EagleJobs

Job Description

The Utility Operator plays a key role in ensuring accurate billing and reliable water service by reading meters, turning water on and off, making minor repairs, and responding to customer concerns, including high bills. The position combines technical and customer service work, such as checking for leaks and maintaining equipment. It requires strong teamwork, attention to safety and quality, and the ability to work independently. This is an outdoor job performed year-round in all types of weather, from extreme heat to freezing cold.

Due to the specialized nature of the equipment, many of the job functions are learned through on-the-job training, including operation of meter reading functions and equipment.

Final candidates will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen and a background check which includes a review of criminal records, driving records, and professional job references as a condition of hire.

Key Responsibilities:
• Maintain, repair and replace water meters, gaskets, frost plates, and related components across the city’s water system.
• Walk or drive assigned routes to read residential and commercial water meters and record usage.
• Enter meter readings into the computer system using handheld or other meter-reading devices.
• Locate meters, open and clean lids, and remove water from meter boxes using a hand or electric pump, or other tools as needed.
• Report leaks, broken or unsafe lids, overgrown weeds, vehicles on meters, and any other hazards or obstructions to a supervisor.
• Maintain, repair, and keep track of Water Department equipment, buildings, and grounds.
• Respond to service requests such as turning water on or off, checking for leaks and water pressure issues, or investigating irrigation issues promptly and professionally.
• Communicate and coordinate with supervisors, coworkers and other departments to improve overall operations and efficiency.
• Address citizen questions politely and in a timely manner.
• Complete inventory and maintenance tracking slips.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:
• Traffic hazards and traffic safety principles, practices and procedures
• Twin Falls geography, including streets and business locations
• Computer systems and commonly used software
• Basic math calculations
• Customer service principles and public interaction best practices

Ability to:
• Work in a variety of environments and handle encounters with animals like snakes, dogs, mice, spiders, and insects, as well as unexpected field situations.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with the public, respond to questions, and maintain good customer relationships
• Read maps, locate water lines and meters, and take accurate meter readings.
• Plan and organize work independently and with a team.
• Perform basic math accurately and efficiently.
• Use hand tools like pumps, metal detectors, and shovels.
• Work flexible or irregular hours as needed.
• Collaborate effectively with coworkers and supervisors.
• Follow verbal and written instructions, policies, and procedures.
• Make sound decisions based on established rules and regulations.
• Manage multiple tasks accurately and quickly under pressure.
• Operate computers and related software.
• Demonstrate integrity, creativity, and strong problem-solving skills.

Education:
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent (required)

Experience:
• Any combination of experience and training that provides the knowledge and skills needed to perform the work.

Special Qualifications:
• Valid Idaho Driver’s License (required)
• Class I Idaho Water Operators License (required within first year of employment)

Essential Physical Abilities:
• Must be able to speak and hear clearly enough to communicate effectively.
• Good vision to install water system parts and read written materials.
• Manual dexterity to drive a vehicle, and operate tools, computers or other equipment.
• Physically able to move around easily and lift up to 80 pounds.

Benefits

The City of Twin Falls offers a comprehensive benefits package, including the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI), vacation and sick leave accrued bi-weekly, 12 paid holidays, paid long-term disability and life insurance, tuition reimbursement, a wellness program, medical and dental insurance, and much more.