What are the responsibilities and job description for the Water Distribution Technician - 955 position at City of Columbia, MO?
The purpose of this job is to perform skilled technical work in leak detection, metering, building water connections and backflow prevention programs. Performs skilled work in installation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution infrastructure. Provides customer service for water service issues.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities - The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description
- Operates computerized equipment and ultrasonic listening devices to locate water utilities, survey and pinpoint leaks in the water distribution system.
- Documents work performed.
- Installs, replaces, and performs diagnostic tests on various sizes of water meters and endpoints.
- Performs inspections for compliance and approval of Building Water Connection.
- Monitors and investigates cross connection/backflow assembly inspections for compliance and reporting to Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
- Receives and responds to service calls and provides emergency maintenance and repairs to water distribution infrastructure.
- Performs customer notifications for disconnects/reconnects, outages and private leaks.
- Investigates customer calls and determines corrective action needed to remedy problems.
- Provides high levels of effective customer service.
- Operates hand and power tools, machines, heavy equipment and commercial vehicles.
- Collects and performs field analysis of water samples to determine source.
- Utilizes a computer or electronic device in a mobile environment to retrieve, collect and disseminate data using work orders and GIS system applications.
- Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Job has no responsibility for the direction or supervision of others.
Human Collaboration and Job Impact - This area describes the personal interaction with others outside direct reporting relationships as well as the impact the job has on organization, the department or unit objectives, the output of services, or employee or public satisfaction
- Work requires regular interaction involving exchange and receipt of information.
- Interactions have significant impact on the organization in terms of time, money, or public/employee relations.
Fiscal Responsibility
- Position has no fiscal responsibility.
Education and Experience - An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered
Education and Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- 3 to 5 years’ experience in water distribution operations.
Licenses or Certifications
- Water Distribution System Operator DS III level certification issued by Missouri State Department of Natural Resources within six months of hire.
- Missouri Certified Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester license within six months of hire.
- Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License with no air brake restriction.
- Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certification.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities which may be representative, but not all-inclusive of those commonly associated with this position
Knowledge of:
- Water main repair and installation.
- Standard practices, methods, materials, tools, and equipment of building trades.
- State and federal drinking water regulations.
- Traffic Safety, Competent Person, Confined Space Entry, Trenching and Shoring, and OSHA practices and guidelines.
- State and federal regulations and standards pertaining to cross connection/backflow.
Skill in:
- Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature.
- Operating motorized equipment, including construction equipment, and hand/power tools.
- Communicating verbally and in writing to meet the needs of the audience.
- Applying active listening and asking questions for understanding.
- Developing and maintaining effective work relationships.
- Typing and/or data entry with minimal errors.
Ability to:
- Work from blueprints, plans, and sketches.
- Use and maintain hand and power tools and equipment.
- Read and interpret written and verbal instructions.
- Provide high levels of effective customer service.
- Use software and field laptops.
- Work independently with minimal supervision.
- Calculate chemical dosages, water volume, and flow rates for proper disinfection of water mains.
- Focus on tasks.
- Use MO1Call system to request emergency and routine locate tickets.
- Work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
- Ability to work on-call and respond at all hours of the day/night.
- Perform heavy physical labor.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
- Required to maintain a telephone and permanent residence within 50 road miles of City Hall, 701 E. Broadway, Columbia, MO, within 90 days of hire.
Work Environment – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job
Work Environment
- Outdoor environment –Frequently/Often
- Street environment (near moving traffic) – Frequently/Often
- Construction site – Frequently/Often
- Confined space – Sometimes
- Vehicle – Frequently/Often
- Shop environment – Sometimes
- Right of way environment – Frequently/Often
Exposures
- Individuals who are hostile or irate – Sometimes
- Extreme cold (below 32 degrees) – Frequently/Often
- Extreme heat (above 100 degrees) – Frequently/Often
- Moving mechanical parts – Sometimes
- Fumes or airborne particles – Sometimes
- Toxic or caustic chemicals/substances – Sometimes
- Loud noises (85 decibels) -Frequently/Often
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- This position involves frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards and majority of work is performed outside or with exposure to risk.
- Incumbents may be required to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.
- Incumbents required to feel attributes of objects, grasp, push, stand, walk, drive, reach with hands/arms, stoop, kneel, climb/balance, operate mechanical equipment, and move up and down from/to sitting position on the floor.
Hours/Days
Monday-Friday 7:00 A.M.-3:30 P.M.
Starting Salary
$23.26/hr-$28.08/hr; commensurate with training and experience
Pay Grade
107
Number of Positions Available
2
Deadline to Apply
11/25/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Required to maintain a telephone and permanent residence within 50 road miles of City Hall, 701 E. Broadway, Columbia, MO, within 90 days of hire.
Notice to Applicants
Individuals needing accommodation to apply may call 573.874.CITY (2489)
TTY: 711 (MO RELAY)
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA IS A MERIT, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: MALE / FEMALE
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA REQUIRES PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTING
The City of Columbia participates in the federal E-Verify work authorization program
TTY: 711 (MO RELAY)
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA IS A MERIT, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: MALE / FEMALE
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA REQUIRES PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTING
The City of Columbia participates in the federal E-Verify work authorization program
Salary : $23 - $28