Utility System Technician - All Levels (Water Systems Operations)

City of Arvada; Indiana; On-site; USD 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Arvada is hiring for entry to mid level water distribution roles. No experience is required, and the city offers benefits and opportunities for advancement. Pay is hourly and scales with the level (Associate/Journey/Senior) and certification requirements.

All hires must pass a background check and obtain required licenses, including a Colorado CDL Class A. This position involves outdoor work, team collaboration, and routine vehicle operation.

Qualifications

• No experience required.
• Must pass criminal background check and driving record.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Colorado CDL Class A license.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate water distribution infrastructure, including main repairs and hydrant maintenance.
• Respond to customer service calls about water issues and coordinate with supervisors.
• Operate and maintain fleet equipment listed in the posting.

Job description

The City of Arvada promotes Equal Pay for Equal Work. Starting salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity. The range listed reflects the entire range and typical placement is entry to mid range. Pay Range: $24.41-$33.38 Hourly The City of Arvada is seeking dependable, motivated, and team-oriented individuals to help maintain and operate our water distribution system. No experience required! If you enjoy working outdoors, solving problems, and working as part of a team, this is an opportunity to build a rewarding career with excellent benefits, job stability, and opportunities for advancement.

2026 Hourly Pay Ranges Associate (Entry Level): $24.41–$33.38 Journey (Mid-Level): $26.91–$36.80 Senior (Advanced Level): $29.67–$40.57 The hourly range listed in this posting reflects the Associate level. Applicants with relevant experience, certifications, or a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) may qualify for placement at a higher career level and corresponding salary. The City will support your professional development by helping you pursue Colorado Water Distribution and/or Wastewater Collection Operator Certifications and a Class A Commercial Driver’s License.

Career Levels and Advancement

• Associate (Entry Level): Gain hands‑on experience in water system maintenance, repair, and construction while developing foundational skills.
• Journey (Mid-Level): Apply your knowledge and experience to perform a broader range of tasks with greater independence.
• Senior (Advanced Level): Apply advanced technical knowledge and experience to perform complex work and support water system operations.

Advancement is based on established requirements, which may include education, licenses, certifications, job knowledge, experience, and performance.

Essential Job Functions

Performs maintenance of the water system infrastructure including but not limited to such programs as main failure repairs, valve rotation, service line maintenance, fire hydrant cleaning, painting and maintenance, water main flushing, utility locations, air-vacuum valve maintenance, water meter and transponder installation, meter pit repairs, vault repairs, irrigation ditch maintenance, all excavation repairs and maintenance of the water system. Responds to customer service calls on the system, including water pressure, out of water, main failure, water quality and other like problems and meets with customers. Operates, inspects, and maintains assigned equipment, including but not limited to tandem axle dump truck with trailer, small portable vacuum unit, forklift, jackhammer, metal detector, paint sprayer, air tester, air blower, front-end loader, large portable vacuum machine, backhoe, valve rotation machine, concrete cutting saw, portable hoist, power washer, hydraulic tamper, hydraulic hand tools, service line freeze kit and snow removal equipment. Informs utility supervisor, utility foreman, or senior utility system technician of repair needs. Performs shop and yard maintenance. Frequently operates a personal or City-owned motor vehicle to drive to and from work locations.

Other Job Functions

• Completes required training units to maintain State of Colorado certification and to meet City of Arvada policies.
• Accepts and works after hour emergency calls and scheduled shifts for snow removal and rotating on-call shifts that are 24/7 and 365 days a year.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of public works and of water transmission and distribution systems construction, operation, and maintenance. Knowledge of the use of equipment used to maintain water distribution systems. Knowledge of computer hardware and software to maintain a records system. Knowledge of city safety policies and procedures. Knowledge of flagging, signing, and coning. Ability to obtain and maintain required licenses and certifications for the position. Ability to effectively utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Good customer service skills and ability to adapt and change focus to meet customer needs. Ability to effectively communicate information, both verbally and in writing, to support organizational objectives and interact with all levels of personnel within the city in a positive and cooperative manner. Must be able to operate a motor vehicle.

Associate Level: License & Certification

• Colorado Class 1 certification in Water Distribution and/or Wastewater Collection
• BNSF Railroad Safety Certification
• Union Pacific Railroad Safety Certification
• Flagger Certification
• Forklift Operators Certification
• First Aid/CPR/AED
• Incident Command System (ICS) IC-

A valid Colorado CDL Class A drivers license. A valid Colorado driver’s license and acceptable driving record is required.

This is a safety sensitive position requiring participation in a pre-employment, for-cause and random drug testing program.

Journey Level: License & Certification

• Colorado Class 2 certification in Water Distribution and/or Wastewater Collection or Water Treatment Class B certification
• BNSF Railroad Safety Certification
• Union Pacific Railroad Safety Certification
• Flagger Certification
• Forklift Operators Certification
• First Aid/CPR/AED
• Incident Command System (ICS) IC-
• A valid Colorado CDL Class A drivers license
• A valid Colorado driver’s license and acceptable driving record is required.

This is a safety sensitive position requiring participation in a pre-employment, for-cause and random drug testing program.

Senior Level: License & Certification

• State of Colorado Water Distribution Class 3 and/or Wastewater Collection Class 3
• BNSF Railroad Safety Certification
• Union Pacific Railroad Safety Certification
• Flagger Certification
• Forklift Operators Certification
• First Aid/CPR/AED
• Incident Command System (ICS) IC-
• A valid Colorado CDL Class A drivers license
• A valid Colorado driver’s license and acceptable driving record is required.

This is a safety sensitive position requiring participation in a pre-employment, for-cause and random drug testing program.

All Levels: Other Qualifications

Must pass a criminal background check and a driving record check, if required by the position.

Physical Demands

Strenuous to extreme physical effort that includes frequent use of heavy objects (e.g., 50+ pounds) and may also use heavy tools or require strenuous application in awkward positions. In addition, all CDL positions require successful completion of a physical examination with a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug screen to ensure the employee meets the medical standards necessary for safe vehicle operation.

Hazards

Occasional hazards that are predictable or well protected against (Hazardous waste, ladders, cleaning supplies, trips and falls).

Work Environment

Regular exposure to heat and noise along with working outside in the elements.

Total Rewards package

The City of Arvada offers a robust Total Rewards package.

Vision

We Dream Big and Deliver

Mission

We are dedicated to delivering superior services to enhance the lives of everyone in our community.

Values

• Innovation: We excel in creativity, flexibility and the use of best practices while valuing diverse backgrounds, ideas and perspectives.
• Passion: We are a high performing, inclusive team inspiring each other to pursue excellence.
• Opportunity: We value our diversity, embrace possibilities, face challenges, persevere and take action to deliver quality results.

The City is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We have consistently received Top Workplace awards since 2012. Most recently, we received USA Today's Top Workplaces Award.