Water System Equipment Operator

Water System Equipment Operator

The City of Idaho Falls is currently accepting applications for the position of Water System Equipment Operator. This position performs a variety of skilled duties in the operation of light to heavy equipment related to installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of City water system components and assets, generally functioning as crew leader of a crew of three individuals, working closely with Water Distribution Operators-in-Training and Water Laborers as assigned.

Salary & Benefits

Starting Salary : $23.00 $25.00 per hour

Full Salary Range : $23.00 $32.01 per hour

Comprehensive Benefits Package, including :

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Paid time off and holiday pay

Why Join Our Team?

Join the City of Idaho Falls Water Division and help maintain a safe, reliable water system for the community. As a Water System Equipment Operator, you'll operate advanced equipment, repair infrastructure, and support distribution programs. This role offers career stability, growth opportunities, and a chance to make a meaningful impact alongside a skilled, service-driven team.

Essential Functions

Operates a variety of light to heavy equipment, such as backhoe, front-end loader, pickup, dump truck, snowplow, hydro-vacuum truck, valve exercising trailer, etc. Regularly excavates around existing utility lines and near traffic within City right-of-way or easements to perform water system maintenance activities. Locates water mains, service lines and related shut-off valves in advance of excavation activities. Performs equipment preparation and preventive maintenance by monitoring oil, grease, and fuel levels to ensure proper lubrication on a regular basis. Makes minor adjustments to improve equipment performance and makes minor repairs in the field as needed. Notifies Supervisor of major repair needs or of regularly scheduled service of equipment. Installs, maintains, repairs, and replaces City water system components and assets such as water mains and service lines, fire and flush hydrants, valves and valve boxes, meters and meter boxes, and all associated items. Repairs water system leaks by clamping existing water main and service lines and repairing or replacing valves and curb stops. Restores property damaged as result of construction. Taps water mains to make new water main and service line connections. Installs, renews, and repairs water meters and meter pits. Repairs water main and service line leaks in water system. Adjusts valve boxes, curb boxes, meter pits, manholes, or fire hydrants when necessary for changes of grade on streets, sidewalks, etc. Replaces or repairs non-functioning water meters, fire hydrants, fittings, and broken pipe sections. Assists with the implementation of the Water Division's distribution programs, including valve exercising, GPS mapping, leak detection, fire and flush hydrant testing, water main flushing, water system inspections, water conservation, and metering as necessary. Assists with performing inspections of new water system construction within City right-of-way to verify compliance with City standards and requirements. Responds to after-hour emergency and customer service calls while serving on 24-hour stand-by shift including weekends and holidays. Assists with snow removal duties as required. May be required to perform duties of subordinate personnel as required by supervisors, dependent upon staffing needs. Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Education and Experience : A. Graduation from high school with sufficient education and training background to demonstrate an ability or aptitude to perform the above and related duties. AND B. Two (2) years of experience in the operation of construction equipment, preferably around existing utilities. OR C. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities : Considerable knowledge of hazards and safety procedures associated with water line construction. Working knowledge of various, light to heavy equipment; hazards and safety precautions related to construction and equipment operation; traffic laws, ordinances, and regulations; construction methods and procedures typical to water distribution systems. Some knowledge of equipment parts and preventive maintenance for the same. Skilled in the operation of simple to complex, motorized light and heavy equipment. Ability to adapt to emergency situations; perform manual tasks for sustained periods of time; ability to perform minor equipment maintenance and repair; ability to follow written and verbal instructions; ability to read and understand prints and plans; ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, the public and Supervisors; interpret maps and construction drawings.

3. Special Qualifications : Must possess an Idaho Water Distribution OIT (Operator-In-Training) license or equivalent from another state or must obtain the same within one (1) year of employment (possession of Class I Idaho Water Distribution Operator License preferable). Must obtain new or upgrade current Commercial Idaho Driver's License to Class A, Commercial Idaho Driver's License with tanker endorsement within one (1) year of employment. Must work on twenty-four (24) hour stand-by or "on call". Residency Requirement : Shall be expected, within six months of hire, to establish residence within a 45-minute notification to respond zone from the Water Division Administration Building. Must complete 0.6 Continuing Education Units in Drinking Water Annually.

Work Environment

Tasks require variety of physical activities, generally involving muscular strain, related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, and lifting (moving up to 50 pounds and occasionally moving up to 80 pounds). Talking, hearing, and seeing are essential to performing required job functions. Frequent exposure to changing weather conditions. Employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to vibration. The employee frequently works in precarious places and is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk from moving traffic. Common eye, hand, and finger dexterity are required. Work requires memory for details and verbal instructions, emotional stability and discriminating thinking. Daily local travel required in normal course of job performance.