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Position Title:

Senior Water Distribution System Operator (may underfill)

Job Description:

Under guidance of Water System Operation Supervisor, incumbent performs daily lead operations and maintenance duties for a major segment of the City’s water distribution system. Responds to water department emergencies and trouble calls, determines problem and takes proper steps to correct. Notifies appropriate maintenance supervisors for needed repairs. Assists department with security. Under minimal supervision, maintains proper flow, storage and pressure in system, and performs necessary maintenance work on pressure regulators, valves, pumps and associated equipment. Duties are performed on a rotating shift, requiring 24 hour coverage.

Position Salary Range:

Water Distribution System Operator I: $23.63 - $31.10

Water Distribution System Operator II: $24.36 – $32.02

Senior Water Distribution System Operator: $26.62 - $35.02

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

+ Six to Twelve weeks of paid parental leave from day 1 of employment

+ 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

IMPORTANT: Early application submittal is encouraged. This position will remain open until filled and may close at any time without notice.

Key Responsibilities:

All Water Distribution System Operator Levels:

+ Operates pumps, wells, and computer telemetry system. Monitors data from treatment plants, supply conduits, reservoirs and pumping stations. Makes adjustments when necessary to sustain pressure and reservoir levels. Meets emergency demands and flow requirements in various distribution zones. Correlates pumping/regulating operations for high and low demands to minimize costs and use cheapest available water. Completes reports identifying property damage. Contacts appropriate maintenance supervisors to repair and restore service. Resolves customer complaints. Provides back up services for dispatch as needed.

+ Responds to emergency and routine water related situations, including but not limited to: Main, service, fire line and hydrant breaks; blown meters; broken valves; water related road damage and sinkholes. Identifies problem and takes corrective action. May use specialized equipment to locate mains, services, and valves. Investigates accidents where water system has been damaged by high or low pressure, or where system has damaged other areas because of human error or equipment malfunction. In the event of natural disaster, makes emergency decisions for assigned area, inspects and reports on damages, shuts down large conduits and pipelines for relocation, new construction and maintenance.

+ Ensures security of water department equipment and buildings by making periodic checks and inspections. Checks city construction project areas to ensure barricades are properly placed. Returns barricades to department or other areas when appropriate.

+ Conducts pressure surveys, test fire and hydrant flows, collects pressure recorder data, completes and turns in various records and reports and inspects and repairs pump controls and regulator valves. Also repairs, calibrates and installs pressure recording clocks and gauges, altitude valves and surge control valves. Cleans reservoirs, tanks, pump stations, well stations, conduits, aqueducts and other water distribution equipment.

+ Operates and changes chlorine tanks and associated equipment. Implements emergency procedures when handling chlorine leaks. May assist maintenance crews in emergency repairs. Works with other water companies, fire departments and fire insurance writers.

+ Performs other related duties as required.

Water Distribution System Operator II:

+ Checks city constriction project areas to ensure barricades are properly placed. Returns barricades to department or other areas when appropriate. Ensures security of water department equipment/buildings by periodic checks and inspections.

+ May act as distribution operator lead person and as technical advisor for maintenance crews. Provides back-up services to dispatch as needed. May provide technical advice to others while off duty. Investigates accidents where water system has been damaged by high or low pressure, or where system has damaged other areas because of human error or equipment malfunction. Resolves customer complaints.

+ Performs other related duties as required.

Senior Water Distribution System Operator:

+ As assigned, acts as lead operator. Acts as technical advisor for maintenance crews. Provides back­up services to dispatch as needed. May provide technical advice to others while off duty. Investigates accidents where water system has been damaged by high or low pressure, or where system has damaged other areas because of human error or equipment malfunction. Resolves customer complaints.

+ In the event of natural disaster, makes emergency decisions for assigned area, inspects and reports on damages, shuts down large conduits and pipelines for relocation, new construction and maintenance.

+ Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Water Distribution System Operator I:

+ High school diploma or GED equivalency.

+ Two years’ experience in water system operation, emergency response and/or maintenance; or 18 months experience as emergency worker, valve runner, meter reader or water maintenance worker.

+ Possession (or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire date) valid Utah Water Distribution Operator Grade I certification.

+ Demonstrated ability to read and understand technical instruction; file, maintain and retrieve manual and computer reports.

+ Ability to relate well with the general public under varying or stressful circumstances.

+ Demonstrates ability to prepare written and oral reports.

+ Possession of a valid driver’s license or driving privilege card.

Water Distribution System Operator II:

+ High school diploma or GED equivalency plus three years’ experience in water system operation or maintenance. Six months full-time work experience as a Water Distribution System Operator I for Salt Lake City's Public Utilities Department may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

+ Possession of valid Utah Water Distribution Operator Grade I certification within 12 months from hire date as Water Distribution System Operator II.

+ Ability to assess situations, establish priorities, make appropriate decisions and respond quickly in an emergency, under adverse conditions.

+ Ability to analyze pressure data recording charts and read and understand technical instruction; and to file, maintain and retrieve manual and computer records and reports.

+ Ability to relate well with the general public under varying or stressful circumstances.

+ Demonstrated ability to prepare written and oral reports.

+ Possession of a valid driver’s license or driving privilege card.

Senior Water Distribution System Operator:

+ High school diploma or GED equivalency and four years experience in water system operation or maintenance. Six months of full‑time work as a Water Distribution System Operator II may be substituted for one year of the experience requirement.

+ Possession of valid Utah Water Distribution Operator Grade III certification within 12 months from hire date as Senior Water Distribution System Operator.

+ Ability to assess situations, establish priorities, make appropriate decisions and respond quickly in an emergency, under adverse conditions.

+ Ability to analyze pressure data recording charts and read and understand technical instruction; and to file, maintain and retrieve manual and computer records and reports.

+ Ability to relate well with the general public under varying or stressful circumstances.

+ Demonstrated ability to prepare written and oral reports.

+ Possession of a valid driver’s license or driving privilege card.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

+ Moderately heavy physical activity, required to push, pull or lift medium heavy weights, difficult working positions, some exposure to heights and toxic chemicals. Moderate exposure to disagreeable elements such as cold, dampness, fumes, noise, dust, and grease.

+ Moderate exposure to stressful situations as a result of human behavior.

+ Employees are subject to shift work and call back in emergency situations.

+ No facial hair may be worn because of safety masks used in case of chlorine leaks.

CAREER LADDER:

+ With possession of Utah Water Distribution Operator Grade I certification, one year in the Water Distribution System Operator I position, and demonstrated proficiency in the job duties, incumbent may be advanced to Water Distribution System Operator II, based upon the supervisor/manager recommendation, review by Human Resources, and Department Director approval.

+ After 12 months of satisfactory performance as Water Distribution System Operator II and acquiring the skills necessary to perform the duties of Senior Water Distribution System Operator, incumbent may be advanced to Senior Water Distribution System Operator, based upon the supervisor/manager recommendation, review by Human Resources, and Department Director approval.

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

POSITION SALARY RANGE

Water Distribution System Operator I: $23.63 - $31.10

Water Distribution System Operator II: $24.36 – $32.02

Senior Water Distribution System Operator: $26.62 - $35.02

DEPARTMENT

Public Utilities

Full Time/Part Time:

Full time

Scheduled Hours:

40

Salt Lake City is a place where your skills and dedication directly contribute to the community. With a team serving over 200,000 residents, we take pride in delivering meaningful work—from maintaining infrastructure to shaping public programs—with integrity and professionalism.

We value experience, accountability, and results. Our organization recognizes talent and rewards contribution, offering employees opportunities to grow, lead, and make a lasting difference.

If you're driven by public service and want to help shape the future of our city, we’d love to work with you.

Salt Lake City offers a competitive and well-rounded benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and professional growth. To learn more, visit our Benefits & Wellness (https://www.slc.gov/hr/benefits-and-wellness/) site.

Health & Wellness

+ 95% City-paid medical insurance

+ Dental, vision, life insurance

+ HSA (with $1,000–$2,000 City contribution)

+ Wellness clinic for employees & families

+ Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Financial Perks

+ Tuition reimbursement (up to $4,000/year)

+ Retirement contributions (pension and/or 401(k))

+ Discounted pet insurance, legal services, and more

Thinking about applying or weighing another offer?

Use our Total Compensation Calculator (https://tools.slc.gov/totalcompensation/) to see the true value of your job offer—including salary, benefits, retirement, and more.

We know time away from work is essential for rest, personal needs, and family life. Salt Lake City offers generous paid leave to help you recharge and stay balanced. To learn more, visit our Benefits & Wellness (https://www.slc.gov/hr/benefits-and-wellness/paid-leave/) site.

+ 12 vacation days to start

+ 12 paid holidays + 1 personal holiday

+ Up to 80 hours personal leave annually

+ 6 - 12 weeks of paid parental leave

+ Bonus leave credit for eligible rehires & public sector transfers

Our Recruitment Team is ready to assist you throughout the entire hiring process—from questions about job openings to application support. Reach the Recruitment Team at 801-535-6699Or email: [email protected]

The City is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Salt Lake City will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at 801-535-7900.

Salt Lake City is proud to be a partner of the Utah Patriot Program, providing employment opportunities for Veterans, Military and spouses. We are also a proud National Service Partner.