WATER MAINTENANCE WORKER

City of Kearney; Kearney (MO); On-site; USD 28,929 - 35,817; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

13 paid holidays

4 weeks paid vacation

L-7 Missouri LAGERS retirement plan

Job summary

The Water Maintenance Worker at the City of Kearney will perform skilled and semi-skilled work in the construction, maintenance, repair, and operation of the municipal water distribution system.

Responsibilities include installing and repairing water mains, service lines, hydrants, valves, and meters; responding to water main breaks and emergency situations; operating heavy equipment and power tools; and ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1–3 years of experience in water distribution or related public works preferred.
• Valid state driver’s license required.
• Water Distribution Operator certification preferred or ability to obtain within municipality timeframe.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, repair, and replace water mains, service lines, valves, hydrants, meters, and related infrastructure.
• Locate underground utilities before excavation activities.
• Perform preventive maintenance on water distribution assets and flush hydrants/mains to maintain water quality.
• Operate heavy equipment and power tools safely and report defects.
• Respond to emergency water system failures and coordinate with contractors and other departments.

Skills

Water distribution knowledge

Equipment operation

Safety procedures

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Experience in water distribution

Tools

Dump trucks

Backhoes

Excavators

Job description

REPORTS TO: Chief Water Distribution Operator

FY2025 POSITION PAY GRADE: 40

DEPARTMENT: Water Distribution

SALARY RANGE: $21.46 per hour - $26.15 per hour

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY: The Water Maintenance Worker performs skilled and semi-skilled work in the construction, maintenance, repair, and operation of the municipal water distribution system. Responsibilities include installing and repairing water mains, service lines, hydrants, valves, and meters; responding to water main breaks and emergency situations; operating heavy equipment and power tools; and ensuring compliance with safety standards, environmental regulations, and departmental procedures. The position requires working outdoors in varying weather conditions.

OBJECTIVES:

• Contributes to the delivery of safe and reliable water services.
• Committed to following safety procedures, learning to operate equipment and tools, and working effectively as a team.
• Develop skills in the construction, maintenance, and repair of municipal water distribution systems.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Water System Maintenance

• Install, maintain, repair, and replace water mains, service lines, valves, hydrants, meters, and related infrastructure.
• Locate underground utilities before excavation activities.
• Perform preventive maintenance on water distribution assets.
• Flush hydrants and water mains to maintain water quality.
• Exercise and inspect valves to ensure proper operation.
• Repair water leaks and respond to emergency water main breaks.
• Assist with pressure testing, disinfection, and commissioning of new water lines.

Equipment Operation

• Operate dump trucks, backhoes, excavators, skid steers, trenchers, loaders, compressors, pumps, and other equipment safely.
• Operate hand and power tools used in excavation and water system maintenance.
• Perform routine equipment inspections and basic preventative maintenance.
• Report equipment defects and maintenance needs.

Meter and Service Work

• Install, replace, and repair water meters and service connections.
• Assist with meter testing and troubleshooting customer service issues.
• Turn water services on and off as authorized.

Emergency Response

• Respond to emergency water system failures, leaks, and customer service disruptions.
• Participate in after-hours emergency call-out rotation.
• Establish safe work zones during emergency repairs.
• Restore work sites following repairs.

Safety and Compliance

• Follow OSHA regulations, confined space procedures, trench safety requirements, and departmental safety policies.
• Maintain compliance with environmental and drinking water regulations.
• Ensure work zones are properly barricaded and traffic control devices are installed.

Recordkeeping

• Complete work orders, maintenance logs, inspection reports, and equipment records.
• Document repairs, materials used, labor hours, and locations.
• Assist in maintaining GIS and infrastructure records when required.

Customer Service

• Respond courteously and professionally to inquiries from residents.
• Explain service interruptions and repair activities to customers.
• Coordinate with contractors, utility companies, and other municipal departments.

Other Duties

• Assist other Public Works divisions during emergencies or special projects.
• Participate in snow removal, storm response, and disaster recovery operations when assigned.

Perform related duties as assigned

COMPETENCIES:

• Knowledge of municipal water distribution systems
• Water main and service line installation and repair
• Hydrant and valve maintenance
• Underground utility locating
• Equipment and machinery operation
• Basic plumbing principles
• Blueprint and utility map interpretation
• Preventive maintenance practices

Safety Competencies

• OSHA safety compliance
• Trench safety awareness
• Confined space procedures
• Traffic control practices
• Lockout/Tagout procedures
• PPE compliance

Core Competencies

• Teamwork and collaboration
• Accountability
• Problem-solving
• Initiative
• Time management
• Effective communication

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education

• High school diploma or GED required.

Experience

• One to three years of experience in water distribution, construction, utilities, or related public works operations preferred.
• Municipal utility experience preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid state driver's license required.
• Class E drivers license (or ability to obtain within six months).
• Water Distribution Operator certification preferred or ability to obtain within the timeframe established by the municipality.
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred.

WORK SCHEDULE AND CONDITIONS:

• Work is performed indoors and outdoors, in varying sometimes extreme weather conditions.
• Work schedules will vary based on departmental needs. This position is a full-time role. Normal work schedule is Monday – Friday

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Lift and carry up to 75 pounds independently and heavier loads with assistance or mechanical equipment.
• Walk, stand, climb, kneel, crouch, crawl, bend, and reach for extended periods.
• Perform repetitive hand and arm movements.
• Work in confined spaces, trenches, excavations, and around heavy equipment.
• Operate heavy machinery and hand tools safely.
• Climb ladders and enter excavations using proper safety procedures.
• Work outdoors in extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, and varying weather conditions.
• Be exposed to dirt, mud, dust, noise, vibration, chemicals, and traffic hazards.
• Work overtime, weekends, holidays, and emergency call-outs as needed.

Meet the physical demands required to wear respirators and other protective equipment when necessary

ABOUT US:
The City of Kearney serves to create a thriving, sustainable and desirable community.

Our core values are integrity, compassion, service, and teamwork. We are honest and transparent in our communications and operations. We treat all people with respect and dignity. We express ourselves in a genuine and honest way. We apply the laws and rules that govern us to every decision we make and every action we take. We are kind, friendly and considerate towards the community and our colleagues, regardless of their status or disagreement with us. We listen well and seek to understand before responding. We nurture and embrace differing perspectives to make better decisions. We care about our community and are sensitive to its needs. We work towards mutually beneficial solutions to get to yes for positive outcomes. We believe learning never stops and are committed to continuous improvement. We admit mistakes freely and openly so that we can learn and become better. We are passionate about helping others and making Kearney a better place to live, work and visit. We recognize and appreciate that our differences make us stronger and smarter, allowing us to do amazing things for Kearney. We question actions inconsistent with our values and provide candid, helpful, and timely feedback to our colleagues. We take responsibility for our actions and decisions and following through on our commitments and promises. We value creativity, a positive attitude and enjoying ourselves at work.

The City of Kearney offers competitive pay and a great benefit package, including health insurance, 13 paid holidays, 4 weeks paid vacation, sick time and the L-7 Missouri LAGERS retirement pension for all full-time employees. We also offer a wellness plan, tuition reimbursement, annual service awards and an Employee Assistance Program.

The City of Kearney is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce.