Water Utility Worker

City of Grand Forks ND; Grand Forks (ND); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the City of Grand Forks as a Water Utility Worker, where you'll maintain and operate the city's water distribution system to ensure residents receive clean and safe water. This role involves hands-on tasks including equipment operation and emergency response, making a significant impact on public health and safety.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefit package

Participation in the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System

Qualifications

• 1-2 years experience in wastewater or water distribution systems.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely.
• Possession or ability to obtain Water Treatment/Service Worker certification.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain water treatment plant equipment.
• Maintain and repair the City's water distribution system.
• Respond to public inquiries and repair water leaks.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Problem-Solving

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Training in Water/Wastewater Technology

Tools

Light construction equipment

Heavy construction equipment

Job description

5 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Description

Come join the City of Grand Forks Water Distribution team! As a Water Utility Worker, you’ll help maintain and operate the City’s water distribution system, ensuring clean, safe water for residents and businesses. Your work will directly impact the public, environmental safety, and infrastructure reliability.

Description

Come join the City of Grand Forks Water Distribution team! As a Water Utility Worker, you’ll help maintain and operate the City’s water distribution system, ensuring clean, safe water for residents and businesses. Your work will directly impact the public, environmental safety, and infrastructure reliability.

Examples of Duties

Essential Functions - Treatment

• Operate and maintain water treatment plant equipment, facilities and grounds; fill chemical hoppers on mechanical feed systems.
• Perform preventive plant maintenance; conduct periodic plant inspections to identify potential problems; assist in the repair of complex system failures; complete service and repairs.
• Aid in water flow adjustments and assist with monitoring plant systems control panel; train lower level staff in plant operation.
• Collect water samples and assist with chemical analysis of water; compute chemical feed dosages and adjust chemical feeders; participate in unloading chemicals and assist with chemical inventory.
• Clean designated area of plant and maintain plant grounds; mow grass and shovel snow from sidewalks.
• Answer emergency phone and radio calls and make referrals when necessary; record all emergency calls received.
• Perform water screening tests for contractors, the public and other City departments.
• Adhere to safe work practices and procedures.
• Assist with monitoring pressure, tank levels and lift stations on plant systems control panel; operate water transfer station, ground storage tank, pumping station and alternate boilers.
  
  

Essential Functions –Distribution And Metering

• Maintain and repair the City's water distribution system including water mains, pump houses, storage tanks and hydrants.
• Assist with general metering tasks such as installing and removal of meters for storage; test meters and make repair meters in shop or on site; install and repair remote metering systems; Assist in the provision of services to customers; investigate causes of low water pressure, high water consumption, water discoloration or odor, and unexplained water in basements and other places and test meters to meet AWWA specifications.
• Participate in the maintenance and repair of water mains; locate and pinpoint water main breaks; assist in water main and hydrant repairs; assist in providing temporary water service during water main replacements.
• Operate light and heavy construction and maintenance equipment including tractors, backhoe, front-end loader, drills, pumps, jackhammer, tapping equipment and pipe cutting equipment in a safe and effective manner; Participate in the operation of line inspection equipment to survey, open and repair lines; review plans and specifications for location of lines; inspect for high concentration of hazardous gases.
• Maintain detailed and comprehensive records of all work performed on water distribution system valves, lines, water mains, pumping stations, hydrants and equipment.
• Participate in cutting and breaking asphalt and concrete surfaces; repair and participate in the pavement of roadways, sidewalks and related structures.
• Receive and respond to questions and complaints from the public either by telephone or in person; investigate areas of high consumption and low water pressure; repair water leaks; repair and replace meters in the field.
• Maintain inventory for water distribution shop; maintain records for inventory receipts, issues and price changes; assist in ordering parts, supplies, and materials; check shipments and packing slips for accuracy; maintain proper warehousing of parts and materials; keep daily inventory log and perform computer entry of monthly transactions Coordinate daily automated meter reading data with utility billing.
• Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; inform area residents of water main shut-offs; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
  
  

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge: Operational characteristics, services and activities of a complex municipal water treatment and distribution system. Basic mathematical principles; Basic principles of chemistry; Operational characteristics of a variety of water treatment equipment; Methods and techniques of repair and preventive maintenance of water distribution systems; Tools and equipment used in the maintenance and repair of water distribution systems; Uses and purposes of general construction tools and equipment; Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions. Methods, materials, tools and equipment used in the maintenance and repair of water meters. City ordinances and regulations concerning meters and City water service; Principles and practices of record keeping. Modern computers and applicable software; Laboratory methods and quality control applications; Principles and procedures of record keeping; Safe working practices and procedures; Occupational hazards and standard safety practices; Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.

Skills: Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities; Maintain mental capacity which allows for effective interaction and communication with others; Maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties.

Abilities: Perform a variety of preventive maintenance and repair tasks on water systems; for both treatment and distribution procedures. Diagnose and react quickly to water utility problems. Perform laboratory analysis on water samples. Interpret, explain and enforce department policies and procedures; Use and operate hand and power tools and mechanical equipment required for the work in a safe and efficient manner; Read and interpret basic written materials, maps and blueprints; Work independently in the absence of supervision; Perform heavy manual labor; Adhere to safe work practices including working with hazardous materials.

Supplemental Information

Experience: One to two years of experience working in (Wastewater Collections Systems/Water Distribution Systems) and or experience in light to heavy equipment operation.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level work in chemistry, biology, environmental, mechanical or civil engineering or technical certification in the field of Water/Wastewater technology.

License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain within 1 year, an appropriate, valid Water Treatment/ Service Worker Class I/II Operator Certification. Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license. Possession of, or ability to obtain an appropriate, valid Forklift Certification in a timely manner (within 1 year)..

The City of Grand Forks offers a comprehensive benefit package, to include participation in the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System. Employee Contribution of up to 7% with an Employer Contribution up to 9.26%. For more information on our benefits click 2025 Benefit Summary

If you are applying for a Part Time Temporary or Seasonal position, you are not eligible for benefits through the City of Grand Forks.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Administrative

• Industries

  Government Administration

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