Job Title: Distribution Operator Trainee
Department: Water/Utilities
Salary: $39,026
Full-Time w/benefits
Reports To: Water Department Manager FLSA Classification: Full Time, Exempt
Date Revised: March 2026 Department: Water/Utilities
Position Summary
The Distribution Operator Trainee is responsible for installing, testing, maintaining and repairing the water distribution system components, and performing related technical work as required. This position works according to set procedures under close supervision.
Position Responsibilities – Essential Job Functions
To ensure the greatest possible protection for employees in the workplace, the City of Anderson requires cooperative efforts of all employees with help in establishing and maintaining a safe and healthful work environment.
The City of Anderson requires that PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) be used by employees whenever workplace hazards are discovered that could damage any part of the body. In addition, the City of Anderson requires all employees to wear PPE, such as but not limited to safety glasses, face shields, safety shoes, hearing protection (ear plugs/earmuffs), gloves, etc. as required by their job duties. PPE is to be used as a tool to eliminate and/or reduce the hazards employees face in their daily job duties.
PPE is not to be used and will not be used as a substitute for safe work practices, machine guards, or other controls designed by equipment manufacturers or other engineering sources. PPE is to be used in conjunction with these controls to increase employee protection.
Distribution Operator Trainee (Water/Utilities) – responsible for installing, testing, maintaining and repairing water distribution system components and to perform related technical work as required.
Department Specific Job Functions:
The tasks listed below are those that represent a majority of the time spent working in this job description. Management may assign additional tasks related to the type of work of Line Technicians as necessary.
Distribution Operator Trainee (Water/Utilities):
- Carries out daily assignments involving the installation, maintenance and repair of water system components.
- Flushes fire hydrants and water lines.
- Assists in installing, maintaining, repairing and/or replacing water meters.
- Operates a wide variety of heavy and light construction/specialized equipment to perform such duties as digging, craning heavy objects, backfilling ditches, grading, clearing, probing for utilities lines, tamping ditches, bolting valves and fittings together, etc.
- Repairs properties after work is completed.
- Cleans and maintains assigned vehicles and equipment.
- Performs all work in compliance with applicable policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and standards of quality and safety.
- Receives and responds to inquiries, complaints and requests for assistance from customers, contractors and the general public in areas of responsibility.
- Prepares and submits detailed work records and reports.
- Attends training, meetings, etc., as required to enhance job knowledge and skills.
It is understood that every incidental duty connected with operations detailed in this job description are not always specifically described, and employees, at the discretion of the City, may be required to perform duties not within their job descriptions and as requested by the discretion of management of the City.
Position Responsibilities – Additional Job Functions
- Clears and mows city properties, rights-of-way and easements.
- Works on-call schedule on a rotating basis.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Essential Skills and Experience
Distribution Operator Trainee (Water/Utilities):
- Requires high school diploma, GED or specialized vocational training.
- Must possess a valid state driver’s license; must be able to obtain a CDL license.
- Requires copying, transcribing, entering or posting data or information.
- Requires speaking or signaling to people to convey or exchange information of a general nature.
- Requires leading, operating or repairing complex machinery or equipment that requires extended training and experience, such as heavy equipment, water meters; may involve installation and testing. Involves operations of limit scope.
- Requires performing semi-routine work following procedures with occasional problems.
- Requires using addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, and/or calculating ratios, rates and percentages.
- Requires reading technical instructions, procedures, manuals and charts to solve practical problems; composing routine reports and specialized reports, forms and business letters with proper format; speaking compound sentences using normal grammar and word form.
- Requires doing clerical, manual or technical tasks prescribed by standard practices but which may require computation, the use of several procedures, and the use of independent judgments with obvious choices.
- Requires normal attention for accurate results.
- First Aid/CPR certifications, trenching and shoring certification, and confined space entry certifications are desirable.
- Requires instruction that is sufficient for satisfactory job performance.
- Requires medium-to-heavy work that involves walking, standing, climbing, stooping, crouching, bending, reaching, lifting, digging, pushing or raising objects and involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a recurring basis and 50 to 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis.
- Risk exposure to bright/dim light, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, dust and pollen, animals/wildlife, traffic, moving machinery, electrical shock.
- Visual acuity and field of vision, hearing and speaking abilities, depth perception, color perception.
- Responsible for guiding others, requiring a few decisions affecting a few co-workers.
- Works in a stable environment with clear and uncomplicated written/oral instructions but with some variations from the routine.
- Regular and sustained attendance.
Beneficial Skills and Experience
- Basic knowledge of municipal water distribution systems, valves, hydrants, and water mains
- Ability to read meters, pressure gauges, and distribution maps
- Understanding of safe work practices and public utility safety procedures
- Experience in working outdoors and in varying weather conditions
- Strong attention to detail when monitoring water pressure, flow, and system issues
- Ability to communicate effectively with field crews and supervisors
- Willingness to learn state water operations regulations and certification requirements
ADA Compliance
The City of Anderson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodation.
ADA Guidelines
Physical Demands
Stand
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
N/A
Walk
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
N/A
Sit
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
N/A
Handling
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
N/A
Reach Outward
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
N/A
Reach Above Shoulder
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
N/A
Climb
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
N/A
Crawl
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
N/A
Squat or Kneel
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
N/A
Bend
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
N/A
Lifting Requirements
10 pounds or less
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
N/A
11 to 20 pounds
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
N/A
21 to 50 pounds
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
N/A
51 to 100 pounds
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
N/A
> than 100 pounds
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
N/A
Pushing and Pulling Requirements
12 pounds or less
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
N/A
13 to 25 pounds
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
N/A
26 to 40 pounds
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
N/A
41 to 100 pounds
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
N/A
> than 100 pounds
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
N/A
Definitions
N/A
Not Applicable
Activity is not applicable to this occupation
O
Occasionally
Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 – 2.5+ hrs/day)
F
Frequently
Occupation requires this activity from 33% – 66% of the time (2.5 – 5.5+ hrs/day)
C
Constantly
Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)
The Company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee’s ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent an expressed or implied contract of employment nor does it alter your at-will employment, and the Company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Company may deem appropriate.
Print Employee Name Employee Signature Date Signed
Print Manager/Supervisor Name Manager/Supervisor Signature Date Signed
