Water Distribution Operator

Water Distribution Operator

Salary: $23.93 - $35.90 Hourly Location: Avondale, AZ Job Type: Full Time Department: Public Works Opening Date: 03/09/2026 Closing Date: 3/22/2026 5:00 PM Arizona FLSA: Non-Exempt

Description Benefits Questions

Job Description The Water Distribution Operator performs a variety of daily tasks to operate, maintain, and repair the Citys water distribution system. Work includes preventative and reactive O&M activities to ensure reliable system operation. Daily work tasks include repairs, replacements, and evaluation of the water mains, valves, hydrants, service lines, water meters, air release valves, blow-off valves, and other system appurtenances.

Under the direct supervision of the Water Distribution Supervisor, the Water Distribution Operator also performs system manipulations, system shutdowns, customer service investigations, and assists with other divisional tasks, including utility locating and marking and various water meter service activities.

The Water Distribution Operator is responsible for responding to emergencies and is required to participate in the on-call program, responding to after-hours callbacks on a rotating schedule as needed. Work may be performed independently or in small teams.

Essential Functions

• Performs predictive, preventative, and reactive operation and maintenance activities on the Citys domestic water system, including valve exercising, valve maintenance, hydrant maintenance, hydrant flushing, customer service investigations, and more.
• Repairs main breaks, isolates broken mains, sets up traffic control, and operates equipment such as backhoes, combination jet/vacuum trucks, ditch witch units, dump trucks, utility service trucks, jackhammers, underground piercing units, pneumatic and electric power tools, and other equipment for distribution system repair.
• Repairs and/or replaces water service lines, water valves, valve boxes, air release valves, blow-offs, pressure reducing valves, fire hydrants, and other system appurtenances.
• Communicates planned and unplanned interruptions in water service to customers.
• Ensures work areas are clean and hazard-free after completion of each assignment.
• Utilizes the Citys CMMS software on a daily basis to accurately record and reflect proper equipment, labor, and asset utilization for each assignment.
• Investigates customer complaints related to water service, such as low or high water pressure, water quality, air entrainment, system leaks, and more.
• Participates in the rotational on-call program and responds to emergency callbacks as required.
• Follows all standard operating procedures (SOP) and job hazard analysis (JHA) for distribution operations and maintenance.
• Safely performs work and utilizes required safety equipment (PPE) as required.
• Occasionally enters confined spaces by safely following OSHA safety regulations.
• Performs other duties as required, including occasional chlorine residual testing, leak detection, and emergency system marking as required by Arizona811.
• May be called upon to assist other divisions within the Department and performs other duties as required.

To view the full job description and learn more about the responsibilities and qualifications, please click to view the Class Specification here.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalency is required.
• Work requires a knowledge or interest in basic mechanical and/or repair processes. Knowledge obtained through a vocational school or technical college is preferred.
• One (1) year of experience in operating and maintaining a water distribution system, operating heavy equipment, and/or experience in a construction-related field is required.
• An equivalent combination of education and job-related experience may be considered on a year-for-year basis.
• Must possess an Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Water Distribution Operator Grade I Certification or be able to obtain the Certification within six (6) months of hire, and must be able to maintain certification for the duration of employment.
• Must possess an Arizona Class A CDL upon hire and must be able to obtain a tanker endorsement within six (6) months of hire and maintain the license for the duration of employment.

The City of Avondale offers a comprehensive benefits package with outstanding health and wellness benefits, financial perks, work-life balance, and more. Explore our Employee Benefit Highlights and Benefits Guide for full details!

For additional information, visit our website.

Application Questions 01 Select from the options below your highest level of completed education.

• Not completed
• High school or GED
• Associates or Vocational Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or higher

02 How many years of experience do you have in operating and maintaining a water distribution system, operating heavy equipment, and/or experience in a construction-related field?

• No experience
• 0 - 11 months
• 1 year
• 2 years
• 3 years
• 4 years
• 5 or more years

03 This position requires an Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Water Distribution Operator Grade I Certification to be obtained within six (6) months of hire. Please indicate which of the following best describes your certification status:

• I currently possess a valid ADEQ Water Distribution Operator Grade I or higher certification
• I do not have the certification, but I am willing and able to obtain it within six (6) months of hire
• N/A - I am unable to obtain the certification

04 This position requires a valid Arizona Class A Commercial Drivers License (CDL) by the time of hire. Please indicate which of the following best describes your current CDL Licensing status:

• A valid Arizona Class A Commercial Drivers License
• A valid Arizona Class A Commercial Drivers permit, and will be able to obtain a full Class A CDL by the time of hire
• A valid out-of-state Commercial Drivers License that is transferable to a valid Arizona Class A CDL by the time of hire
• N/A - I do not have a Commercial Drivers License

05 This position requires a valid Arizona tanker endorsement to be obtained within six (6) months of hire. Please indicate which of the following best describes your current tanker endorsement status:

• I currently possess a tanker endorsement
• I do not currently possess a tanker endorsement, but I am willing and able to obtain it within six (6) months of hire
• N/A - I do not have a Commercial Drivers License

Required Question Employer: City of Avondale Address: 11465 Civic Center Dr. Human Resources Department, Avondale, Arizona, 85323 Phone: 623-333-2200 Website: http://www.avondaleaz.gov/careers