Senior Water Distribution System Operator

Under closer supervision of supervisor or lead worker, incumbent learns and performs daily operations tasks associated with an assigned segment in the county water distribution system. Training duties include: learning response to water department emergencies and trouble calls; assessing problem and proper steps to correct or refer to supervisor or experienced operator. Notifies appropriate maintenance supervisors for needed repairs. Assists department with security. 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.

AFSCME positions are offering attractive incentives for those seeking secure and rewarding employment opportunities. A 5% salary boost for fiscal year 2024, followed by an additional guaranteed 4% increase in fiscal year 2025. Join us for secure and rewarding employment opportunities.

Early application submittal is encouraged. The position will remain open until filled and may close anytime without notice.

This position includes a robust benefits package. Learn more about our benefits here: Salt Lake City Benefits.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 and pump stations.
• Operates and changes chlorine tanks and associated equipment. Implements emergency procedures when handling chlorine leaks. May assist maintenance crews in performing emergency repairs. Works with other water companies, fire departments and fire insurance writers.
• Performs other related duties as required.

• 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.

• 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.
• Considerable exposure to stressful situations as a result of human behavior.
• Employees are subject to shift work, call back in emergency situations.
• No facial hair may be worn because of safety masks used in case of chlorine leaks.