Utilities Field Equipment Operator (Multiple Vacancies)

City of Moline; Moline (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Moline is seeking an Utilities Field Equipment Operator to maintain and repair water and sewer systems in a field setting. You will operate diverse equipment, perform inspections, and follow safety procedures daily.

This role requires hands-on experience with plumbing, underground construction, and field diagnostics. Expected duties include equipment operation, system testing, and documentation using maps and records while working with a team in a structured schedule.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required; college coursework is preferred.
• Coursework in water distribution, sewer, or construction tech is beneficial.
• Minimum two years' mechanical maintenance experience with water/sewer systems.

Responsibilities

• Perform repairs to water/sewer systems following SOPs to protect public safety and system integrity.
• Collect water samples and test chlorine residuals after distribution work.
• Respond to emergency callouts for water/sewer issues and assist with storm-related tasks.

Skills

Water distribution

Public safety

Plumbing

Underground construction

Reading plans

Leak detection

GIS / ArcMap

Lucity Work

Microsoft Office

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Coursework in water distribution or construction technology

Two years mechanical maintenance experience

Tools

ArcMap GIS

Lucity Work

Microsoft Office

Job description

UTILITIES FIELD EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (Multiple Vacancies)

The City of Moline, Illinois

SALARY:

• $32.68 - $47.39 Hourly
• $67,980.22 - $98,571.41 Annually
• Non-Negotiable Starting Pay: $32.6828 Hourly / $67,980.22 Annually

SCHEDULE:

• Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

• 11/9/2026 5:00 PM Central

WHO ARE WE?

The City of Moline is a welcoming, hard-working 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.

HOW YOU'LL CONTRIBUTE:

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 guide a field crew through the day's work.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• 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 food mitigation, snow and ice removal, 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, 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.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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 to complaints professionally.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, officials, and the public.

Education and Experience

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.

Licenses and Certifications

• 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.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

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.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Salary/Compensation: $67,980 - $99,571 per year