Water System Operator I

City of Farmington; Farmington (UT); On-site; USD 34,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Farmington in Farmington, UT is seeking a Water Systems Operator I to perform semi-skilled work in the construction, installation, maintenance, and repair of the City’s water systems under the Public Works Department.

Responsibilities include monitoring water storage, reading meters, assisting with valve, hydrant and pump maintenance, responding to emergencies, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards; valid Utah driver license required and CDL within 6 months.

Qualifications

• Water distribution system knowledge including mains, service lines and hydrants
• Ability to read meters, gauges and system records
• Familiarity with safety practices for trenching and heavy equipment
• Knowledge of regulations governing water systems (state/federal)
• Safe handling of water treatment chemicals and testing procedures
• Basic pipe fitting and valve operation knowledge

Responsibilities

• Assist with installation, inspection, maintenance and repair of water mains, service lines, meters and hydrants.
• Locate leaks and shut-off valves; assist with pipe placement and routine maintenance.
• Perform meter reading, re-reads and basic meter repairs; deliver shut-off notices as assigned.
• Support monitoring of storage levels, wells, and telemetry equipment.
• Conduct water sampling and testing and assist with chemical handling.
• Operate heavy equipment and perform excavation, trenching, and surface restoration as needed.
• Respond to emergencies, participate in on-call rotations, and maintain tools and workspace.

Skills

Water knowledge

Hand tools

Heavy machinery operation

Meters & gauges reading

Safety practices

Construction & utility safety

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Utah Driver's License

CDL within 6 months

Level 4 Water Operator Certification within 6 months

Forklift Certification within 1 year

Flagger Certification within 1 year

Tools

N/A

Job description

Job Details

• Job Location: Parks and Recreation, Public Works - Farmington, UT 84025
• Position Type: Full Time
• Salary Range: $25.00 - $33.37 Hourly
• Travel Percentage: For Training Purposes Only
• Job Shift: Day
• Job Category: Government

Job Title: Water Systems Operator I

Department: Public Works

Report to: Water Superintendent

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

EEO Category: Administrative Support Workers

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Public Works Director and Water Superintendent, this position performs semi-skilled work in the construction, installation, maintenance, and repair of the City’s water systems. The role supports reliable water service through system maintenance, monitoring, and emergency response while ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with installation, inspection, maintenance and repair of water mains, service lines, meters, valves and fire hydrants.
• Locate leaks, shut-off valves, and underground lines; assist with pipe placement and regular maintenance.
• Perform meter reading, re-reads and basic meter repairs; deliver shut- off notices as assigned.
• Support monitoring of water storage levels, well systems, and telemetering equipment.
• Conduct water sampling and testing (chlorine, fluoride, flow rates) and assist with chemical handling and deliveries.
• Assist in maintaining pumphouses and repairing pumps, including disassembly, cleaning and reinstallation.
• Operate heavy equipment (dump trucks, backhoes, trenchers, snowplows) and various hand and power tools.
• Perform excavation, trenching, and surface restoration (asphalt, concrete, landscaping) related to water system work.
• Participate in work zone safety, including traffic control, flagging, and setup of warning devices.
• Assist other Public Works functions (streets, parks, cemetery, shop maintenance) as needed.
• Maintain tools, equipment, vehicles, and work areas.
• Respond to emergencies and after hours calls on rotating on-call basis.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Water Superintendent and or Public Works Director/assistant.

Knowledge of:

• Municipal water distribution systems and infrastructure.
• Pipeline construction methods, materials, and pipe classifications.
• Pipe fitting procedures and regulator systems.
• Occupational hazards and safety practices related to trenching and heavy equipment.
• Safe handling of water treatment chemicals.
• Applicable state and federal regulations governing water systems.

Skilled in:

• Use of hand tools, small power tools, and water system equipment.
• Operation of heavy machinery under varied conditions.
• Basic maintenance and repair of water system components and equipment.
• Reading meters, gauges and testing devices.
• Safe work practices in construction and utility environments.

Ability to:

• Follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Read maps, blueprints and system records
• Perform basic mathematical calculations
• Communicate effectively with coworkers and the public
• Manage multiple tasks with frequent interruptions
• Work in stressful or emergency situations with sound judgement
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Respond to customer concerns professionally, including difficult situations.

Essential Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: Water Systems Operator I

• High School Diploma or GED
• One (1) years of experience in construction, maintenance, or repair of water distribution systems
• Valid Utah Driver's License
• Utah Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within 6 months of hire.
• Level 4 Water Systems Operator Certification within 6 months of hire.
• Forklift Certification within 1 year of hire.
• Flagger Certification within 1 year of hire.

Physical Requirements:

This position requires frequent physical activity, including walking, standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Work is often performed on uneven terrain and may involve entering and exiting confined spaces such as trenches and manholes. The employee must be able to lift and carry tools and equipment weighing 50 pounds on a regular basis and up to 100 pounds occasionally. Duties also require climbing in and out of excavations and equipment, as well as performing physically demanding labor for extended periods of time.

Work Environment:

The work environment involves regular exposure to extreme temperatures, dust, fumes, noise, traffic hazards and other outdoor conditions. Employees frequently work in trenches, confined spaces and around heavy equipment, and may be exposed to water treatment chemicals and high-pressure systems.