Water Distribution Operator Trainee

City of Minneapolis
$21.63 - $23.93 Hourly
medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, parental leave, vacation time, paid holidays, sick time, retirement plan, pension
United States, Minnesota, Minneapolis
Nov 01, 2025
Position Description This is an entry-level position with no prior experience necessary. Under supervision, Trainees will perform manual and semi-skilled work in the maintenance of the City's Water Distribution System and receive support in obtaining their Class D Water Supply System Operator Certificate. Additionally, the positions below are also open on the City of Minneapolis Career page, please review qualifications of each role before applying: Public Works Service Worker Trainee Public Works Service Worker I Public Works Service Worker II Water Distribution Operator Job Opportunities \| Sorted by Job Title ascending \| City of Minneapolis Availability: This position may involve shift work occasional weekend duty and/or requests to return to work for emergency water main repairs on a 24-hour basis, in all weather conditions. Salary: Starting salary for this position is $21.625 hourly. Information Sessions: Public Works will provide information sessions. Our Information Sessions offer you the opportunity to go beyond the website and talk to representatives about what skills Public Works is seeking and the application process. Please visit this link for the information sessions: Information Sessions - City of Minneapolis (minneapolismn.gov) The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas. Job Duties and Responsibilities Under supervision learn about the City's water distribution system and how to perform work related to the operation, maintenance, repair, and disinfecting system components. Learn about and how to utilize water distribution related technology tools such as ARC GIS, Enquesta, Star Programmer and Sono Phone. Learn and understand the impacts of varying soil profiles and erosion control. Under direct supervision, turn water service off and on for plumbing repairs, meter issues, or non-payment of the City Utility bill. Learn how to safely operate crew trucks, tapping machines, concrete saws, valve machines, jackhammers, pipe cutters, and a wide variety of other hand, hydraulic, and pneumatic and power equipment. Safely perform manual labor in excavations using appropriate tools and equipment outdoors in all weather conditions. Assist with locating and marking buried water infrastructure per Gopher State One Call requirements. Work with assigned crew members to learn how to troubleshoot issues and perform leak investigations to resolve water service concerns. Assist with disinfecting water mains after work is complete As training is progresses assist with the operation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of water distribution system components, such as hydrants, valves, manholes, and water main to American Water Works Association standards, and with the installation, troubleshooting, testing, repair, and replacement of water meters and automated meter reading system devices. Actively pursue Water Supply System Operator D certification with the State of Minnesota. Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:* Perform field work in all kinds of weather conditions. Exposure to outdoor elements, gases, fumes, chemicals, dust, dirt, traffic and noise. Perform confined space entry/work; heavy physical labor work including bending, twisting, stooping, etc.; ability to push, pull, lift, carry and maneuver heavy items weighing up to 100 pounds; ability to work in excavations with watermain pipe; ability to stand/walk/maneuver on rough, uneven surfaces. Position may require compliance with OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard, including maintaining a clean-shaven face for proper respirator fit. Required Qualifications Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age by Sunday, December 14th, 2025 Minimum Education: High School Diploma or GED Minimum Experience: N/A (Related Experience Desirable) Licenses/Certifications: Valid driver's license. Applicants must be able to present proof of a current valid driver's license at the time of the Workplace Simulation Test and at the time of hire. As a condition of continued employment, obtaining a State of Minnesota Class D Water Supply System Operator Certificate is required within 18 months of hire. The City will provide the required training. Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education (in a highly related field) and experience may be considered. Background Check: The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be considered further for the position. Pre-Employment Medical Examination and Drug and Alcohol Test: After a conditional job offer, candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment medical exam including a respiratory screening, back screening and hearing test and a pre-employment drug and alcohol test. Applicants will be required to sign a notification and consent form prior to undergoing pre-employment drug and alcohol testing. Applicants who do not consent to undergo a pre-employment drug and alcohol testing and/or who do not complete the pre-employment drug and alcohol testing within the allotted time frame will not be considered further and the City will withdraw the conditional job offer. Applicants must be deemed medically fit and successfully pass a drug and alcohol screening prior to hire. Selection Process : The examination/selection process for this position may consist of a training & experience evaluation and Workplace Simulation Test 100%. Minimum passing score 70%. The right is reserved to limit the number included in any phase. The City of Minneapolis Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process. *When completing your application form/materials, it is to your advantage to be as complete and thorough as is possible.* A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Information found to be false will result in an applicant's disqualification from the exam. The Workplace Simulation formerly known as "Physical Agility" Test will be held the week of January 12, 2026. Candidates will be notified of the exact date, time and place of this testing event via email. A Workplace Simulation Test, testing endurance and the ability to lift, push, pull, carry, etc., will be included as part of the examination process. Candidates that fail to appear for testing will not be considered for hire. Interviews will be conducted the week of February 2, 2026. If you have successfully completed the Workplace Simulation Test and are selected to move forward in the process. The hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list. If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate's education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position. Veteran's Preference: For an eligible veteran to receive Veteran's Preference points for this exam, a veteran must complete and submit the form and supply a copy of his/her DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release from Active Duty) or other documentation verifying service to substantiate the services information as well as the character of the discharge. The veteran must submit all supporting documentation (disabled or non-disabled veteran) with the online application as an attachment and submit the completed application with documentation no later than the application deadline. If the applicant is a veteran who qualifies for disability veteran's preference, please note the veteran must also attach supporting documentation which designates the percentage of disability with the online application as an attachment. Veteran's Preference Points will not be awarded if supporting documentations is not submitted along with the application. Union Representation: This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and Water AFSCME Maintenance (CAW) . Eligible List Statement: The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire 6 months after it has been established. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Mechanical aptitude. Must be 18 years of age or older. Ability to learn and perform various procedures and practices used in the repair and maintenance of water maintenance and distribution systems. Must be able to read and interpret Safety Data Sheets Good interpersonal skills in communicating with residents from diverse communities. Ability to anticipate the tools and materials required to perform basic tasks. Ability to follow through on verbal and written instructions. Ability to become proficient in using mobile computers to complete work orders within 6 months of hire. Ability to perform manual labor in all weather conditions. Ability to climb ladders, kneel, crouch, bend, twist, stoop, and enter confined spaces As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose-serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis. The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.