Utility Worker (Backhoe Operator) - $33.87/hour

American Water; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water is seeking a Utility Worker (Backhoe Operator) in Alexandria, VA. The role performs skilled tasks in the water distribution system, operates a backhoe and dump truck, and contributes to maintenance of pumps, valves and meters, with emphasis on safety and reliability.

This position offers hourly pay around $33.87 with potential annual incentives and bargaining-driven increases, plus a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for salary growth.

Qualifications

• Backhoe experience required.
• Experience in water distribution systems.
• High School diploma or GED required.

Responsibilities

• Operates backhoe and drives dump truck to transport materials.
• Installs and maintains water mains, valves, and meters.
• Performs safety checks and adheres to all safety procedures.
• Documents field activities and equipment usage.
• Reads blueprints and assists in system maintenance.

Skills

Backhoe operation

Water distribution knowledge

Education

High School diploma/GED

Job description

Job Title: Utility Worker (Backhoe Operator) - $33.87/hour

Posting Start Date: 10/27/26

Posted Range: $33.87/hour

This position may be eligible for annual incentive pay and contracted increases as determined by the collective bargaining agreement, and you will have the opportunity for continued salary growth.

In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!

Primary Role

The Utility Worker role performs skilled tasks associated with the construction, operation, and maintenance of the water distribution system including, but not limited to, fire and domestic services, meter settings, water mains and valves. Routinely drives truck equipped with dump body to transport and dump loose materials such as sand, gravel, crushed rock, coal or bituminous paving materials. Performs tasks associated with the operation and maintenance of pump stations, facilities, grounds, and equipment including electrical and mechanical pumps, motors.

This role requires backhoe experience. Candidates must have backhoe experience to be considered for the opportunity.

Key Accountabilities

• Performs all functions in a safe and conscientious manner, with constant regard for the safety of fellow employees and the general public.
• Cuts, threads, and joins pipe sections as directed. Performs wet taps using large and small tapping machines, installs repair sleeves, flares copper, installs meter setting and yokes.
• Cuts, threads, and screws together sections of pipe forming service line and lays service line into trench.
• Erects barricades and places safety lights around worksites to protect workers from street traffic; may flag traffic as required.
• Breaks up pavement, using air hammer, manually digs a ditch preparatory to laying or removing pipe or service lines. Operates, maintains and controls electric motors, pumps, and valves to regulate flow of water.
• Feeds specified amounts of chemicals, such as chlorine, ammonia, and corrosion inhibitor into water supply and /or adjust automatic devices that admit specified amounts of chemicals into water to disinfect and otherwise treat water.
• Documents chemical feed activities and system performance with written reports and automatic charts.
• Records data such as residual content of chemicals, water pressure, power consumption, water output and chemical consumption.
• Monitors panel board(s) and adjusts controls to regulate flow rates and water storage and distribution of water.
• Repairs and lubricates machines and equipment, using hand tools and power tools. Collects water samples and tests to determine basic water quality parameters.
• Troubleshoots and repairs electrical and control circuits, using diagnostic equipment and hand tools.
• Reads and adjusts flowmeters and gauges to regulate equipment according to water consumption and demand.
• Maneuvers pipe sections, valves, and fittings into position.
• Backfills excavations using compaction equipment on dirt, crushed stone and cold-mix asphalt.
• Removes and installs water meters, reads meter after installation.
• Performs maintenance work on company property and grounds.
• Drives company vehicles, including dump truck, may pull trailers / equipment.
• Pulls levers or turns crank to tilt body and dump contents.
• Moves hand and foot controls to jerk truck forward and backward to loosen and dump material adhering to body.
• Loads dump truck by hand and/or by operating mechanical loader.
• Inspects truck, equipment and supplies such as tires, lights, brakes, gas/diesel, oil antifreeze and water.
• Cuts, threads, and joins pipe sections as directed. Other duties may be assigned.

Knowledge/Skills

• Broad working knowledge of distribution system components, including their installation, such as valves, hydrants, tapping devices and various types of pipe materials.

Experience/Education

• High School diploma/GED
• Experience in water distribution systems.

Work Environment

• Regularly works in outside weather conditions.
• Frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and extreme cold.
• Occasionally works in high, precarious places and occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, extreme heat and risk of electrical shock.
• The noise level is usually loud.

Other

• Works overtime as required.
• Must pass pulmonary function test necessary for use of self-contained breathing apparatus and, if requested, a range of motion test.

Competencies

• Plans & Aligns
• Decision Making
• Communicates Effectively
• Builds Networks
• Action Oriented