Location: Missoula,MT, USA
Are you an experienced heavy equipment operator with a passion for ensuring safe, efficient water utility systems? We are seeking a skilled and dedicated Water Equipment Operator to join a dynamic team in performing essential water system installations, maintenance, and repairs. In this hands-on role, you'll operate a variety of heavy equipment, manage daily operations, and collaborate with engineers and contractors to maintain and enhance the water utility infrastructure.
If you have a strong background in utility construction, safety compliance, and heavy equipment operation, we want you on our team to help deliver high-quality service to our community. Apply now to take the next step in your career and make a difference in the development and sustainability of our local water systems!
Screening of applications will begin on Thursday, January 16, 2025. Applicants applying on or after this date will only be considered if a competitive applicant pool is not received.
To Apply: All applicants must submit the City of Missoula Application.
Resumes will not be reviewed. All details should be entered on the application.
The full range for the position is $28.44 - $33.13/hour and will increase each year for longevity and cost of living adjustments.
* Operate various pieces of heavy equipment to perform daily tasks, such as: replacing, repairing, or installing new water service and main lines, curb boxes, valves, hydrants, etc.
* Lead a crew to perform daily tasks; establish task priorities, assign work, and monitor progress; develop work plans.
* Prepare bids for projects with accuracy and present bids in a professional manner; conduct research on material prices and permitting costs; coordinate vendors and suppliers.
* Provide support in managing projects, coordinating activities with various other teams, departments, etc., and collaborate with engineers and/or contractors to facilitate efficient, effective, and professional operations.
* Inform the development and implementation of standard operating procedures and safety programs related to excavation work.
* Work with employees to ensure safe operation of equipment and safety training of employees; act as the point person for work site safety including, overseeing traffic control flagging duties on the work site, etc.
* Provide support to ensure compliance with traffic safety regulations, and building and installation codes, including appropriate depths, elevations, pressures, construction methods, and materials for modifications to work plans.
* Assist the Distribution team in the installation of water taps, the repair and replacement of water mains, operation and inspection of main valves and fire hydrants, and the location and marking of City utilities.
* Provide support in the review of utility construction plans to ensure compliance and adherence to water quality standards and compatibility with existing systems.
* Assist in the maintenance of inspection and activity logs.
* Effectively provide customer service during customer field appointments and other public interactions.
* Provide input specific to project budget needs to assist the supervisor in the preparation of operating and capital budgets.
* Perform other duties, as assigned.
* Knowledge of utility construction methods, practices, and techniques, including stages when violations and defects may be easily observed and corrected.
* Knowledge of water meter and water tap installation, replacement, and inspection techniques.
* Knowledge of, and ability to promote, department safety programs, City safety policies, Montana Safety Culture Act and OSHA standards and guidelines, including utility inspection safety procedures and practices.
* Knowledge of the Uniform Building Code, the Missoula Municipal Code, the Montana Public Works Standards, and the Missoula Public Works Standards and Specifications Manual.
* Knowledge of the OSHA Excavation standard 1926 Subpart P.
* Knowledge of basic equipment maintenance and inspections including pre-operation and safety Inspections.
* Knowledge of the locate system and markings.
* Knowledge of safe rigging.
* Knowledge of equipment trailering and tie-down requirements.
* Skill in reading and understanding blueprints and construction plans.
* Skill in operating office equipment, various computer software and databases, including Microsoft 365, GPS & GIS software, etc., and the ability to learn job-specific applications and equipment.
* Skill in communicating, in person and writing, with the proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals.
* Ability to lead and train staff in safety protocols and various other job-specific areas.
* Ability to adapt to challenges quickly, efficiently, and safely, including assuming a leadership role in emergency situations.
* Ability to resolve conflicts with facilitating outcomes while maintaining a calm demeanor.
* Ability to learn and interpret departmental and City of Missoula practices, procedures, and various other complex laws and regulations.
Working Conditions:
* Position requires the ability to lift 50 lbs. or less.
* Work environment may include exposure to occupational hazards, chemicals, biohazards, construction hazards, and physical risks, including uneven terrain, adverse weather, loud noises, and working in confined spaces or open trenches, which require following basic safety precautions.
* Duties may require the ability to drive and get in-and-out of vehicles repeatedly.
* Position requires on-call and/or overtime shifts, as needed.
* Any combination of education and experience equivalent to two (2) years of water operator, underground utility experience, or another relevant field, and four (4) years of heavy equipment operation experience.
* Must have a valid State of Montana Commercial Driver's License (CDL), or the ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
* Must have a valid Montana driver's license with a verified acceptable driving record, or the ability to
* obtain within 60 days of hire.
* Must have a State of Montana 2B Water Distribution Operator certification, at a minimum, or the ability to obtain within one (1) year of hire.
* Must complete OSHA Excavation, Trenching and Soil Mechanics, Managing Excavating/Trenching Operations and Confined Space Trainings in first year of employment and refresh training as necessary.
* Flagging and Traffic Control Technician Certification within first six (6) months of hire.
As of January 6, 2020, employers of CDL drivers must query the Clearinghouse to verify that a current or prospective driver is not prohibited from operating CMVs or performing other safety sensitive functions. CDL Drivers must now be registered with the FMCSA Clearinghouse. For more information, please visit the website at