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Tucson Water Department is seeking a full-time Utility Technician to perform skilled work in the installation, repair, maintenance, and operation of potable and non-potable water systems. This is a tiered, skill-based pay position (Apprentice, Craft, Journey) with increasing independence and responsibilities.
Work includes driving a city vehicle, field maintenance, safety compliance, and collaboration during emergencies. A high school diploma or GED and an Arizona driver's license are required.
Applicants must submit their completed application by 09-13-2026 at 11:59 p.m. MST
As part of the online application process, all applicants are required to submit an updated resume at the time of application. Resumes received after the application closing date will not be considered. Applications received that do not contain a resume will be considered incomplete and will not be considered further in this recruitment process.
This testing process will consist of two components:
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to the exam. The in-person computer-based exam will be held on September 29, 2026, and September 30, 2026 (as needed). The computer-based test is 143 questions and will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The top 30 applicants who pass the written exam will be invited to interview.
In-person interviews will be held the week of October 19, 2026.
IMPORTANT: Applicants who successfully pass both the computer-based written examination and the interview will be ranked on the Civil Service Employment List. Candidates on the list will then be invited to participate in a skills assessment at a later date. The results of the skills assessment will determine the appropriate rate of pay.
Current UT's are eligible to test for skill(s) during the recruitment process. If you do not pass the skill assessment(s) for the skills in which you are currently certified, the department may begin the decertification process as per Tucson Water Policy and Standard Operating Procedures.
Utility Technicians (UT's) support the City of Tucson Water Department by performing skilled work in the installation, repair, maintenance, and operation of potable and non-potable water distribution, transmission, production, and treatment systems. These positions ensure the safe, reliable delivery of water by maintaining infrastructure such as mains, services, valves, hydrants, wells, reservoirs, boosters, and treatment facility equipment. This is a skill-based pay position that progresses through skills across three tiers - Apprentice (A), Craft (C), and Journey (J) - each distinguished by increased technical expertise, independence, complexity of assignments, and responsibility for mentoring or leading others. The voluntary Utility Technician Skill-Based Pay Program links compensation to demonstrated skill acquisition and application. Work is performed under the supervision of the Water Operations Supervisor. This position does not supervise.
This position is a primary driver and will be expected to operate a city vehicle. Must have open availability. This position requires work in various climates and working conditions and includes indoor and outdoor work with heavy exposure to extreme physical, ergonomic, or emotional hazardous environment. This position also requires weekend, evening, and on-call hours as well as travel to all Tucson Water sites, some of which are in remote locations and require the ability to work in various weather conditions.
Education: High School Diploma or GED
Experience: None required
License Requirement: A valid and unrestricted Arizona Driver's License
Job Profile J4025 - Utility Technician
To view the full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands click https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Tucson-Talent.
Compensation Grade GSBP Hourly Range $20.00 - 42.00 USD
The City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
Non-Exempt Position Type Regular Time Type Full time Department Water Utility Department Link https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Water
Background Check This position has been designated to require a criminal background check.
The City of Tucson is a Second Chance Employer.
The City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions. The comprehensive, flexible, and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being, security and future, and peace of mind. Benefits begin with medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and FSA coverage, surpassing your standard 401(k) program by offering a rich pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings. With your well-being in mind, our paid time off program provides new hires with 38 paid days off in the first year of employment, with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years. We offer twelve weeks of paid parental leave, paid tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, off- and on-the-job training, and opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours. You can learn more about our benefits at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Human-Resources/Employee-Benefit-Snapshot.
The City of Tucson employs only U.S. Citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. Citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Status. The City of Tucson does not offer visa sponsorship.
The City of Tucson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer. The City does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General's Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD).
The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation; please contact Human Resources at EmployeeLeaves@tucsonaz.gov or 520-791-2619.
The City of Tucson, founded in 1775 and incorporated in 1877, is a City Manager-led Mayor and Council government organization comprised of over 5,000 dedicated employees. Tucson Community The City of Tucson is recognized as a Top 20 "Best City in America" by Resonance Consultancy. Tucson, Arizona, is a thriving center for bioscience, aerospace, optics, mining, and logistics. With a city population of more than 540,000 and a regional population of more than 1 million, Tucson has 330-plus days of sunshine a year and is surrounded by majestic mountain ranges. A small-town feel with big-city amenities complements its natural beauty. You can learn more about Tucson, Arizona, at Visit Tucson, Arizona.