Equipment Operator 1
Salary
$60,386.82 Annually
Location
110 S. Paterson St. Madison, WI
Job Type
PERMANENT FULL TIME
Job Number
2026-00185
Department
Water Utility
Opening Date
06/18/2026
Closing Date
6/26/2026 11:59 PM Central
Comp. Group/Range
16/09
General Description
The Madison Water Utility is looking for their next Equipment Operator 1. The successful candidate will perform heavy manual labor in the maintenance and repair of the water distribution system. This is routine work in the operation of standard and specialized heavy diesel, gasoline, air, and hydraulically operated equipment and attached mechanical and power equipment. Work is characterized by responsibility for the safe operation of assigned equipment and oversight of employees assigned to operate equipment. Work also includes the performance of heavy manual labor in various maintenance activities. Work is performed under general supervision and is reviewed through personal inspection and observation of compliance with established work schedules and procedures.
The City of Madison is a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We value the unique blend of lived experiences and diverse perspectives that comes from non-traditional education pathways and the variety of transferrable skills each candidate brings to the table. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Even if every item on the job posting doesn't match your experience perfectly, we encourage you to apply and share how your skills and experience can best serve our community.
Examples of Duties and Responsibilities
Minimum Qualifications
One (1) year of experience in the safe operation of heavy trucks, farming equipment, or other heavy machinery.
OR-
Two (2) years of experience in applying the following:
The principles, laws, and ordinances regulating equipment operation.
Tools, equipment, methods and materials used in the maintenance and repair of a water distribution system.
Familiarity with the following:
Relevant safety practices and procedures.
Computer software applicable to the duties of the position, including GT Viewer mapping software, and CityWorks work order software.
The City of Madison strives to provide exceptional customer service to all its residents and visitors. Therefore, successful candidates will have demonstrated ability to work effectively with multicultural communities.
For a complete list of the knowledge, skills and abilities, please view the class specification.
Special Requirements
Possession of a valid Wisconsin drivers license.
Possession of a Class A Commercial Drivers License within six (6) months of employment. A condition of continued employment is passage of the written portion (Learners Permit portion) of the relevant Department of Transportation testing process within three (3) months of employment and passage of the skills (road test) portion of the test and obtaining the required operators license within six (6) months of employment.
Calls back to duty. The Water Utility must respond to emergency situations. Employees holding positions in the distribution section are subject to periodic overtime to handle emergencies. The number of calls back to duty will occur depending on weather and other conditions, and is therefore unpredictable. Employees will be required, throughout the term of their employment, to come into work at least 50% of the total number of times the Utility initiates a Call Back to Duty.
Ability to use the following special tools and equipment:
Pneumatic boring tool, air compressor, air hammer, star drill, tap machines: Mueller CL-12, D-5, and B101, blacktop compactor, gas powered ditch compactor, accucore leak detector, 2-way radio, GT Viewer computer mapping software, and CityWorks work order software.
Physical Requirements:
Employees must know the techniques to lift heavy objects safely such as the ability to lift 20-30 lbs. often and up to 90 lbs. seldomly. Employees will be expected to perform heavy manual work and engage in strenuous activity under all weather conditions and over long periods of time.
The City of Madison offers excellent pay and benefits for employees. City Ordinances, handbooks, and labor contracts provide specifics; the description here is not to be considered a binding statement but offers an informal summary.
Compensation
The City of Madison strives to pay competitive wages. View the current salary schedules for pay for all classifications. Employees receive increases based on tenure with the City.
Benefits
The City offers a competitive benefits package, including a generous leave package, a variety of insurance options, and non-traditional benefits such as optional pet insurance, a bus pass for all employees, and the possibility of flexible work schedules. A brief summary of benefits is listed below. Please visit our website for more information.
Leave
Vacation is earned upon starting employment and can be used after completion of probation. The general vacation schedule is below.
0-3 years 10 work days of vacation
After 3 years 12-1/2 days
After 7 years 15 days
After 11 years 17-1/2 days
After 15 years 20 days
After 19 years 25 days
After 27 years 27 days
Employees earn 3.5 personal days in addition to vacation.
Employees receive eight official paid holidays (New Years Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day), as well as 3 paid leave days (the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Years Eve).
Employees also earn 13 sick days annually that may accrue to a total of 150 days.
Retirement
The City of Madison participates in the Wisconsin Retirement System through the State of Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds.
Insurance
The City of Madison offers a variety of optional insurance programs including:
Other Benefits
The City offers numerous other benefits and programs for employees, including:
01
Do you have any experience operating CDL vehicles?
02
Do you have any experience working with a Water Distribution System?
03
Do you have any experience working with or around underground utilities (Water, Electric, Gas, Sewer, Cable, etc)?
04
Do you have any experience with the operation of hand and power tools and equipment commonly used in water system repair and maintenance?
05
Do you have any experience in excavating or working with excavating tools and equipment? (Shovels, Drain Spade, Rakes, Brooms, etc.)?
06
Do you have any experience performing site restoration or repair? i.e. concrete repair or replacement, asphalt repair or replacement, terrace/dirt/grass repair or replacement?
07
Please check what type of equipment and tools you have used in your current or previous place of employment from the list below. (check all that apply)
Required Question
Employer Madison, City of (WI)
Address 215 Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd.
MMB Rm 261
MADISON, Wisconsin, 53703
Phone (608) 266-4615