Water Distribution Operator I-IV

City of Ashland, Kentucky; Ashland (KY); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Ashland is seeking a Supervisor-level Water Distribution Crew Leader to oversee water distribution activities, meter readings, and related construction work. Responsibilities include line work, leak detection, and customer service on route.

The role requires a high school diploma and relevant licensing, including a CDL and Kentucky Water Distribution License within set timelines. Emergency response availability is required, with a closing date for applications listed in the posting.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or equivalent and moderate to extensive experience (depending on level of licensing).
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must obtain a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) prior to completion of original probation and maintain thereafter.
• Must obtain Commonwealth of Kentucky Class I Water Distribution License within one year after meeting experience requirements.
• May be required to obtain Class II license within one year after meeting experience requirements and/or per recommendation of the Department Director.

Responsibilities

• Assists in the construction, maintenance, and cleanliness of water distribution systems.
• Lays lines, maps lines, washes sewer lines, etc.
• Detects malfunctions in equipment and makes minor repairs or recommendations for major repairs.
• Reads water meters on assigned route and records readings.
• Checks for leaks and ensures proper functioning of meters and assists in locating water leaks.
• Connects or disconnects water as instructed.
• Accepts requests/complaints from customers and attends to their disposition or forwards to higher authority.
• Assists other divisions/departments in construction and maintenance duties.

Skills

Reading water meters

Customer service

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Supervisor

Water Distribution Crew Leader

Supervises

None

Beginning Salary

$18.504- $26.314/ hour

Class Characteristics

Performs work activities in the construction, maintenance, and cleanliness of new water mains and new services; reading and recording water meter readings; completing various service orders when requested; and assisting in repairing and replacing water meters. Performs related work as apparent or assigned.

General Duties and Responsibilities

Assists in the construction, maintenance, and cleanliness of water distribution systems. Lays lines, maps lines, washes sewer lines, etc. Detects malfunctions in equipment and makes minor repairs or recommendation for major repairs. Assists in the maintenance and cleaning of buildings; assists operators in delivering chemicals, pipes, and fittings. Reads water meters on assigned route and records readings. Checks for leaks and ensures proper functioning of meters and assists in locating water leaks. Connects or disconnects water as instructed. Accepts requests/complaints from customers and attends to their disposition or forwards to higher authority. Assists other divisions/departments in construction and maintenance duties.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Training and Experience

Graduation from high school or equivalent and moderate to extensive experience (depending on level of licensing).

Certification/Licensing Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license as a condition of continued employment in this class. Must obtain a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) prior to completion of original probation and maintain thereafter as a condition of continued employment in the class. Must obtain Commonwealth of Kentucky Class I Water Distribution License within one (1) year after meeting experience requirements as a condition of continued employment. May be required to obtain Class II license within one (1) year after meeting experience requirements and/or per recommendation of the Department Director, as a condition of continued employment.

Availability Requirement

Must be able to respond to calls in emergency situations at any time.

Closing Date and Time for Accepting Applications

Monday, October 26, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.

Benefit Summary

Kentucky Retirement, Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance, City Paid Life Insurance, Deferred Compensation, Flexible Spending Account, Paid Leave (Sick, Vacation), Free Access City Building Gym, and Discounts for YMCA Membership.

Equal Opportunity Employer