Public Works Utility Worker
The City of Wahpeton is accepting applications for the full-time position of Utility Worker. Applicant must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and a valid driver’s license with the ability to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver’s License. Candidates must have two or more years of experience in streets, water or sewer maintenance, construction, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Applicants must be able to operate equipment, perform water/sewer distribution maintenance, and read/interpret plans to perform utility locates.
Starting salary ranges from $50,000 to $58,333 ($24.04 - $28.04 per hour), dependent upon experience. Excellent benefit package: retirement plan with employer match, health insurance, dental, vision, life and more. Application and a job description are available at www.wahpeton.com, by calling (701) 642-8448 or by stopping by City Hall at 1900 4th Street North in Wahpeton.
Submit a resume and completed application by 5:00 PM on September 24, 2026, to: [email protected].
The City of Wahpeton is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Utility Worker
Status: Non-exempt
Salary Range: 12
JOB SUMMARY
Works under the general supervision of the Sewer/Water Foreman to perform skilled work in providing a variety of Public Works Department functions including water distribution system maintenance, sewer collection system maintenance, lift station maintenance, wastewater treatment facility operation, street maintenance and other duties as assigned.
As a disaster service worker, this position is subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned by superiors and subject to mandatory emergency call out.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may arise and may be assigned as necessary. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
Maintains and repairs the gravity sanitary sewer collection system and the sewer pumping system, including force mains, pumps, valves, electrical and control systems. Performs periodic sewer and manhole cleaning, manhole repairs, and lift stations repairs.
Maintains and repairs the wastewater treatment system, including lagoon aeration system, dikes, piping, and grounds.
Maintains and repairs the water distribution system, including water mains, valves, fire hydrants, and appurtenances.
Operates equipment such as single and tandem axle dump truck, front end loader, sewer jetter, sewer steamer, and mower in a variety of maintenance and repair operations.
Operates a variety of manually operated auxiliary equipment such as air hammers, compacter rollers and tampers, engine-driven portable pumps, and lift station hoists in conjunction with various construction and maintenance functions.
Assists Sewer/Water Foreman with periodic sampling of discharges from the wastewater treatment system to demonstrate compliance with the City’s NDPDES permit.
Inspects water and sewer main taps and performs inspections of water and sewer service line installations from the mains to within 5 ft of buildings. Prepares records of new and replacement water and sewer service lines.
Provides locates of City’s water and sewer mains in response to ND One-Call notifications and locates of private water and sewer lines within public right-of-way. Respond to ND One-Call Positive Response requests.
Responds to service requests and investigates complaints related to water distribution and sewer collection.
Ability to interpret engineering drawing and maps, ability to operate personal computers, laptops or tablets. Ability to operate and interpret Supervisory Control Acquisition Data System for the Sanitary Lift Stations and Storm water Pumping Stations.
AUXILIARY JOB FUNCTIONS
Operates equipment for snow removal and ice control operations under general direction of the Public Works Superintendent.
Performs 24-hour On-Call duty for public works emergencies for one week every two months on rotating basis with Street Department staff. Responds to off-hours water and sewer service emergencies in support of assigned On-Call person as directed.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job satisfactorily, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION
High school graduate or equivalent and two years of experience in streets, water or sewer maintenance or construction, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Ability to read and understand operation and direction of machinery, safety regulations, etc. Ability to understand and carry out routine oral and written instructions. Possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and understand operation and direction of machinery, safety regulations, etc. Ability to understand and carry out routine oral and written instructions. Possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to apply mathematical calculations to various job functions, such as volume of required construction materials for maintenance activities.
OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and specifications. Ability to prepare reports and keep records. Working knowledge of common hazards and safety precautions. Ability to work at great heights, outdoor conditions, and work with repetitive movements and work with loud noises and breathe odors.
LICENSES REQUIREMENTS
Valid North Dakota driver’s license, Class B Commercial Drivers License (CDL) within 6 months of employment date. North Dakota Class IA Water Distribution Operator and Class IA Wastewater Collection Operator licenses within 6 months of employment date. North Dakota Class II Water Distribution Operator, and Class II Wastewater Collection Operator licenses or ability to obtain the licenses within the criteria established by the ND Department of Health.
PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL DEMANDS
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 the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee must on occasion lift 50 lbs, sit for extended periods of time during snow removal operations, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, reach and balance. Must be able to use arms, hands and fingers.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $24.04 - $28.04 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Shift:
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
