Pay: $36.18/hr - $42.66/hr (Steps A-E, 2026 rate) depending on qualifications.
Deadline to Apply: August 3, 2026, at 8:00 AM (Central Time)
Interviews: August 11, 2026 (Virtual) and August 18, 2026 (Onsite)
Pre-Employment Process: August 2026
Expected Start Date: September 2026
- 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 Monday – Friday; 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Hours and days may vary based on business need.
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:
- 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. Leads projects as directed.
- 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 employees. Looks for opportunities to develop and use technical knowledge to support the efficiency and effectiveness of utility operations.
- Uses utility maps and construction drawings and performs division record keeping functions for daily workload and utilizes computer technology to assist in these activities.
- Performs daily preventive maintenance and pre-trip Department of Transportation (DOT) inspections on vehicles and equipment.
- Provides mentorship and on-the-job training to seasonal employees and monitors their performance.
- Participates in snow-clearing operations by operating any of the necessary response vehicles during a snow or other emergency event.
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.
- High school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) is required.
- Associate’s degree or two-year technical degree is preferred.
- Completion of Water Utility Treatment and Technology courses in Water Distribution (40 hours) and Wastewater Collection (40 hours) are required of candidates with limited experience as determined by the needs of the department.
- A minimum of six months of experience in utility operations, a related educational program or a related field performing similar work tasks or a minimum of two months of utility field operations employment with the City of Eden Prairie required (related work experience must be within the last five years.)
- Experience with heavy equipment operation is preferred.
- State of Minnesota Water System Operator Class D certification and State of Minnesota Wastewater System Operator Class S-D obtained within 18 months of employment is required.
- Erosion and Stormwater Management Construction Installer Certification obtained within one year of employment is required.
- Water System Operator Class C and Wastewater System Class S-C certifications obtained within 39 months of employment is required.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and basic knowledge of computer technology is preferred.
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-Class A) with air brakes and tanker endorsement obtained within the first 11 months of employment is required.
- Must maintain a valid driver’s license (must have excellent driving record).
- 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 include professional reference checks, background check, driver’s license check (must have valid driver’s license and excellent driving record), CDL process, pre-employment physical exam, skills assessment and work history verification.
- 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.
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.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
