Water Utilities Operator I

City of St Joseph; Warren (MI); On-site; USD 59,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Paid vacation

Paid sick time

Job summary

City of St Joseph is seeking a skilled utility worker to install, maintain and repair water lines, meters and related appurtenances. You will read meters, assist customers with high bill concerns and operate field equipment.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, a Michigan CDL with endorsements, and an active S-4 license within 36 months. Salary ranges from $28.46 to $36.75 per hour plus benefits; deadline August 19, 2026.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited high school or GED equivalent.
• Possess a valid State of Michigan Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with the proper endorsements.
• Two years experience servicing and maintaining public utilities and equipment.
• Must secure and maintain an active Michigan State Health Department S-4 Operator’s License within 36 months of working in this position.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain and repair water lines and service connections and appurtenances.
• Install, maintain and repair sewer mains and repair storm and sanitary sewers and service connections.
• Install, maintain and repair manholes, gate wells, and gate valves.
• Install, maintain and repair fire hydrants and appurtenances.
• Read blueprints of a relatively simple nature.
• Install, test, repair, and read residential, commercial and industrial water meters.
• Install, test and repair automated meter reading systems.
• Read meters for final bills.
• Assist customers with high bill complaints; check the water meter and plumbing for problems; explain the findings and suggest corrective steps.

Skills

Meter reading

Customer service

Equipment operation

Blueprint reading

Record keeping

Education

High school diploma or GED

Michigan CDL with endorsements

S-4 Operator’s License

Tools

Meter testing equipment

Hand tools

Job description

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Perform manual tasks in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water and sewer lines and appurtenances. Perform work involving the installation, testing and repairing of City water meters, pressure reducing valves and appurtenances. Handle customer complaints concerning water usage and read water meters when needed. Perform safe and efficient operation of a variety of automotive, power-driven and construction equipment.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Work is performed under the leadership or guidance of an employee of higher grade.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK

• Install, maintain and repair water lines and service connections and appurtenances.
• Install, maintain and repair sewer mains and repair storm and sanitary sewers and service connections.
• Install, maintain and repair manholes, gate wells, and gate valves.
• Install, maintain and repair fire hydrants and appurtenances.
• Clean and flush sewer and water lines.
• Operate automotive and other mechanical equipment required in the performance of the assigned tasks.
• Operate a variety of medium-duty equipment such as vans, trucks, etc.
• Operate related heavy equipment in maintenance and repair work.
• May perform service work on equipment and make minor repairs and adjustments.
• Read blueprints of a relatively simple nature.
• Install, test, repair, and read residential, commercial and industrial water meters.
• Install, test, repair and calibrate pressure reducing valves and associated telemetry.
• Install, test and repair automated meter reading systems.
• Work in confined entry spaces when necessary.
• Perform regular, emergency and delinquent shut‑off and turn‑on duties.
• Locate and repair stop boxes when necessary.
• Install and service water meters located at residential, commercial and industrial sites.
• Place water meters in locations already marked out.
• Turn on water and set meter.
• May pull out meters that are defective or need to be relocated.
• Perform minor repairs on meters, such as glass replacement, re‑sealing and re‑packing.
• Recheck unusual water meter readings.
• Read meters for final bills.
• Assist customers with high bill complaints; check the water meter and plumbing for problems; explain the findings to the customer and suggest the appropriate corrective steps to remedy the problem.
• Assist in preparing and maintaining perpetual inventory for meters, replacement parts, and other materials.
• Prepare job cards and other records.
• Operate meter testing equipment and small hand tools as required in all work.
• Perform repairs on Automatic Reading & Billing Units (ARB).
• May perform other assigned manual labor tasks.
• Maintain courteous relationship with the public.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT

• Reasonable knowledge of pipe laying techniques.
• Ability to operate such sewer maintenance tools as rods, cables, and sewer machines, and have knowledge of the correct methods followed in flushing sewers and water lines.
• Reasonable knowledge of the City’s water distribution system.
• Considerable knowledge of the methods, materials and techniques used in installing, repairing and testing water meters, pressure reducing valves and appurtenances.
• Considerable knowledge of the methods and equipment used in reading water meters.
• Reasonable knowledge of the traffic laws, ordinances, and rules involved in the operation of medium and heavy vehicles.
• Reasonable knowledge of the operation and maintenance requirements of heavy automotive and power‑drive equipment.
• Ability to perform service tasks on equipment such as minor repairs, lubrication, etc.
• Considerable knowledge of policies, procedures and equipment used for confined space entry.
• Knowledge of masonry construction and repair work.
• Ability to perform heavy manual tasks for extended periods of time, often under adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to keep accurate and legible records.
• Ability to make arithmetical computations.
• Ability to operate light to heavy equipment skillfully, safely, and according to applicable traffic rules and regulations.
• Be willing to secure water education through seminars, on‑site education classes or formal schooling.
• Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with the public and other employees.

Requirements:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or GED equivalent. Diploma or official, sealed transcripts REQUIRED with application
• Possess a valid State of Michigan Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with the proper endorsements. Driving record must meet city standards to be insurable.
• Two years experience servicing and maintaining public utilities and equipment.
• Must secure and maintain an active Michigan State Health Department S-4 Operator’s License within 36 months of working in this position. License REQUIRED with application for current S-4 holders

Pay rate: $28.46/hour - $35.89/hour without S-4 License (After 3 years) $28.46/hour - $36.75/hour with S-4 License (After 3 years)

Benefits include health, dental and life insurance, paid vacation and sick time.

Deadline: August 19, 2026 by 5:00 p.m.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER