Water Distribution Valve Operator

Position Title:

Water Distribution Valve Operator

Job Description:

Locates, chips out asphalt and cleans out debris from valve boxes, exercises and inspects water main valves in the distribution system, makes shutdowns for contractors and emergencies. Assists distribution operators, valve and hydrant maintenance crews, and maintains permanent records of valve condition and location. Reports to and relies on Water System Operation Supervisor or assigned field supervisor for guidance and job facilitation. This is a semi-skilled, preventive maintenance and machine operation position.

Persons in this position are subject to callback and overtime.

About the Position:

The Water Distribution Valve Operator plays a critical hands-on role in keeping our community’s water system operating safely and reliably. This position is responsible for locating, inspecting, exercising, and maintaining water main valves throughout the distribution system, supporting both routine maintenance and emergency operations. The Water Distribution Valve Operator helps ensure proper water flow, accurate system records, and minimal service interruptions. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys fieldwork, mechanical tasks, and contributing directly to essential public infrastructure.

Position Hourly Range:

$19.77 - $26.00/hr based on qualifications and experience.

This position is eligible for full city benefits, including:

• Health Insurance (95% of premium paid by city)

• Dental, Vision and Life Insurance

• Paid vacation and personal leave

• 6-12 weeks of paid parental leave available

• Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k)

• A robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

• Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually

• Discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services

Typical Duties:

• Locates valves with electronic location equipment.  Uses jackhammer to break out asphalt or concrete.  Uses air compressor or vacuum machine to remove mud and debris from valve boxes

• Works closely with water distribution and system maintenance employees to ensure proper function and good condition of valves. Makes shutdowns in emergencies or as requested by contractors and engineers. Maintains daily valve reports, which are input into computer data base.

• Manually, or with the use of a computer operated hydraulic valve operating machine, systematically "exercises" (opens and closes) valves. Uses computer printouts to decide which valves should be run each day. Must meet yearly quota of valves to be exercised.

• On daily computer printout, records conditions and locations of valves and notes any problems. Initiates work orders for needed repairs, and inspects valves after repairs have been made.

• Ensures that any valves being run will not shut off flows to any pump station, well station or regulator station. Checks with distribution department before opening system valves. Notifies distribution department anytime 12-inch-or-larger valve must be closed.

• Conducts system-wide flushing program by properly opening and flushing hydrants and wash-out valves throughout the system. On a daily computer printout records conditions and locations of hydrants or wash-out valves and notes any problems and initiates work order for needed repairs. Must meet yearly quota.

• Notifies public when shutdowns will interrupt water services.

• Cones off street traffic at valve locations. Exercises with extreme care and caution in carrying out duties where traffic hazards exist. Uses air detectors to evaluate potential hazards before entering and during work in confined spaces which house valves.

• Uses maps and locating devices to locate buried valves. Makes accurate measurements of valve locations and posts on a permanent fixture, i.e., telephone poles, curbs, street sign posts.

• Conducts pressure surveys to determine conditions of feeds throughout the system, by taking pressure readings from fire hydrants and comparing to readings from fire hydrants down the line.

• Assists water distribution and other crews in performing maintenance and repairs on regulators, valves and other distribution equipment repairs. Trains or assists in the training of new hires. Removes snow from around Public Utilities properties. Cleans with the direction from system operators, distribution tanks and reservoirs.

• Performs all other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

• Ability to interpret maps, charts, plats and similar information, and to operate light vehicles and hydraulic equipment.

• Ability to lift valve covers and work safely in confined spaces.

• Ability to deal courteously with the public under stressful situations.

• Must pass Flagging certification course within 12 months.

• Ability to operate light vehicles and hydraulic equipment.

• Possession of a valid driver's license or driving privilege card.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in water industry or related field.

• Construction or general maintenance experience.

• Experience in Wastewater or Stormwater. 

Working Conditions:

• Moderately heavy physical activity. Required to push, pull or lift medium-heavy weights. Must stand or sit uncomfortably for extended periods. Exposure to disagreeable elements such as heat, cold, dampness, fumes, noise, dust or grease. Exposure to hazards from street traffic, confined spaces and other health and occupational hazards.

• Moderate exposure to stress as a result of human behavior.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. 

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

POSITION TYPE

Full-Time

DEPARTMENT

Public Utilities

Full Time/Part Time:

Full time

Scheduled Hours:

40