Water Distribution Laborer

City of Lawrence; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Lawrence is seeking a Water Distribution Laborer to support the Water Distribution Department. You will be involved in maintaining water mains, valves, hydrants, and related infrastructure while also participating in after‑hours on‑call work and emergency responses.

Preferred experience in water maintenance, with emphasis on safety, teamwork, and reliable attendance. The role includes fieldwork in varying weather conditions and potential weekends/holidays.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of safety regulations related to equipment operation.
• Ability to analyze situations and set priorities.
• Professional relationships with colleagues and outside agencies.
• Proficient in basic office tools (word processing, spreadsheets).

Responsibilities

• Repair service lines leaks and water breaks.
• Maintain and repair water valves and hydrants.
• Perform concrete work as needed.
• Inspect new infrastructure projects for water and sanitary installations.
• Operate and safety manage equipment and tools issued by the City.
• Drive to various job sites and be on‑call after hours.
• Complete duties assigned by supervisors.

Skills

Safety

Judgment & Decision Making

Interpersonal Relationships

Computer Skills

Communication

Coordination of Work

Materials Handling

Education

High school diploma or GED

Valid Indiana driver’s license

CDL Class A or B within timeframe

Job description

The City of Lawrence Utilities is seeking a Water Distribution Laborer.

The Water Distribution Department within the Lawrence Utilities Department is responsible for the service and maintain of 220 miles of water main, 5,000 water valves, and 2,200 fire hydrants.

Responsible for performing daily operational tasks; and required to be in an on‑call rotation. Will be required to report to work after hours during emergencies related to utility infrastructure failures, snow removal tasks or other emergencies as declared by the Department Manager/Foreman, Utility Superintendent and/or Director of Operations. Experience in the water maintenance field is preferred but not required.

Essential Job Functions

• Repair service lines leaks and water breaks.
• Maintain and repair water valves and hydrants.
• Perform concrete work when needed.
• Inspect new infrastructure projects for water and sanitary sewer installations.
• Properly perform all assigned work in a thorough and competent manner within reasonable time frame.
• Responsible for all personal safety equipment, other equipment, and tools issued by the City to perform assigned tasks; shall ensure that said equipment and tools are in good working order, operate safely.
• Must be able to drive and operate a motor vehicle to and from various job sites.
• Will be required to be on call after hours. This will sometimes include weekends and holidays.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by Department Manager, Director of Operations or Utility Superintendent.
• Required to perform work in trenches, and confined spaces.
• Shall be trained in Permit Required Confined Space Entry.
• Occasional customer service‑related tasks to assist customers and citizens of the City of Lawrence; polite and courteous behavior is always expected.
• Crosstrain and assist Utilities Department and other departments as necessary.

Performance Standards

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Safety - Knowledge of occupational hazards, safety precautions, and safety regulations related to equipment operation, and other work‑related precautions.
• Judgment and Decision Making - Uses logic and reasoning to analyze, understand, and evaluate complex situations. Identifies the strengths and weaknesses of alternative approaches or solutions to a situation. Exercises appropriate judgment in establishing priorities.
• Interpersonal Relationships - Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships with employees at all levels, representatives from various departments, and outside agencies. Effectively responds to and resolves complex inquiries and disputes.
• Computer Skills - Utilization of modern office technology, including but not limited to word processing, spreadsheet, and related software with reasonable speed and accuracy, as it is related to the position.
• Communication - Excellent ability to listen and understand information presented verbally and in writing. Ability to handle a variety of issues with tact and diplomacy and in a confidential manner.
• Coordination of Work - Ability to plan and organize a daily work routine and establish priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time‑management.
• Materials – Must have a basic understanding of hand tools and develop knowledge of the specialized tools, equipment, fittings, material, and chemicals relative to the job. Must be able to use, handle and store the above‑mentioned items properly and safely.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

• Tasks require the ability to exert moderate, though not constant physical effort.
• Some combinations of climbing and balancing include climbing ladders, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling.
• Some lifting includes overhead lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials weighing up to 90lbs.
• Frequent and/or prolonged periods of standing and walking.
• Some tasks require the ability to detect/notice colors or shades of color, sounds, odor, depth, and visual cues or signals.
• Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dust, pollen, odors, temperature, weather and noise, hazardous materials and water, heights, confined spaces, high voltage electricity & equipment, traffic hazards, toxic agents, or pathogenic substances, requiring stringent compliance with OSHA safety standards.
• Outdoor work in various weather conditions and some indoor work.

Education and Experience

• Job training provided by department.
• Must have a valid Indiana drivers license.
• Required to obtain CDL Class A or Class B within specific timeframe provided by department.
• High school diploma or GED, preferred.

Additional Requirements

• On‑call rotation with alternate shifts.
• Complete a 90‑day probationary period, including evaluations at 30, 60 and 90 days to review performance and identify areas for improvement.
• An acceptable general background check includes a criminal history check and a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• This position requires satisfactory results from the pre‑employment drug testing and is subject to random alcohol and controlled substance testing.
• Full‑time, civilian, hourly position.
• Medical, dental, vision, City paid basic life and AD&D insurance, and other voluntary insurance benefits.
• Paid time off: holidays, earned vacation and sick time.
• Public Employees’ Retirement Fund (PERF)and 427(b) retirement plan.

Note: This job description provides a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications for the Water Distribution Laborer role within the Water Distribution Department. The specific duties may vary based on the municipality’s needs, structure, and existing processes.

The City of Lawrence is an equal opportunity employer.

Contact us

9001 East 59th Street
Lawrence, IN 46216
Phone: [phone]

Staff Directory
Utilities: [phone]