Water Distribution Technician- Water Utilities Specialist

Water Distribution Technician (Water Utilities Specialist) Local 955 Come Work for the City That Works for You. City of Columbia, Missouri Full-Time | $23.26 $28.35 per Hour + Outstanding Benefits | Utilities Department Posting Number: 4271P Department: Utilities Division: Water Distribution Job Code: 02312 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Union Affiliation: Local 955 Pay Grade: 107 Openings: 2 Positions Available Application Deadline: August 11, 2026 Work Schedule: Monday-Friday | 7:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m. Help Deliver Safe, Reliable Water to an Entire Community The City of Columbia Utilities Department is seeking experienced Water Distribution Technicians to help maintain, protect, and improve the water distribution system that serves thousands of homes, businesses, schools, and public facilities throughout our community. This is an outstanding opportunity for skilled utility professionals who enjoy solving technical challenges, working outdoors, operating specialized equipment, and making a meaningful difference every day. From locating underground water leaks using advanced technology to installing meters, protecting drinking water through backflow prevention, and responding to customer service needs, you'll play a vital role in delivering one of our community's most essential public services. Why Join the City of Columbia? Competitive hourly pay from $23.26 to $28.35 based on experience and qualifications Outstanding employee benefits include: Medical, dental, and vision insurance Missouri public retirement benefits Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave Life insurance options Employee Assistance Program Stable full-time municipal employment Union representation through Local 955 Professional certifications and career development opportunities Opportunities for overtime and advancement Meaningful work serving the Columbia community What You'll Do Use advanced computerized leak detection equipment and ultrasonic technology to locate underground water leaks Install, replace, inspect, and troubleshoot residential and commercial water meters Perform building water connection inspections to ensure compliance with City standards Administer and support the City's cross-connection and backflow prevention program Respond to water service calls, emergency repairs, outages, and customer concerns Investigate water service issues and determine appropriate corrective actions Collect water samples and perform field analysis Operate heavy equipment, commercial vehicles, hand tools, and specialized utility equipment Utilize GIS mapping, electronic work orders, and mobile technology to document field activities Provide outstanding customer service while working directly with homeowners, contractors, and businesses Support the maintenance and reliability of Columbia's public water infrastructure Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent Three to five years of experience in water distribution operations or a closely related utility field Required Licenses & Certifications Valid Missouri Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with no air brake restriction Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certification Missouri Water Distribution System Operator DS III Certification within six months of hire Missouri Certified Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester certification within six months of hire The Ideal Candidate Has experience with municipal water systems and underground utility infrastructure Enjoys solving technical problems in the field Has experience operating heavy equipment and specialized utility tools Provides exceptional customer service Works safely and independently with minimal supervision Communicates effectively with coworkers, contractors, and the public Takes pride in protecting public health through safe drinking water Why This Position Matters Every day, Columbia residents depend on safe, reliable drinking water. As a Water Distribution Technician, you'll help protect public health, conserve water resources, maintain critical infrastructure, and ensure dependable service for homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, and public facilities throughout our community. Your work directly impacts the quality of life for thousands of people every day. Career Growth Opportunities The City of Columbia Utilities Department offers opportunities to expand your technical expertise, earn industry certifications, and advance within municipal utility operations. This position is an excellent opportunity for experienced utility professionals seeking a stable career with outstanding benefits and long-term advancement potential. Additional Requirement Utilities Department employees are required to maintain a permanent residence and telephone within 50 road miles of Columbia City Hall within 90 days of hire to support emergency response operations. Participation in an on-call rotation is required to respond to emergency water system needs. Salary/Compensation: $23.26 - $28.35 per hour #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Columbia MO- HR