Water Operator III

City of South Salt Lake; South Salt Lake (UT); On-site; USD 31,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

City of South Salt Lake seeks a Water Operator III to maintain, install, and repair water utility equipment under the Water Superintendent. You will assist with distribution systems, meters, and related infrastructure while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, a Utah driver's license, and certification or progression toward CDL, Grade IV Distribution Water Operator, and Flagger. Expect on-site duties with a rotating on-call schedule.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid Utah Driver's License.
• Within 12 months: Utah Class A CDL with tanker endorsement.
• Grade IV Distribution Water Operator certification.
• Flagger certification.

Responsibilities

• Maintains, installs, and repairs water utility equipment per maintenance schedules.
• Operates and repairs water storage, transmission, and distribution systems.
• Monitors system pressures, telemetry, and related equipment.
• Inspects and maintains water meters of various sizes.
• Responds to customer service requests; turns water service on/off as required.
• Completes work orders and records of activities.
• Operates backhoe, loader, excavator, and other heavy equipment.
• Maintains and flushes fire hydrants; assists with PRV and booster stations.

Skills

Work zone safety

Safety procedures

Vehicle operation safety

Verbal and written communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Position Description: Water Operator III

Department: Public Works – Water Division

Position Grade: 17

Supervisor: Water Superintendent

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Revision date: July 2026

POSITION SUMMARY

The Water Operator III/IV works under the direction of the Water Superintendent to maintain, install, and repair water utility equipment in accordance with maintenance schedules.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Utilizes and maintains the City's advanced metering Infrastructure.
• Installs, operates, maintains, and repairs the City's water storage, transmission, and distribution systems.
• Monitors system pressures, telemetry, and related operational equipment.
• Inspects, installs, repairs, cleans, and maintains water meters of various sizes.
• Responds to customer service requests and complaints; turns water service on and off as required.
• Completes work orders and various other records pertaining to work activities.
• Completes work orders and various other records pertaining to work activities.
• Operates small equipment, saws, compactor, generators, etc.
• Monitors' water systems looking for excavations, leaks, line breaks, or other situations which pose a threat to the water infrastructure.
• Observes and actively participates in work zone safety procedures and follows safety principles when operating vehicles and equipment; such as: flags on-coming vehicles to protect the public and workers; sets up warning signs and signalization equipment. Operates, cleans, and maintains tools, vehicles, and equipment to ensure proper working conditions.
• Maintains, repairs, and flushes fire hydrants.
• Assists in the maintenance and adjustments to Pressure Reducing Valves (PRV).
• Assists in the maintenance and repair of Booster Pump Stations.
• Assists in the miscellaneous sampling and testing of city water systems.
• Operates heavy equipment, including backhoe, loader, excavator, etc
• Maintains all components of the city water system; inspects, installs, repairs, and cleans water service connections, water lines, and responds timely to 24-hour emergency response calls, as required.
• Adheres to on-call rotation schedule and responds as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATIONS

Education

• High school diploma or G.E.D.

Experience

• Any work experience in construction, plumbing, or related field. Work experience in water system related operations, maintenance, construction, and repairs preferred.

Licenses/Certifications

• Valid Utah Drivers License

Must possess the following training and certifications or obtain within 12 months of hire:

• Utah Class A CDL, including tanker endorsement
• Grade IV Distribution Water Operator certification
• Flagger Certification

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of –

• Policies, procedures, equipment, and materials required for effective water system related operations, maintenance, and repairs.
• General safety practices and procedures

Skill with –

• Observing and participating in work zone safety procedures
• Following safety principles when operating vehicles and equipment

Ability to –

• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Understand and follow instructions.
• Follow established operation, maintenance programs, and work assignments in a timely manner.
• Effectively maintain working relationships with other employees and interact with the public in a polite and professional manner.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met or will be encountered by an employee while successfully performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is constantly required to stand, walk, and use hands to operate objects, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

SALARY: GRADE 17, $22.75- $34.41 (TYPICALLY START AT MINIMUM)

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

FINAL APPLICANT MUST SUBMIT TO AND PASS A DRUG SCREEN AND BACKGROUND CHECK

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

THIS ENTITY USES E-VERIFY