Utility Field Operator I

Utility Field Operator I

Salary

$56,566.00 - $67,863.00 Annually

Location

1900 Oak Industrial Dr NE Grand Rapids, MI

Job Type

Permanent

Job Number

332-0726

Department

Water

Opening Date

07/09/2026

Closing Date

7/20/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Nature of Work

This is a semi-skilled technical training position designed to develop the necessary knowledge and skills required in the installation, repair, operation, and maintenance of a water distribution system as well as the sanitary and storm sewer system. Work is to be accomplished under direct and indirect supervision.

Employees in this position will perform general laboring work requiring the use of existing skills or knowledge acquired from training on the job. As training progresses, employees in this class are expected to use increased judgment and acquired skills in selecting methods, tools and materials for work assignments. Employees will be required to successfully complete the necessary special requirements of the position during the 6 month probationary period as well as demonstrate successful completion of the tested progression program of the Utility Field Operator II classification within 2 years of entering this classification.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Performs skilled and semi-skilled work in the construction, installation, repair and maintenance of water distribution system mains, service lines, and related facilities and equipment; performs skilled and semi-skilled work in the construction, installation, repair and maintenance of wastewater collection system and storm water collection system mains, lines and related facilities and equipment.
• Performs excavation, backfilling and compaction of trenches using hand and power tools on various water distribution system, sanitary sewer system and storm sewer collection system projects; exposes mains and lines following safe dig practices and shutdown procedures; performs taps of water mains under pressure or following main shut downs; installs safety devices in trenches, manholes and streets to prevent cave-ins and protect workers; assists in the cutting of mains, lines and pipes utilizing saws, pipe cutters, torches and other tools.
• Performs routine inspection, maintenance, and repair of infrastructure assets such as fire hydrants, distribution valves, structures, easements, equipment, and other related appurtenances.
• Flushes and disinfects water lines; tests and chlorinates, and collects water samples.
• Locates utility infrastructure for water distribution, storm water collection and wastewater collection mains, services, valves and related facilities, includes staking and marking of buried and visible utility infrastructure.
• Operates heavy motorized equipment such as repair trucks, dump trucks, backhoes, excavators, cranes, repair vans and other such construction equipment; operates and uses a wide variety of hand and power tools.
• Performs assigned duties in confined spaces and utilizes departmental safety equipment, policies and procedures.
• Uses computer and associated software to complete work orders and research data regarding the collection and distribution systems; uses computer to complete and document various jobs and work orders.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Training and Experience

Required Education

• High school diploma or equivalency

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Michigan driver's license
• Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with an "N" endorsement or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of appointment

Other Special Requirement (within 180 days of appointment)

Certification from the successful completion of the following two Sacramento State College programs:

• Water Distribution System Operation and Maintenance
• Operation and Maintenance of Wastewater Collection System, Vol. 1

Other Information

We Offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day 1
• 6% employee 401a contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% based on bargaining unit)
• Employee & Employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Account
• Voluntary benefits such as term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan options
• Twelve Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Paid Parking (if applicable)
• Employee Home Ownership Incentive
• Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling
• Comprehensive Wellness program with a health and wellness incentive
• Employee Discounts and Perks

Should an applicant need any disability related accommodation or other consideration in the application or selection process, please notify the human resources department upon submittal of application

The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Please Note:

This position is subject to the provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement and all relevant civil service rules. For additional information, links to union agreement and Civil Service Rules are provided below.

Collective Bargaining Agreements

Civil Service Rules

City of Grand Rapids Employee Benefits Webpage

01

Do you possess a high school diploma (or GED equivalency)?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess experience in utility installation, repair, operation, and/or maintenance?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess a Michigan drivers license, or a drivers license from another State, that can be transferred to Michigan upon employment?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you possess a Class A Commercial Driver's License with an "N" endorsement or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of appointment?

• I possess a Class A Commercial Driver's License with an "N" endorsement
• I possess the ability to obtain a Class A Commercial Driver's License with an "N" endorsement within 90 days of appointment
• None/Not Applicable

Required Question

Employer City of Grand Rapids

Address 300 Monroe Ave, NW

8th Floor, Room 880

Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503-2206

Phone (616) 456-3176

Website http://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/jobs/human-resources-Department