Water Distribution Operator I

bentonvillear; Bentonville (AR); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Bentonville is seeking an entry-level Water Distribution Operator to support the water system’s maintenance, repair, and new installations. You will work under supervision to learn the distribution process and equipment operation.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma/GED, 0–1 year related experience, and must pursue licensure as a Class A CDL and Class I Water Distribution Operator. This role requires a valid radius to respond to emergencies.

Qualifications

• Must reside within a 30‑minute radius of the Water Utilities office.
• High school diploma or GED; 1 year related experience or equivalent.
• Possess or can obtain a Class A CDL within 12 months.
• Ability to obtain a Class I Water Distribution Operator License within 24 months.
• Ability to read and write simple instructions and communicate with customers.

Responsibilities

• Assist in delivering safe, reliable drinking water per regulations.
• Install, repair, and replace water mains, services, and appurtenances.
• Measure, cut, assemble, and install pipes and fittings.
• Operate dump trucks and heavy machinery as directed.
• Provide traffic control and act as safety spotter on streets.

Tools

Workorder Management System

Microsoft Outlook

Executime

Esri products

BambooHR

Job description

Safety/Security Status: Safety Sensitive

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Water Distribution Supervisor and supervision of the Crew Leader, performs work on all aspects of the water distribution system including all maintenance, repair, and new installation. Considered entry level, this position typically has 0-1 year experience and is working towards obtaining a Class I Water Distribution Operator License.

Levels of Responsibility

Responsibility Asset Value: None

Technology Knowledge: Workorder Management System, Microsoft Outlook, Executime, Esri products, and BambooHR

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists in ensuring that safe, reliable drinking water is delivered in accordance with Federal, State, and City regulations related to public health.
• Assists in the installation, repair, and replacement of water mains, services, and all other appurtenances.
• Measures, cuts, assembles, and installs a variety of metal and nonmetal pipes, tubes, and fittings, including iron, steel, copper, and plastic.
• Has a general understanding of the proper use of all tools and equipment required for the job.
• Drives and operates dump trucks to transport and unload materials.
• Drives and operates tractors, backhoes, mini-excavators, skid steers, hydro-excavation equipment, and other heavy machinery.
• Provides traffic control and is a safety spotter for others working on or near streets or in ditches.
• Maintains crew vehicles and equipment including fuel, lubrication, tools, and parts inventory. Ensures all tools and equipment are properly cleaned and stowed.
• Assists in the removal and replacement of landscaping, sidewalks, and driveways before and after the completion of projects.
• Able and willing to work a rotational stand‑by schedule and able to work overtime as needed.
• This position is considered a first responder in the event of a citywide emergency or disaster situation. During such an event, this position will respond and perform tasks that are assigned based on the need of the situation.
• Reporting relationships, work assignments, and work schedules may be subject to change in order to meet City needs or operational requirements. Attendance at work and the ability to get along with the public, supervisors, and co‑workers are essential elements of this position. Other duties may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Must also reside within a 30‑minute radius of the Water Utilities office in order to respond to emergencies that may arise.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or general education degree (GED). One (1) year related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience preferred but not required.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one‑on‑one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide into all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, SPECIAL SKILLS

• Possess or has the ability to obtain a Class „A” Commercial Driver's License (within 12 months)
• Ability to obtain a Class I Water Distribution Operator License (within 24 months)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, extreme cold, extreme heat, and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places; toxic or caustic chemicals; and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

WORK HAZARDS

Work hazards for this position include: Noise from jackhammering concrete or asphalt, heavy equipment operations, air compressors, generators, hydro jet trucks, vacuum trucks, cutting/sawing operations, large electric motors, motor‑driven pumps, electric saws, drills, and grinders.

Chemical, Bacteriological, and Physical Injury Hazards for this position would include: Methane gas, natural gas, low oxygen levels, oxygen‑rich levels, hydrogen sulfide gas, asbestos dust, clay dust, concrete (skin contact), Hepatitis A, B, and C, drowning, equipment injuries, traffic accidents, snake bites, insect bites, poison plants, and excavation cave‑ins.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.