Water Distribution Specialist

The City of La Crosse is accepting applications for a full-time Water Distribution Specialist to become an essential member of the Water Department. It is the responsibility of the Water Department to install, operate, repair, and maintain the wells, reservoirs, water main, service connections, fire hydrants and the main pumping station within the city. The individual in this position will work with a dedicated team of employees who work together to provide quality, sufficient water for the City of La Crosse.

The purpose of this position is to be part of a crew which repairs and maintains the water distribution system, so customers have quality, sufficient water with minimal interruption. Incumbents in this class regularly operate motorized excavating, construction, and maintenance equipment. Equipment varies but includes backhoes, dump truck, and other assigned equipment. Work focuses on the operation & maintenance of the municipal water supply distribution system. This position works under the general supervision of the Assistant Superintendent of Water Distribution. Starting wage for this non-exempt position is $24.29 per hour (80 hours bi-weekly).

Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, with training in excavation, road construction, plumbing, utility work; or any combination of education and experience which provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities. A valid commercial driver's license (CDL), minimum Class B, with Tanker Endorsement, or ability to obtain CDL within 60 days in position, is required. CPR and First Aid certifications are required within one year of hire.

Benefits: The City offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical insurance, voluntary dental and vision plan, Wisconsin Retirement Plan, flexible spending account, deferred compensation, Roth IRA, life insurance, income continuation insurance, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a variety of wellness initiatives. Benefit perks: low medical plan premium costs having a $400 deductible, participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System with a 6.9% employer contribution, 10 paid holidays, ability to earn sick days and vacation time available as of date of hire.

Selected candidate is subject to background check, post-offer/pre-employment drug screen, physical and physical capacity screen. Applications received until position is filled, with an initial review of applications September 30, 2024. To be considered, submit an employment application by visiting the City of La Crosse website and clicking on City Services, then clicking Career Opportunities or by visiting .

Purpose of Position

The purpose of this position is to be part of a crew that repairs and maintains the water distribution system so that customers have quality, sufficient water with minimal interruption. This position works under the general supervision of the Water Distribution Supervisor. When working on a crew, the position works under the direction of the Water Utility Foreman.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Incumbents in this class regularly operate motorized excavating, construction and maintenance equipment. Equipment varies by department but includes backhoes, dump truck, and other assigned equipment. Work focuses on the operation & maintenance of the municipal water supply distribution system.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this classification. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Repair, maintain and install water mains, pipe joints, valves, services and branches while maintaining the quality of the water.

Perform hydrant repairs for various models in the water distribution system.

Loads and transports equipment, tools and materials used for utility repairs and maintenance.

Prepares site for excavation, including setting up barricades and other traffic control.

May install trench excavation and bracing equipment.

Operates excavating equipment, such as backhoes, skid steers and hand excavation tools to prepare sites for concrete construction, paving, utility facility installations/repairs, flood control, landscaping and other public works.

Operates a variety of public works maintenance equipment such as back hoe, dump trucks, pumps, mechanic's hand tools, shovels, rakes, power saws, pipe tapping equipment, welders, torches, air hammer, pneumatic mole, Guillotine saw, pipe freezing equipment, vac truck, pipe locator, valve turning machines, jack hammer, and other assigned equipment.

Monitors equipment operation for malfunctions. Notifies supervisory personnel regarding need for equipment repairs. Performs routine maintenance such as fueling and lubricating equipment. May assist with field repairs, or perform minor repairs to equipment in the field.

Clean work sites.

Perform preventative maintenance duties, including exercising valves, testing hydrants, making rehabilitation repairs, locating and marking appurtenances, accessing box alignments, and locating leaks.

Perform service pipe thawing to restore water service when required.

May instruct others and assist in giving direction at the job site.

Performs and records daily vehicle walk-around inspection on assigned equipment and reports needed maintenance to supervisor.

Participates in work safety training and implementation.

Participates in on-call rotation.

May be assigned to work alternative shifts as needed.

May be called out to respond to emergency repair assignments and may be required to work for extended hours beyond the normal work shift as needed to meet the needs of the utility.

Assist with tracking and recording materials and supplies used on jobs. Record maintenance and repair work to appropriate electronic and paper records. Complete required data entry clearly, accurately, and completely.

Maintains regular and predictable on-site attendance.

Additional Tasks and Responsibilities

While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this classification and may also be performed by other unit members.

Perform work of the Meter & Service Technician, or other positions as assigned.

Flags traffic at work sites.

Cleans equipment and equipment storage areas.

May assist with setting grades and taking site measurements.

May assist with locating and leak detection.

Inspect hydrants, water services, manholes, etc.

Repair and adjust water fountains.

Assist with hydrant flow tests.

Maintain policy and procedure book as municipal or state regulatory changes occur.

May assist with updating computerized databases, GIS systems, and other proprietary software.

Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

High school diploma or equivalent, with training in excavation, road construction, plumbing, utility work; or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. A valid commercial driver's license (CDL), minimum Class B, with Tanker Endorsement, or ability to obtain CDL within 30 days in position, is required. CPR and First Aid certifications are required within one year of hire.

Desirable Qualifications

Backhoe or front-end loader operation experience

Water distribution system piping and appurtenances repair and maintenance experience.

Knowledge of underground construction practices and procedures

Knowledge of construction safety principles and practices

Ability to understand basic mechanical aptitude concepts and basic plumbing.

Ability to utilize a computer or tablet, including spreadsheets, database software, GIS maps and other programs as needed.

Physical and Mental Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication

Ability to assemble, copy, record and transcribe data and information, following a prescribed plan. Ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure and/or sort data and information.

Ability to explain, demonstrate and clarify to others well-established policies, procedures and standards. Ability to follow specific instructions and respond to simple requests from others.

Ability to utilize a wide variety of descriptive data and information such as plans, blueprints, maps, GIS, records, correspondence, work schedules, equipment repair & operating manuals, time cards and safety standards.

Ability to communicate effectively with water utility personnel, Traffic Engineer, contractors, various city departments and the general public. Interpersonal and customer service skills; ability to represent the City of La Crosse and the La Crosse Water Utility positively and to interact with customers in a tactful and professional manner.

Mathematical Ability

Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide.

Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability

Ability to use functional reasoning and apply rational judgment in performing diversified work activities.

Ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory and/or judgmental criteria, as opposed to criteria which are clearly measurable.

Physical Requirements

Ability to operate equipment and machinery requiring monitoring multiple conditions and making multiple, complex and rapid adjustments, such as back hoe, dump trucks, pum