Utility Worker I Gr I

American Water Co.; Monterey (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water is hiring a Utility Worker in California. The role involves preparing work areas, digging trenches, loading equipment, and maintaining water systems. Schedule is Monday–Friday, 40 hours, with potential overtime and 24-hour call out.

Applicants should have a high school diploma, a valid California driver’s license, and SWRCB certifications. Lifting up to 50 pounds frequently and 100 pounds occasionally is expected as part of daily duties.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid California driver’s license (Class B or A desired).
• SWRCB Distribution Operator license Grade 1 within one year of employment.
• Maintain SWRCB certification for continued employment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs frequently and up to 100 lbs occasionally.

Responsibilities

• Prepare work areas, barricades, and traffic controls.
• Break pavement and dig trenches.
• Load/unload boxes and equipment; install/maintain pipes and fittings.
• Repair waterline breaks and leaks; service hydrants.
• Operate valves, pumps, and plant equipment; perform concrete work as needed.

Skills

Basic equipment knowledge

Oral and written instructions

Database familiarity

Heavy lifting

Education

High school diploma

Tools

iPad

Tablet

Mapcall

Job description

Share Our Purpose. Be Yourself. Feel Valued.

People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.

We are Beautifully Different . We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role!

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

Utility Worker rate of pay is $39.00 per 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 receive 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 employees also receive learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally.

Work Schedule: Forty (40) hours per week. Monday to Friday, eight (8) hours per day, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. exclusive of lunch periods. Position may be required to work overtime hours and is subject to 24-hour call out as needed.

Key Accountabilities

• Prepares work areas, including setup of barricades, fencing, and traffic cones.
• Breaks pavement, depending on conditions.
• Loads and unloads boxes, pipes, fittings, and other equipment.
• Digs trenches using a shovel or other methods as conditions require.
• Installs or maintains pipes and fittings, trimming when necessary.
• Tamps and backfills trenches.
• Builds rough forms for cement work.
• Acts as a flag person to direct traffic.
• Occasionally performs various types of concrete work and makes tie-ins.
• Repairs waterline breaks and leaks as required.
• Works on services and maintains fire hydrants.
• Operates valves and maintains plant equipment, including pumps, piping, storage tanks, and buildings.
• Carries out other similar work as assigned or necessary to complete the job.
• Knowledge of basic equipment and materials used.
• Ability to carry out oral and written instructions.
• Normal physical and mechanical ability.
• Familiarity with database technology and other electronic devices used to perform job duties.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; occasionally lift and/or move over 100 pounds.

Knowledge/Skills

• Should have knowledge of basic equipment and material used.
• Must have ability to carry out oral and written instruction; should have normal physical and mechanical ability.
• Familiarity with database technology and any other electronic devices to perform job duties.
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move over 100 pounds.
• Tools Used: iPad, Tablet, computer and Mapcall. Shovels, picks, digging bars, cement power saw, clay spade, wrenches, various other hand tools and any other tools necessary to complete the job.
• Equipment Used: Trucks, forklift, loader, water pumps, air compressors, cement mixer and any other equipment necessary to complete the job.

Experience/Education

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Certifications/Licenses

• Possess a valid California Driver’s License (Class B or Class A desired).
• Obtain California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) certification as a Distribution Operator, Grade 1 within one year from date of employment, transfer, or reclassification.
• Maintain SWRCB certification for continued employment

Join American Water... We Keep Life Flowing ™

American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they are an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.