Utility Water and Sewer Maintenance Worker

Utility Field Operator Position Profile

Pay: $34.11/hr - $40.21/hr (Steps A-E, 2025 rate) depending on qualifications. 

Deadline to Apply: October 27, 2025, at 8:00 AM

Interviews: November 3, 2025 (Virtual) and November 12, 2025 (Onsite)

Pre-Employment Process: Mid-Late November 2025

Expected Start Date: Early December 2025

Details

• Full-Time, Non-Exempt
• Benefit Eligible Date of Hire
• Eligible for additional premium pay (seasonal disruption pay for participating in snow-clearing operations, snowplow on-call pager pay, and utility on-call pager pay) per the Local 49 union contract.
• Reports to Utility Field Operations Supervisor
• Located at Water Treatment Plant (14100 Technology Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55344)
• Typical hours are 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Hours may vary based on business need.

Responsibilities

The Utility Field Operator is responsible for maintaining water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer infrastructure systems in the community. The primary position responsibilities and areas of impact are:

• Leads projects as directed; acts as a mentor to new employees; provides on-the-job training to seasonal staffing and monitors their performance as required.
• Demonstrates strong mechanical aptitude to perform a variety of maintenance activities using hand tools, power tools, and heavy equipment including pickups, dump trucks, sewer suction and jetting trucks, skid steer loaders, backhoes, chain saws, chop saws, large air compressors and assorted air tools.
• Develops and applies specialized skills to the division needs in such areas as carpentry, welding, repair of equipment and infrastructure assets; provides training in specialized skills to co-workers and seasonal staff; looks for opportunities to develop and use technical knowledge to support the efficiency and effectiveness of utility operations.
• Reads and understands the daily use of utility maps and construction drawings, performs division record keeping functions, and utilizes computer technology to assist in these activities.
• Performs daily preventive maintenance and pre-trip DOT inspections on vehicles and equipment.
• Participates in Public Works snow-clearing operations as a snowplow route driver.
  
  

While these areas are the primary focus of this position, we believe strongly in teamwork and employees will be called upon to perform a variety of duties as a part of their role with the City.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) required; Associate’s degree or two-year technical degree preferred; must obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-Class A) with air brakes and tanker endorsement within first 11 months of employment; State of Minnesota Water System Operator Class D certification and State of Minnesota Wastewater System Operator Class S-D required within 18 months of employment; Erosion and Stormwater Management Construction Installer Certification is required within 12 months of employment; Water System Operator Class C and Wastewater System Class S-C certifications are required within 39 months from date of hire; Completion of Water Utility Treatment and Technology courses in Water Distribution (40 hours) and Wastewater Collection (40 hours) will be required of candidates with limited experience as determined by the needs of the division.
• Six months of experience preferred in utility operations, educational program or a related field performing similar work tasks or three months of utility field operations employment with the City of Eden Prairie. Work experience must be within the last five years. Previous experience with heavy equipment operation preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and basic knowledge of computer technology preferred.
• Occasionally exertion of force in excess of 50 and/or up to 100 pounds to move objects or equipment accessories is required. Must be able to exert 20-50 pounds of force frequently to move objects. Must be willing and able to climb ladders in excess of 120 feet and descend into and work inside confined spaces multiple times a day.
• Most work is performed in a field environment involving working inside and outside of vehicles and in confined spaces.  Seasonal conditions can include excessive heat or cold.  Conditions can include working in wet, muddy, slippery or dusty and windy conditions. At these times there may be intermittent exposure to very disagreeable working conditions. Some assignments involve exposure to odors and toxic gases, such as from solid waste or untreated sewage. There is often exposure to traffic and moving equipment. There is considerable attention to detail when handling equipment in tight quarters or around people.
• Candidates must successfully complete and pass the City’s evaluation of the pre-employment process prior to their first day of employment. Pre-employment processes for this position includes a pre-employment physical, drug and alcohol test, professional reference checks, background check, driver’s license check, CDL process, work verification and education verification if applicable.  Must maintain an excellent driving record and a valid Minnesota Driver’s License.

Skills

• Accountability: Follows through on commitments. Focuses on appropriate tasks throughout the shift. Is prepared and punctual to all scheduled shifts. Actions and words are in sync. Follows all policies and procedures. Take responsibility for actions. Shares the right information. Maintains confidentiality.
• Attention to Detail: Produces work that includes minimal errors. Spends the necessary time to review work. Ensures high quality and best product is delivered.
• Organization: Able to keep activities, responsibilities, and tasks moving along to achieve results in a timely manner. Keeps things neat and orderly. Utilizes tools for efficiency. Plans ahead according to the task/project/work deadlines.
• Planning: Thinks ahead to determine how long a task or project is expected to take. Lays out tasks ahead of time to accomplish the goal. Breaks down work in process steps. Considers who and what will impact others.
• Process Management: Knows how to get things done within an organization. Understands who to partner with to maximize efficiency. Establishes and utilizes checklists and tools to ensure consistency when completing tasks. Can simplify a process so the least number of steps are completed while still producing a high-quality product. Informs others of the established process so impacting areas are working together.
• Technical Learning: Consistently achieves the technical knowledge necessary to be effective. Stays up to date with laws, statutes, industry standards, organization, and product information. Able to learn and apply knowledge to work. Utilizes technology to achieve goals/results.

Our Values

We are a service organization. We take pride in what we do. We cultivate a supportive, encouraging and productive culture with a strong customer focus. We promote wellness and plan work/life balance into our goals. We value differences and foster inclusion. We achieve success by exhibiting our core values: collaboration, innovation, integrity, performance, and relationships.