Description

Keep our community's water flowing. We're looking for a dependable, safety-minded individual to join our water distribution team! This position will operate and maintain the systems that deliver clean, safe water to thousands of residents every day.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS--Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions –Distribution And Metering

Maintain and repair the City's water distribution system, including water mains, pump houses, storage tanks and hydrants.
Assist with general metering tasks such as installing and removal of meters for storage; test meters and make repair meters in shop or on site; install and repair remote metering systems; Assist in the provision of services to customers; investigate causes of low water pressure, high water consumption, water discoloration or odor, and unexplained water in basements and other places and test meters to meet AWWA specifications.
Participate in the maintenance and repair of water mains; locate and pinpoint water main breaks; assist in water main and hydrant repairs; assist in providing temporary water service during water main replacements.
Operate light and heavy construction and maintenance equipment, including tractors, backhoes, front-end loaders, drills, pumps, jackhammers, tapping equipment, and pipe cutting equipment safely and effectively; Participate in the operation of line inspection equipment to survey, open, and repair lines; review plans and specifications for the location of lines; inspect for high concentrations of hazardous gases.
Maintain detailed and comprehensive records of all work performed on water distribution system valves, lines, water mains, pumping stations, hydrants, and equipment.
Participate in cutting and breaking asphalt and concrete surfaces; repair and participate in the pavement of roadways, sidewalks, and related structures.
Receive and respond to questions and complaints from the public either by telephone or in person; investigate areas of high consumption and low water pressure; repair water leaks; repair and replace meters in the field.
Maintain inventory for water distribution shop; maintain records for inventory receipts, issues and price changes; assist in ordering parts, supplies, and materials; check shipments and packing slips for accuracy; maintain proper warehousing of parts and materials; keep daily inventory log and perform computer entry of monthly transactions. Coordinate daily automated meter reading data with utility billing.
Respond to public inquiries courteously; provide information within the area of assignment; inform area residents of water main shut-offs; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.

Marginal Functions

Conduct tours of facilities as required; answer questions from the public regarding the water utility. Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Typical Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

Knowledge: Operational characteristics, services and activities of a complex municipal water treatment and distribution system. Basic mathematical principles; Basic principles of chemistry; Operational characteristics of a variety of water treatment equipment; Methods and techniques of repair and preventive maintenance of water distribution systems; Tools and equipment used in the maintenance and repair of water distribution systems; Uses and purposes of general construction tools and equipment; Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions. Methods, materials, tools and equipment used in the maintenance and repair of water meters. City ordinances and regulations concerning meters and City water service; Principles and practices of record keeping. Modern computers and applicable software; Laboratory methods and quality control applications; Principles and procedures of record keeping; Safe working practices and procedures; Occupational hazards and standard safety practices; Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.

Skills: Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities; Maintain mental capacity which allows for effective interaction and communication with others; Maintain effective audio/visual discrimination and perception to the degree necessary for the successful performance of assigned duties.

Abilities: Perform a variety of preventive maintenance and repair tasks on water systems; for both treatment and distribution procedures. Diagnose and react quickly to water utility problems. Perform laboratory analysis on water samples. Interpret, explain and enforce department policies and procedures; Use and operate hand and power tools and mechanical equipment required for the work in a safe and efficient manner; Read and interpret basic written materials, maps and blueprints; Work independently in the absence of supervision; Perform heavy manual labor; Adhere to safe work practices including working with hazardous materials.

Supplemental Information

Experience And Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience

One to two years of experience working in (Wastewater Collections Systems/Water Distribution Systems) and or experience in light to heavy equipment operation.

Training

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level work in chemistry, biology, environmental, mechanical, or civil engineering or technical certification in the field of Water/Wastewater technology.

License or Certificate

Possession of, or ability to obtain within 1 year, an appropriate, valid Water Treatment/

Service Worker Class I/II Operator Certification.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.

Possession of, or ability to obtain an appropriate, valid Forklift Certification in a timely manner (within 1 year).

The City of Grand Forks offers a comprehensive benefit package, to include participation in the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System. Employee Contribution of a mandatory 4% and up to 7% with an Employer Contribution of a mandatory 5.26% up to 9.26%. For more information on our benefits click 2025 Benefit Summary 2026 Benefit Summary

If you are applying for a Part Time Temporary or Seasonal position, you are not eligible for benefits through the City of Grand Forks.

City of Grand Forks ND

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