Senior Water Distribution Operator

*This position is restricted to current City of Minneapolis employees only*

Act as a lead worker in operating, maintaining, replacing, repairing, and disinfecting water main pipe, valves, hydrants, meters, and automated meter reading systems to maintain distribution system flow, pressure, and water quality and accurately measure customer water use

The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

• Act as a lead worker for crews operating, maintain, repair, and replacing water distribution system components, such as hydrants, valves, manholes, and water main to American Water Works Association standards.
• Maintain paper and electronic records of work performed including valve operations, water system maintenance, and work orders.
• Train, coordinate and direct the work of Water Distribution Operator (WDO) in the operation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of distribution system components.
• Research paper and electronic record drawings, GIS information, and other water system records to make decisions about system operations and maintenance to minimize impacts on customers.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and organized operation, maintenance, and customer account work order records for all work performed.
• Calculate chemical dosage and oversee water system disinfection including mixing chemicals (chlorine and sodium thiosulfate), maintaining constant pumping rates for consistent dosage, measuring chlorine residual to determine de-chlorination of discharge to waste.
• Collect water samples using American Water Works Association (AWWA) standards for both sampling and chain of custody in transport to the City's Water Quality laboratory for microbiological testing.
• Identify and pinpoint water leaks, determining whether a leak is on the public main or on a private service connection using a variety of analytical tools including researching records and using equipment such as audio-phones and leak correlators.
• Repair water system leaks in a safe, fast, and cost effective manner without compromising water quality.
• Communicate with residents over the phone and in person, responding professionally to questions, concerns, and complaints about a variety of issues including water main breaks, water system projects, water quality complaints, high water consumption concerns, plumbing leaks and AMR or meter problems.
• Install temporary water supply connections during major water system repair, construction, or maintenance.
• May install new service taps and discontinue abandoned ones.
• May perform field locates of buried utilities, including interpreting record drawings, marking water utility locates and using automated software to complete tickets for Gopher State One Call.
• May Troubleshoot, test AMR installations, record and verify data in record keeping systems.
• Perform services related to commercial meters including assisting customers on-site to investigate high consumption; identifying AMR or meter problems; testing, rebuilding and calibrating large commercial meters; performing on-site testing of larger meters; discussing and scheduling interruption of water supply to properties for replacement, repair and testing of commercial meters.
• Safely operate crew trucks and small engine equipment including tapping machines, concrete saws, valve machines, jackhammers, pipe cutters, and a wide variety of other hand, hydraulic, and pneumatic and power equipment.
• Turn water on and off at the street curb stop valve as required for delinquent bills, new accounts, repairs, transfer of service and no access.
• Perform the duties of Water Distribution Service Worker I when required.

Working Conditions: Perform field work in all kinds of weather conditions. Exposure to outdoor elements, gases, fumes, chemicals, dust, dirt, traffic and noise. Perform confined space entry/work; heavy physical labor work including bending, twisting, stooping, etc.; ability to push, pull, lift, carry and maneuver heavy items weighing up to 100 pounds; ability to work in excavations with water main pipe; ability to stand/walk/maneuver on rough, uneven surfaces.

Minimum Education:
High School Diploma or Equivalent

Minimum Experience:
One year of experience in the field operating, maintaining, repairing, and/or constructing a water distribution system composed of cast and/or ductile iron pipe, with coursework in water supply systems distribution operation

Equivalency
An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered.

Licenses/Certifications:
State of Minnesota, Water Supply System Operator License Class C or higher
State of Minnesota Driver's License, Class D or higher

An updated resume to your application is not required, but strongly encouraged.

• Knowledge of and adherence to confined space entry procedures, including use of air monitors, non entry tripods, and completion of confined space entry permits.
• Considerable knowledge of equipment and materials used in the water main construction and maintenance.
• Ability to read, write, and understand written and oral instructions.
• Ability to prepare and keep accurate records of work activities.
• Ability to deal with angry and hostile citizens in water turnoff situations.
• Considerable knowledge of the safety precautions required in the job.
• Physical strength to lift heavy equipment and materials.
• Ability to plan work, instruct others in work technique, and delegate.

As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose-serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.

The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.