Water Distribution Worker

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Water Distribution Worker
Rochester Public Utilities

www.rpu.org

RPU, a division of the City of Rochester, MN, is the largest municipal utility in the State of Minnesota. RPU serves over 57,000 electric customers and 42,000 water customers in a 60 square mile service area and has revenues nearing $161 million annually.
The City of Rochester is committed to a community where ALL members feel a sense of belonging. We commit to recognizing the diversity of our community members, listening to ALL voices and providing equitable services to create an inclusive place to live, play and work.

We believe EQUITY should be at the center of all our work. We strive to represent our community in our teammates, as we know that diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative, and have an empowering impact on the work, progress and culture of our community.
It takes us all working together.Nature of Work
Under general supervision, this entry level position is responsible for performing water construction and maintenance activities so that water customers are served in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Distinguishing Characteristics
Individuals working in this position

• must maintain annual CPR training
• must be willing to accept overtime assignments as required
• are on-call for water system emergency maintenance activities

2025 Starting wage is $35.30 per hour.
This wage will be updated when the 2026 contract has been executed.
To have your application considered for the first round of interviews, please apply by Monday, February 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The City of Rochester will not sponsor or transfer visas for this position including F1 OPT STEM.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Perform in an efficient, cost-effective manner water system construction and maintenance activities including:

• Install and maintain water mains, valves, hydrants, storage tanks, wells, pumping units, and related appurtenances and structures
• Locate underground water services, mains, and valves
• Tap and flush water mains and newly constructed water system projects in service and observe construction project acceptance testing in accordance with City of Rochester standards for utility construction
• Install, replace, and service water meters, remote registers and other related appurtenances and ensure meter installation compliance with Water Service Rules and Regulations
• Occasionally read water meters and remote registers to verify meter/remote reading accuracy
• Evaluate and answer customer water system questions and assist in resolving customer complaints or providing customer information
• Other miscellaneous water system service, operation or maintenance related duties

Operate, maintain and account for vehicles, equipment and tools used in work activities.

Comply with RPU, Minnesota and OSHA work safety rules and regulations.

Work with contract construction employees as needed to properly complete work tasks.

Complete thorough daily reports of work accomplished and materials used as required by the Division work management and work order system.

Perform other duties as assigned or necessary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience
High School diploma or equivalent GED and completion of a formal water operators training program resulting in a Minnesota Class D Water Supply System Operator's certification
OR
High School diploma or equivalent GED and one (1) year of full-time employment experience in water system construction, operation and maintenance

Licenses & Certifications
Valid Minnesota driver's license with ability to obtain a Minnesota Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within 1 year of hire as a condition of continued employment.

Class D Water Supply System Operator Certificate required within 18 months as a condition of continued employment.

Desirable Qualifications
Construction experience installing underground piping; experience operating equipment, such as excavator, loader, skid steer, backhoe, tractor, tandem-axle dump truck, hydro-vac (truck mount or trailer type), and/or trenching equipment.

Completion of two years post-secondary education

Class C or B Water Certificate

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

*THIS POSITION IS COVERED BY THE CITY'S HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM (based on job assignment)
Employees in this position are required to use hearing protection and the City of Rochester will conform to all State and Federal requirements in administering this program.

*THIS POSITION MAY BE COVERED BY THE CITY'S RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM(based on job assignment)
Employees in this position are required to use respiratory equipment and the City of Rochester will conform to all State and Federal requirements in administering this program.

*THIS POSITION IS COVERED BY THE CITY OF ROCHESTER DRUG TESTING POLICY
The drug and alcohol testing policies and procedures of the City of Rochester will conform to all State and Federal requirements, including Minnesota Statutes 181.950 through 181.957; the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988; and/or the US Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

*Pre-employment and/or periodic testing may be required.

THIS POSITION IS COVERED BY RPU'S AREA RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT
In order to provide timely services, RPU has designated specific positions which must comply with an area residency requirement, based on job-related necessity where employees in such positions must reside within thirty (30) driving miles of their normally scheduled work reporting location.

New Hires
Individuals hired for designated positions with RPU covered by an area residency requirement who do not meet this requirement shall be allowed no more than twelve (12) months, from their date of hire, in order to meet the thirty (30) driving mile requirement.

Current Employees
RPU employees in designated positions covered by the area residency requirement and who reside at a location that allows them to report to work within thirty (30) minutes from the time notified, prior to March 9, 2012, shall be deemed to comply with RPU's area residency requirement provided that they remain at their current address. If a current RPU employee in a designated position covered by the area residency requirement relocates, their new address/residence must be located within thirty (30) driving miles of their normally scheduled work reporting location and notice must be given to their immediate supervisor prior to relocating to ensure compliance with the area residency requirement.

Promotional Opportunities
Promotions to designated RPU positions covered by an area residency requirement shall be withheld from employees whose address/residence is located more than thirty (30) driving miles from the normally scheduled work reporting location of their new position, with the exception of employees who are willing to relocate within 12 months from date of promotion in order to comply with the thirty (30) driving mile area residence requirement; OR employees who immediately prior to their promotion were in a designated position and resided at a location that allowed them to report to work within thirty (30) minutes from the time notified.

Noncompliance with Residency Requirements
In the event that an employee fails to comply with the residency requirement, the employee will be considered to no longer meet the minimum requirements of the position. In such instance, the City will take formal action, up to and including termination. An employee may be granted an extension if there is credible basis, as determined by the employer, for justification as to why the employee has failed to comply. Said basis shall consist of circumstances not caused or controlled by the employee.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of: the City of Rochester municipal water system; water system construction and maintenance (deep wells, underground piping, plumbing and water storage tanks); water system hydraulics

Skill in: performing activities such as pipe fitting, general welding, protective coating application and maintenance of cathodic protection systems, special function valves, pumps, and motors

Ability to: read water system maps, construction project plans and specifications; ability to operate water system construction, and maintenance equipment; communicate effectively orally and in writing

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the physical and environmental demands for this position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.

In consideration of the overall amount of physical effort required to perform this position, the work is best described as Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Physical demands that may be required continuously (2/3 or more of the time), frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) are noted below:
Continuous demands: standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, reaching, and handling
Frequent demands: sitting kneeling, crouching, crawling, bending and twisting
Occasional demands: fine dexterity, climbing, balancing and foot controls

Sensory requirements necessary in the performance of the essential functions of this position include: sight, hearing, and touch