Water Operator (Distribution)

About the role

Join the City of Missoula as a Water Distribution Operator to maintain and improve the city’s water infrastructure. This hands-on, community-impacting role involves repairing water mains, inspecting hydrants, and ensuring safe, reliable water service for residents. It’s a critical position supporting public health and safety, offering opportunities for growth and skill development.

This position is part of a structured career ladder, allowing your responsibilities—and pay—to grow with your skills. You’ll work outdoors, operate tools and equipment, and use technology like GIS to track infrastructure data. Duties include turning valves, installing service taps, and troubleshooting field issues.

Responsibilities

• Repair and maintain water mains and distribution systems
• Inspect and service fire hydrants
• Install new service taps and connections
• Troubleshoot and resolve field issues
• Operate tools and equipment for utility work
• Use GIS and other technology to track infrastructure data
• Ensure safe and reliable water service for residents

Requirements

Experience in utility or construction work is preferred, but those ready to apply their skills in a new direction are encouraged to apply.

Pay

Starting pay ranges from $25.49 to $28.01/hour, depending on experience and qualifications, with annual increases for longevity and cost-of-living adjustments.

The full pay range for each career ladder level is as follows (subject to annual increases):

• Career Ladder I: $25.49 - $29.69/hour
• Career Ladder II: $27.32 - $31.83/hour
• Career Ladder III: $29.29 - $34.19/hour