Water Serviceworker

City of Brainerd; Brainerd (MN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Brainerd (Public Utilities) is seeking a skilled trades worker to install and maintain the water distribution system, including mains, hydrants, meters and related components. Work is performed under moderate supervision and may involve operating heavy equipment.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or GED, and MDH Class D Water Operators Certificate or the ability to obtain within 18 months, plus a Minnesota CDL with air brake endorsement or ability to obtain within one year.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• MDH Class D Water Operators Certificate or ability to obtain within 18 months.
• Minnesota Class A CDL with air brake endorsement or ability to obtain within one year.
• Desirable: MDH Class C Water Operators Certificate or higher.
• Two years or more technical training/experience in water utility operation is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Install and maintain watermains, hydrants, services, valves and meters; operate heavy equipment as needed.
• Oversee water system work by contractors and locate/repair leaks and problems.
• Maintain vehicles, equipment and shop areas.
• Participate in on-call rotation and respond to outages and emergencies.
• Prepare and maintain records of work performed and maintain safety/compliance.
• Assist other Public Utilities crews as needed.

Skills

Water distribution

Safety procedures

Reading technical documents

Computer literacy

Customer communication

On-call readiness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

MDH Class D Water Operators Certificate or ability to obtain within 18 months

Minnesota Class A CDL with air brake endorsement or ability to obtain within one year

MDH Class C Water Operators Certificate or higher (desirable)

Tools

Public Utilities software

Communication system

Job description

Performs responsible skilled trades work installing and maintaining the utility’s water distribution system including water lines, hydrants, meters and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Water Crew Chief.

Please note:

2026 Hiring Range: $28.71 - $31.97 per hour depending on qualifications.
2026 Pay Range: $28.71 - $34.17 per hour.
*2026 Performance based pay opportunity: Up to $38.26 per hour.
*The City of Brainerd utilizes a performance-based pay system as noted above. Our system provides an opportunity for additional pay steps based on merit. Contact the HR Department if you would like to learn more about our system.

• Installs and maintains watermains, fire hydrants, services, valves, meters and other related water distribution components; may operate heavy machinery necessary for installation and maintenance work. Oversees water system work performed by contractors.
• Locates and repairs leaks, low pressure, and other trouble reports in the water distribution system.
• Maintains vehicles, equipment and shop areas.
• Participation in the on-call rotation is required; Willingness to accept call out/call back for outages and emergency repairs is essential. Call out/call back can be declined for good cause only.
• Prepares and maintains records of work performed.
• Maintains state certifications for operations by attending training seminars.
• Assists other Public Utilities service crews as needed and in emergencies.
• Performs related tasks as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the techniques, materials and equipment used in the construction, maintenance and repair of water lines and related equipment;
• General knowledge of the rules and regulations governing equipment operations and utility repair work performed in or on public roads and right-of-ways.
• Knowledge of the methods, practices and tools of the plumbing and pipe fitting trades.
• Knowledge of chemicals used for water treatment and disinfection.
• Thorough knowledge of the hazards connected with water system maintenance and the necessary safety precautions to comply with Public Utilities and OSHA safety requirements.
• General knowledge of, and the ability to operate, equipment used in the water distribution system. May include meters, gauges, and underground locators.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as Public Utilities safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and policies.
• Working knowledge of computers and related Public Utilities software and communication system.

• Ability to listen and speak effectively; follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and supervisors; responds to inquiries when in the field in a prompt and professional manner regarding questions, concerns, and problems that arise.
• Ability to deal with angry and hostile customers in water turnoff situations.

• High School Diploma or general education degree (GED).
• Possession of a MDH Class D Water Operators Certificate or ability to obtain within eighteen (18) months of hire.
• Minnesota Class A Commercial Driver’s License with air brake endorsement or ability to obtain within one year of hire.

The following are highly desirable qualifications when hiring:

• Possession of a MDH Class C Water Operators Certificate or higher.
• Minimum of two (2) years technical training and/or applicable job experience in the operation and maintenance of a water utility system.
• Graduation from Technical/Community College training program with specialized training in water operations.