Water System Maintenance Operator II ( May underfill at a level I)

Salt Lake City Corporation; United States; On-site; USD 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental

Vision

Life insurance

Paid vacation & personal leave

Parental leave (6-12 weeks)

Pension/401(k)

Tuition reimbursement

Pet insurance

Legal services

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Salt Lake City Corporation seeks a Water System Maintenance Operator II to perform skilled maintenance on water infrastructure, operate backhoes and other heavy equipment, and coordinate with residents on service outages. The role includes field work, safety compliance, and mentoring junior staff.

Qualified applicants have a valid Utah CDL, multiple years of water maintenance experience, and the ability to obtain confined space and other certifications within six months.

Qualifications

• Valid Utah CDL Class A with endorsements or ability to obtain within six months.
• Three years paid water system maintenance experience.
• Experience operating heavy equipment (backhoes, dump trucks, loaders).
• Ability to obtain Confined Space Entry, Trench/Shoring, Flagging, Forklift within six months.
• Demonstrated ability to respond to emergencies 24/7.
• Commitment to safety and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Operate assigned water system equipment and vehicles safely.
• Repair pipes, hydrants, valves, and meters as directed.
• Excavate and backfill using heavy machinery and tools.
• Set meter yokes and service taps per work orders.
• Coordinate with customers about outages and timelines.
• Assist with permits, safety compliance, and training.
• May supervise crew and manage traffic control procedures.

Skills

Water system maintenance

Heavy equipment operation

Emergency response

Tools

Backhoes

Dump trucks

Front-end loaders

Vactor trucks

Hydraulic tools

Job description

Position Title: Water System Maintenance Operator II ( May underfill at a level I)

Bargaining Unit: AFSCME Job Description: Under general supervision, operates assigned equipment and vehicles, including dump trucks, front end loaders, compressors and related equipment as a normal and continual assignment, while performing specialized and routine water maintenance work. Operates backhoes on an as needed basis and for training and emergency purposes. This position is eligible for full city benefits, including: Health Insurance Dental, Vision and Life Insurance Paid vacation and personal leave 6-12 weeks of paid parental leave available Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k) A robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually Discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services

TYPICAL DUTIES:

• As a member of a specialized crew, repairs and replaces broken pipes, mains, valves and hydrants using hand equipment, pavement breakers, tapping machines, hydraulic and pneumatic boring machines and cutters, welding and cutting torches, walk behind concrete saws, dump trucks, front end loaders, Vactor trucks, backhoes, compressors and related equipment.
• Sets meter yokes, meter boxes and/or related items according to work orders.
• Taps water mains for new service and kills services where appropriate.
• Uses heavy equipment to excavate, haul away spoil and install backfill materials.
• Repairs and rebuilds fire hydrants and valves both in the field and in the shop.
• Performs duties in job restoration including the preparation for asphalt, concrete, and landscape restoration.
• Communicates with customers as to what the project will consist of, whether their water service will be interrupted or not, an approximate time to complete the job, and the necessary steps to complete the project.
• Operates system valves to shut down supplies or restore service.
• Uses charts and locators to find appropriate water mains and valves.
• Uses geophones to locate leaks.
• In consultation with Senior Water System Maintenance Operator, determines appropriate methods of repair, proper service configurations and pipe sizes.
• Assists with completion of work orders and inventory sheets.
• Assists with the completion of necessary permits for confined space entry, trenching, shoring and hot work.
• Procures supplies and equipment from department storehouse.
• Complies with all departmental safety policies and procedures.
• Assists with instructing new workers.
• Assists with job investigations to determine necessary utility location, traffic signing, and coordination with property owners.
• May supervise a crew and operate a backhoe on a daily basis in the absence of a Senior Water System Maintenance Operator.
• While supervising a crew, with the assistance of a Water Maintenance Supervisor, is responsible for the ordering and placement of traffic control barricades, trenching and shoring devices.
• Conducts confined space and lock out/tag out evaluations in compliance with all local, state and federal safety regulations.
• Conducts safety meetings and enforces all on site safety procedures.
• Has the authority to stop work if safety standards are not met and is responsible for compliance with safety regulations and procedures.
• May recommend disciplinary action for members of the crew.
• Coordinates cuts with other utilities in the field.
• Also operates backhoe for training or emergency purposes.
• As necessary, performs all the duties of Water System Maintenance Operator I and other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possession of a valid Utah Commercial Drivers License Class "A" and other CDL endorsements as required.
• Three years paid work experience performing water system maintenance and repair either as a water maintenance worker or in water systems construction.
• Up to one year of paid general maintenance work involving closely related duties may be substituted.
• Two years as Water System Maintenance Operator I for the Public Utilities Department will meet minimum qualifications requirement when approved by the department.
• Two years paid work experience operating related heavy equipment including backhoes, 10‑wheel dump trucks and front‑end loaders on a documented and continual basis.
• Knowledge of the hazards and application of safety rules involved in the operation of equipment and the ability to be covered by insurance at standard premium rates.
• Certification required, or ability to obtain within six months from hire, in Confined Space Entry, Trench and Shoring (Competent Person as defined by OSHA), Flagging and Traffic Control Device Placement, and Forklift Operation.
• Demonstrated ability to respond to emergencies including 24‑hr call‑out and standby according to a rotating schedule.
• Demonstrated ability to work well and relate with co‑workers, supervisors and the general public under varying job related circumstances.
• Must comply with UDOT physical requirements.

DESIRED QUALIFICATION:

• Certification as a Water Distribution Operator IV.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Heavy physical activity. Required to push, pull or lift medium‑to‑heavy weights.
• Difficult working positions. Must stand, walk or sit uncomfortably for extended periods.
• Exposure to disagreeable elements such as heat, cold, dampness, fumes, noise, dust or grease.
• Substantial exposure to health and Occupational hazards.
• Intermittent exposure to stress as a result of human behavior.
• This position may be assigned to shift work, extensive overtime, callouts, standby or rotating shift schedules.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

POSITION TYPE

Full-Time

POSITION SALARY RANGE

Water System Maintenance Operator II $25.03 - $32.90 Water System Maintenance Operator I $22.89 - $30.10

DEPARTMENT

Public Utilities Full Time/Part Time: Full time Scheduled Hours: 40

Salt Lake City is a place where your skills and dedication directly contribute to the community. With a team serving over 200,000 residents, we take pride in delivering meaningful work—from maintaining infrastructure to shaping public programs—with integrity and professionalism. We value experience, accountability, and results. Our organization recognizes talent and rewards contribution, offering employees opportunities to grow, lead, and make a lasting difference. If you're driven by public service and want to help shape the future of our city, we’d love to work with you.

Salt Lake City offers a competitive and well‑rounded benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and professional growth. To learn more, visit our Benefits & Wellness site. Health & Wellness Medical insurance Dental, vision, life insurance HSA (with $1,000–$2,000 City contribution) Wellness clinic for employees & families Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Financial Perks Tuition reimbursement (up to $4,000/year) Retirement contributions (pension and/or 401(k)) Discounted pet insurance, legal services, and more

Thinking about applying or weighing another offer? Use our Total Compensation Calculator to see the true value of your job offer—including salary, benefits, retirement, and more. We know time away from work is essential for rest, personal needs, and family life. Salt Lake City offers generous paid leave to help you recharge and stay balanced. To learn more, visit our Benefits & Wellness site. 12 vacation days to start 12 paid holidays + 1 personal holiday Up to 80 hours personal leave annually 6 - 12 weeks of paid parental leave Bonus leave credit for eligible rehires & public sector transfers

Our Recruitment Team is ready to assist you throughout the entire hiring process—from questions about job openings to application support. Reach the Recruitment Team at 801-535-6699 Or email: [e-mail]

The City is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Salt Lake City will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at 801-535-7900.

Salt Lake City is proud to be a partner of the Utah Patriot Program, providing employment opportunities for Veterans, Military and spouses. We are also a proud National Service Partner.