Utilities Operator I

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $26.22 - $34.22 per hour

OPENING DATE: July 17, 2026

CLOSING DATE: Continuous until filled with the first review of applications beginning July 31, 2026

REPORTS TO: UTILITY SUPERVISOR

DIRECT REPORTS: NONE

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the general supervision of the Utility Supervisor; performs and participates in semi-skilled work as related to the operations and maintenance of Municipal Utilities facilities, water production, water distribution system, sewer collection system, and performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist other personnel as directed in the operation, maintenance, and repairs of the Municipal Utilities facilities, water distribution system, and sewer collection system.
• Record readings from meters, gauges, lab data, and related controls and equipment to maintain proper pumping rates, flows, and treatment processes.
• Recognize and evaluate potential operational or mechanical problems and advise operational staff and supervisor.
• Assist the public with complaints, inquiries, and problems, and taking the appropriate actions necessary to correct them and advise the Utility Supervisor or Public Utilities Director when needed.
• Complete routine maintenance and minor repairs of storm sewers, water mains, sanitary sewers, water treatment plants, waste water lift stations, pump stations, vehicles and equipment, including general cleaning, etc.
• Assist with operation of department equipment, such as: JetVac, camera van, valve and hydrant exercise equipment.
• Respond to water main breaks; water and sewer service calls; and other emergencies as directed.
• Utility locating of all city-owned infrastructures including, but not limited to: water, sewer, storm sewer, fiber and traffic signals.
• Perform basic field tests.
• Obtain various water samples.
• Assist other city departments as directed.

PERIODIC JOB DUTIES:

• May perform other duties as assigned.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education High School Diploma or equivalent GED.
• Experience Three (3) year of combined experience in the operation and maintenance of a water distribution system, a sewer collection system, or a water treatment facility; OR possess an equivalent amount of education and experience recognized by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

SKILLS:

• Ability to work independently with intermittent direct supervision.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Effective interpersonal communication and listening skills including, but not limited to: tact, diplomacy and professionalism when dealing with members of the public and staff.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
• Problem-solving ability appropriate to the work activities.
• Ability to perform routine mathematical computations accurately.
• Ability to perform manual labor for extended periods of time often in inclement weather, confined spaces, and/or heights.
• Perform job functions adhering to safety guidelines and policies set for by the administration and/or supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of local, state and federal requirements for water treatment, water distribution, waste water collections, and storm water control.
• Knowledge of water treatment, water distribution, waste water collections and storm water processes and facilities used by utility.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Frequent requirement to lift, carry, push and pull greater than fifty (50) pounds.
• Occasionally lifts, carries or otherwise moves and positions objects weighing up to seventy-five (75) pounds.
• Typically bends, stoops and crouches on a regular basis to perform duties in all weather conditions.
• Occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens or other potentially infectious materials.
• Possible contact with potentially dangerous animals
• Periodically called during off-hours to respond to emergencies and inquiries/concerns of citizens, businesses and/or contractors.
• Periodically called during off-hours to respond to emergencies and inquiries/concerns of citizens, businesses and/or contractors.

REQUIRED SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid Iowa Drivers license
• Required to obtain a Commercial Drivers license within six (6) months of employment.
• Required to possess a Grade 1 operators certificate issued by the State of Iowa in Water Treatment, Water Distribution, and Waste Water within first year of employment.
• Within the first three (3) months of employment with the city, establish residency within an area which takes forty-five (45) minutes or less to drive to the department maintenance facility.
  

The City of Altoona retains the authority to change the job duties included in this job description at any time. The list of duties, responsibilities, knowledge, and skills is not exhaustive and various requirements are subject to possible modification as a reasonable accommodation for a qualified individual.

The successful applicant will be required to complete a background check and pass a medical examination which includes a drug and alcohol screening prior to beginning work.

The City of Altoona is located in Polk County, Iowa, about 5 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, and is home to approximately 20,000 residents. Altoona offers many large city amenities but with a small town quality and convenience. Altoona hosts beautiful recreational trails and parks, offers an abundance of shopping and restaurant opportunities, and the entertainment is renowned.

The City of Altoona is an Equal Opportunity Employer.