Senior Water System Maint Operator

Reporting to a field supervisor, this position acts as the lead person to a specialized crew that operates assigned vehicles—including backhoes, dump trucks, front‑end loaders, hydro excavators, forklifts, compressors, and related equipment—while performing specialized and routine water maintenance work at the journey level.

Benefits

• Full City benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Paid vacation and personal leave
• 6–12 weeks of paid parental leave
• Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k)
• Robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
• Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually
• Discounted supplemental benefits such as pet insurance and legal services

Typical Duties

• Lead a specialized crew in repairing and replacing broken pipes, mains, valves, and hydrants using hand equipment, pavement breakers, tapping machines, hydraulic and pneumatic boring machines, cutters, welding and cutting torches, walk‑behind concrete saws, backhoes, dump trucks, front‑end loaders, compressors, and related heavy equipment.
• Operate a backhoe when heavy equipment is required.
• Perform job restoration tasks, including preparation for asphalt, concrete, and landscape restoration.
• Recommend changes in water system configuration and components; operate system valves to shut down water supplies or restore service.
• Complete work orders and inventory sheets.
• Obtain all necessary permits for confined‑space entry, trenching and shoring, and hot work.
• Train and instruct new workers.
• Investigate jobs to determine utility location, traffic signing, and coordination with property owners.
• Direct ordering and placement of traffic‑control barricades, trenching, and shoring devices.
• Conduct confined‑space and lock‑out/tag‑out evaluations in compliance with local, state, and federal safety regulations.
• Lead safety meetings and enforce on‑site safety procedures; have authority to stop work if safety standards are not met.
• Recommend disciplinary action for crew members when appropriate.
• Coordinate utility cuts with other utilities in the field.
• Perform all duties of a Water System Maintenance Operator.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

• Seven (7) years of paid work experience performing water system maintenance and repair (combined or equivalent), such as water maintenance worker, water system maintenance operator, or water systems construction.
• Two (2) years of paid work experience operating related heavy equipment—including backhoes, 10‑wheel dump trucks, and front‑end loaders—on a documented and continual basis.
• Certification (or ability to obtain within six months of hire) in Confined Space Entry, Trench and Shoring (Competent Person as defined by OSHA), Flagging and Traffic Control Device Placement, and Forklift Operation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of water system maintenance policies and procedures used by the Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities, and a valid Class A Utah Commercial Driver’s License with required CDL endorsements.
• Knowledge of hand and small power tools and ability to perform field labor under varying climatic conditions.
• Ability to respond to emergencies, including 24‑hour callout and standby on a rotating schedule.
• Ability to complete minor records and prepare simple inventory forms.
• Strong interpersonal skills to relate well with co‑workers, supervisors, and the public.
• Ability to instruct others regarding job‑site safety procedures and accident prevention.
• Compliance with Department of Transportation physical requirements.

Desired Qualifications

• Certification as a Water Distribution Operator IV.

Working Conditions

• Heavy physical activity; required to push, pull, or lift medium to heavy weights.
• Difficult working positions; standing, walking, or sitting uncomfortably for extended periods.
• Exposure to heat, cold, dampness, fumes, noise, dust, or grease.
• Substantial exposure to health and occupational hazards.
• Intermittent stress due to human behavior.
• Potential for extensive overtime, callouts, standby, or rotating shift schedules.

Pay

Senior Water System Maintenance Operator: $28.24 – $37.15 per hour

Schedule

• Full‑time
• 40 scheduled hours per week