Water Service Maintenance
DeKalb, IL, USA
Job Summary
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JOB SUMMARY:
The Water Service Maintenance position performs general manual work on the water mains, well houses, water treatment plants, buildings and grounds, meter reading and installation, fire hydrants and all other water related maintenance work, and all other public infrastructure work and related duties, as assigned. The Water Service Maintenance position will respond to call outs for scheduled rotations and emergency calls for JULIE locates, water service customer service calls, water distribution repairs and weather-related incidents. The Water Service Maintenance position may also assist operations with snow plowing, leaf collection, street, and storm water repair, etc. as needed.
POSITION CONTEXT:The position of Water Service Maintenance is under the direct supervision of the Water Superintendent in the Water Department. This is a full-time position represented under AFSCME and will work 40 hours per week. This position will include evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency call outs as necessary.
This position is classified as an emergency response position. The position will require residency within fifteen (15) months from the completion of the probationary period. Residency requirements are required based on Employee Residency Map #2 on the collective bargaining agreement. Please click here to view the AFSCME Collective Bargaining Agreement, Wage Schedule, and Residency Map.
Application Deadline: Monday, September 21, 2026.
Essential Functions
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- Locates and reads all water meters on assigned routes traveling by both vehicle and on foot.
- Conducts special water meter readings as required.
- Installs, tests, troubleshooting and repairs of water meters.
- Determines the locations of water lines from the appropriate sources prior to excavation.
- Performs water service connections to water mains including line tapping and valve installation.
- Assists in the repair and maintenance of the water distribution system including water mains, valves and fire hydrants.
- Assists in the general maintenance of water facilities and other City locations.
- Performs required labor involved in construction and maintenance projects as part of a crew, pavement cutting, ditch digging, line cleaning, main and pipe repair, laying and backfilling.
- Isolates areas in need of repair by closing valves, assisting with the repairs and flushing mains in the repair area. Hauls dirt from work sites and restores work site to original condition.
- Inspects and/or repairs water treatment equipment, chemical pumps, pumping stations, reservoirs, wells, meters and other elements of the water supply and distribution systems at frequent intervals to ensure that all aspects of the systems are functioning properly.
- Assists in maintaining water quality by collecting water samples and maintaining proper operation of water treatment equipment as requested.
- Operates and performs inspections of water treatment plants, wells and water storage facilities to ensure consistent operations.
- Communicates and responds to customer inquiries including water leaks, water quality concerns, pressure or water loss, etc. Tests and disassembles various sizes of water meters, cleans mechanisms, repairs or replaces worn or defective parts.
- Interacts with residents and business owners in areas where service will be disrupted and provides estimation of water restoration.
- Performs water turnoffs.
- Responds to call outs for scheduled rotations and emergency calls for JULIE locates, water service customer service calls, water distribution repairs and weather-related incidents.
- Completes other public work operations tasks such as snow plowing, leaf collection, street and storm water repair and other tasks as needed.
- Maintains a variety of records (paper and computerized) relating to inspections, maintenance activities, water supply, treatment, consumption, etc.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:- Maps and diagrams water locations and logs completed jobs.
- Performs routine inspections and preventative maintenance on assigned equipment and reports defective or equipment in need of repair.
- Performs other tasks and duties as assigned.
- Knowledge of principles, practices, goals, terminology, equipment, materials and operating procedures for the maintenance and operation of modern water treatment facilities.
- Ability to exercise good judgement and make proper decisions to assure a safe, clean and adequate water supply.
- Ability to operate instruments, tools and equipment that are job related.
- Ability to provide courteous and professional customer service during field interactions with the public.
- Ability to work effectively with supervisors, staff members, elected officials, property owners, residents, contractors and the general public.
- Must have effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to understand and follow complex verbal and written instructions.
- Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and compute rates, ratios and percentages.
- Knowledge of standard safety procedures and precautions and the ability to recognize hazards and report to immediate supervisor.
- Ability and willingness to learn and expand knowledge base and take on new tasks.
- Ability to work independently and handle field assignments with minimal supervision and the ability to work with others in a team environment while exercising good judgment and initiative.
- Knowledge of computer hardware and applicable computer software utilized within municipal water operations or the ability to obtain proficiency.
- Knowledge or the ability to learn the geographic regions of the City.
- Ability to drive to and from work sites.
- Ability and willingness to respond to call outs and take action in a timely manner.
Minimum Qualifications
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Education:
- High School Diploma or equivalent required.
- Possession of a Class “B” State of Illinois Public Water Supply Operator’s Certification or the willingness to obtain desired.
- Possession of a valid CDL Class B State of Illinois permit within 60 days of hire. Ability to acquire a CDL Class B State of Illinois license within an agreed upon timeframe (estimated at 6 months from hire). Ability to obtain tanker endorsement as requested.
- Ability to obtain tanker endorsement as requested.
Experience:
- Prior experience in maintenance on water mains, well houses, water treatment plants, meter reading and installation, fire hydrants, building and grounds, street maintenance, snow removal, sewer maintenance, equipment maintenance, traffic control, airport maintenance, or other related experience preferred.
- Working knowledge of MS Office (Word and Excel) and experience with SCADA computer software or the ability to obtain proficiency.
Supplemental Information
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WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
EQUIPMENT USED:- This position will routinely work outdoors and be exposed to all types of weather conditions. While working outdoors the person in this position will routinely stand for prolonged periods of time, stoop, kneel, bend, climb, crawl or crouch to reach items and maneuver/navigate all types of terrain including uneven terrain and slippery surfaces. Work will include climbing stairs and ladders including climbing water towers up to 140 feet and climbing down an 18-foot manhole ladder. This position will also need to reach with hands and arms to load and unload trucks and balance or climb into a truck and may work in confined and awkward spaces.
- This position will maintain prolonged periods of concentration while working in the field on busy roads and in traffic, repairing water main breaks, and driving a truck during snow and ice control operations.
- The position will routinely lift, move or carry objects or tools weighing up to 75 pounds.
- Physical working conditions include exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, chemical fumes, solvents, toxic agents/chemicals, electrical currents, machinery, traffic hazards, vibrations and all types of temperature conditions.
- The position requires the ability to see close, at a distance and with a peripheral vision as well as adjust vision focus and distinguish objects and colors. The position also requires the ability to hear ordinary conversation, such as questions from residents, as well as other sounds, including the back-up alarm on trucks and other equipment, etc.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:- General office equipment including tablets, personal computers, printers and cellular phones.
- General equipment used for public works/construction purposes, including small and large maintenance vehicles, backhoe, front-end loader, mechanized broom, snowplow, bob cat, common and specialized hand and power tools and other maintenance equipment.
- Technical equipment used for the operation, maintenance and repair of potable water facilities, compressors, pumps and generators, well water treatment plant and water tower controls, electrical and water testing equipment and SCADA control systems.
- Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).
- Completes on-call rotations as scheduled. Maintains availability for phone contact and responds to call out notifications.
- Responds to weather-related events as emergency response personnel.
SELECTION PROCESS:- The selection process includes submission of an application, interview, and a background check.
- The physical examination and drug screen (including cannabis) are completed upon conditional offer.
This position has been identified as performing safety-sensitive functions through the Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and will require participation in the random drug and alcohol testing program as a condition of employment.STATEMENT OF OTHER DUTIES DISCLAIMER:
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this position. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.
The City of DeKalb is an Equal Opportunity Employer
