big-city convenience.
As a full-service city, we’re here to provide great services, support local growth, and make Moline a great place to live, work, and visit. We’re proud of our team and the work we do to keep our city running smoothly.
When you join the City of Moline, you become part of a group that values making a difference in the community. We’re all about doing good work and helping each other succeed.
You’ll play a hands‑on role in keeping our water and sewer systems running smoothly. Whether you’re installing, fixing, or maintaining equipment out in the field, your skills will help keep things flowing for the whole community. You’ll work independently most of the time, using your judgment to get the job done right after getting basic instructions. Sometimes, you might take the lead and help guide a field crew through the day’s work.
- Complete system repairs following standard operating procedures to protect public safety and water/sewer system integrity.
- Collect water samples and test chlorine residuals after distribution work.
- Respond to emergency callouts for water/sewer system issues, pump station malfunctions, and public safety hazards—including flood mitigation, snow and ice control, and storm damage.
- Detect system leaks using specialized electronic listening and leak correlation equipment.
- Perform field locates of underground water, sewer, and City‑owned electric/traffic utilities using maps, records, and electronic detection tools.
- Use GIS systems and databases via desktop or laptop computers to access system maps and records.
- Operate a variety of equipment, including excavators, loaders, dump trucks, utility trucks, vacuum trucks, pumps, valve operators, and power/hand tools.
- Install, repair, and maintain water mains, service lines, valves, curb and corporation stops.
- Install, repair, and maintain fire hydrants, including hydrant flushing and flow testing.
- Inspect, pressure test, and disinfect new water main construction.
- Repair sanitary and storm sewer lines as needed.
- Follow safety procedures including traffic control, excavation safety, and confined space entry protocols.
- Clean, inspect, and repair sewer conveyance systems following pollution prevention standards.
- Accurately document work activities using both paper and digital record systems to support clear communication and workflow tracking.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Knowledge of the chemical, biological, hydrological, and physical sciences related to chemical feeding, disinfection, pumping, storage, and water distribution systems.
- Understanding of occupational hazards, safety precautions, and public health risks associated with water distribution.
- Skilled in plumbing and underground construction work.
- Proficient in the use and care of hand tools, powered equipment, and excavation machinery, including sewer jet/vacuum trucks, sewer camera equipment, and wheeled loaders.
- Ability to read and interpret plans, shop drawings, maps, and diagrams.
- Skilled in using electronic locating and leak detection equipment and methods.
- Proficient with software applications in both stationary and mobile network environments, including Arc Map GIS, Lucity Work, and Microsoft Office.
- Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to respond to inquiries or complaints professionally.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, officials, and the public.
A combination of education and experience equivalent to the following:
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Supplemented by college or vocational coursework in water distribution, sewer collection and treatment, or construction technology.
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience in mechanical maintenance work involving plumbing, mechanical repair, and the installation, maintenance, and repair of water or sewer mains, service lines, laterals, fire hydrants, and related components.
- Valid Illinois Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL‑A) with air brakes and tanker endorsements, or equivalent, within 60 days of hire.
- Valid Illinois Collection System Operator Certificate within twelve (12) months of hire.
- Valid Illinois Class C Water Supply Operator Certificate preferred.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This role includes a variety of physical tasks, such as standing, sitting, using hands and fingers to handle or make fine adjustments, reaching with arms, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling. You’ll frequently need to lift or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds, and occasionally up to 100 pounds. Visual requirements include close, distance, and color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Work is performed in a range of weather conditions and may occasionally involve exposure to unpleasant or physically demanding environments.
Residency Requirement
AFSCME employees shall live within a 20‑mile radius from the City's Emergency Center, located at 1630 8th Avenue in Moline, within 180 days of hire. Residency map and address checker available here.
Eligibility For Insurance Begins The First Of The Month Following a 30-day Waiting Period For New Employees. The City And The Employees Share In The Cost Of The Plans. Medical, Dental, And Vision Plans Available To Employees, Retirees, And Other Eligible Dependents Include
- A self-funded, comprehensive dental plan
- A self-funded vision plan
- A self-funded medical plan (including prescription drug coverage)
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), non‑union, and United Auto Workers (UAW) employees participate in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF). Retirement benefits are based on years of service and wages earned. Employees contribute 4.5% of earnings to the pension.
At the City of Moline, we know that recharging away from work is just as important as the work you do every day. That is why we offer a generous leave package to all full‑time, non‑probationary employees. The amount of paid time off is dependent upon the employee's position and years of service. Paid time off includes vacation, sick leave, holidays, and personal days.
The City of Moline recognizes the importance of family and offers up to three (3) weeks of fully paid parental leave following the birth of a child or the placement of a child through adoption or foster care. This benefit allows employees time to bond with and care for their new family member while maintaining their regular pay. Specific eligibility and provisions may vary by employee group and are outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement or non‑union employee handbook.
The City of Moline offers voluntary retirement savings programs to help employees build additional financial security beyond their pension benefits. Through the Nationwide 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, employees may contribute a flat dollar amount or a percentage of their pay each pay period. Contributions may be made on either a pre‑tax basis (taxed when withdrawn) or a Roth after‑tax basis (withdrawn tax‑free in retirement if qualified). Unlike many other retirement accounts, 457 plans do not carry a 10% early withdrawal penalty for distributions taken before age 59½.
Employees participating in the IMRF pension system may also elect to make Voluntary Additional Contributions (VAC) of up to 10% of earnings on an after‑tax basis. These contributions earn a guaranteed interest rate through IMRF and may be taken as a lump sum or converted into an additional monthly annuity at retirement.
Through the flex plan, using pretax dollars, employees can pay their portion of their health insurance premiums and qualified medical, dental, vision, and day care expenses. Employees are eligible to participate in the plan on the first of the month following a 30‑day waiting period.
The City of Moline provides a free and confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Employee & Family Resources for employees and their household family members. The program offers up to six counseling or life coaching sessions per year, along with financial and legal consultations, child and elder care resources, identity theft support, and access to an anonymous online peer support community.
The City of Moline offers voluntary life insurance options to help employees provide financial protection for their families. Employees participating in the IMRF pension may enroll in a Group Decreasing Term Life Insurance plan through NCPERS, which includes Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage and optional coverage for spouses/domestic partners and eligible dependent children. Employees may also elect Supplemental Term Life Insurance through MetLife, with coverage available up to five times an employee’s annual salary (guaranteed issue up to $100,000). Premiums are payroll‑deducted, and coverage may be continued if employment with the City ends.
01
Are you currently a City of Moline employee?
- Yes
- No
02
Do you have a High School Diploma or GED?
- High School Diploma
- GED
- Neither
03
Do you have a valid Driver's License?
- Yes
- No
04
Do you currently have a valid CDL? A valid Illinois Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) with air brakes and tanker endorsements, or equivalent, is required and must be obtained within a timeframe established by the City. The City will provide assistance toward obtaining the required license and endorsements if not currently held.
- CDL-A
- CDL-B
- No CDL
05
Do you currently hold any water or wastewater certifications? Please answer Yes or No. If yes, please list the certification(s) you hold, the issuing agency, and the expiration date, if applicable. A valid Illinois Collection System Operator Certificate is required within twelve (12) months of hire. A valid Illinois Class C Water Supply Operator Certificate is not required but is preferred.
06
Do you have experience performing mechanical maintenance, plumbing, or underground utility work involving water or sewer systems? Please answer Yes or No. If yes, an explanation is required.
07
Do you have experience installing, repairing, or maintaining water mains, service lines, valves, hydrants, or similar underground utilities? Please answer Yes or No. If yes, an explanation is required.
08
Do you have experience operating heavy equipment such as excavators, loaders, dump trucks, vacuum trucks, or similar construction/utility equipment? Please answer Yes or No. If yes, an explanation is required.
09
Do you have experience working with sewer systems, including sewer line repair, jetting, camera inspection, or maintenance of sewer conveyance systems? Please answer Yes or No. If yes, an explanation is required.
10
Do you have experience detecting underground utilities or leaks using electronic locating equipment, maps, or detection tools? Please answer Yes or No. If yes, an explanation is required.
11
Do you have experience reading and interpreting construction plans, utility maps, shop drawings, or infrastructure diagrams? Please answer Yes or No. If yes, an explanation is required.
12
Do you have experience collecting water samples, testing chlorine residuals, or performing other water distribution system testing or inspections? Please answer Yes or No. If yes, an explanation is required.
13
Do you have experience following safety procedures related to excavation, confined space entry, traffic control, or similar field safety practices? Please answer Yes or No. If yes, an explanation is required.
14
Do you have experience using GIS systems, work order systems, or computer software (such as ArcGIS, Lucity, or Microsoft Office) to access maps, document work, or track maintenance activities? Please answer Yes or No. If yes, an explanation is required.
15
Have you ever served as a crew lead or provided direction to other field workers during utility or construction projects? Please answer Yes or No. If yes, an explanation is required.
16
Have you ever worked in a position that required you to be on call to respond to emergency situations such as utility repairs, equipment failures, weather‑related incidents, or other urgent service needs? Please answer Yes or No. If yes, an explanation is required.
- Required Question
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