Water Systems Operator

Job Description:

Water Systems Operator

Description

Job Summary

Performs maintenance and operation of public water systems while supervising staff. Works closely with coworkers, the public, vendors, and various agencies. Requires clear communication, basic computer skills, and the ability to follow written instructions. The role involves physical activity, working in varied weather conditions, exposure to environmental elements, and use of protective equipment. Must be able to lift 25-50 lbs and may work irregular schedules, including on-call and weekends.

Range of Hourly Pay:

• Utility Service Worker ( Underfill )

Range 10 / Step 1 - 8, $18.22 - $22.41

• Water Systems Operator

Range 14 / Step 1 - 8, $22.15 - $27.23

Working Hours:

• Varying work schedule (depending on department needs)
  
• Work 4 ten-hour shifts.
  
• On call rotation of weekends and holidays.
  
• Travel within the County to the water systems during working hours and occasional travel for training.
  

Proud to Offer

Paid Time Off (PTO):

• 11 Paid Holidays.
• End of Year PTO Buyback (optional).
  
  

Retirement Benefits:

• Enrollment in Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).
  • Contribution rate of 12.00% with 100% Employer Match starting on first day. (Effective July 1, 2026 contribution rate is 11.98%)
• Deferred Compensations Programs (optional)
  
  

Comprehensive Wellness Program:

• Low-cost, high-value health care plans for you and your family that include Medical, Dental, Vision.
• 24/7 Virtual Care including Onsite Health Screening Events
• Marketplace Discounts
• Onsite Gyms or Gym Membership Stipend
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness Program
• Basic Life, Supplemental Life/AD&D Insurances with additional voluntary benefits include Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Plans.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA-includes Dependent Care).

Need to Know about Position

• Must be able to travel throughout different County locations.
  
• Must pass a pass a drug screen post offer.
  

Essential Job Functions

• Operates water systems in accordance with Federal, State and Local rules and regulations. Performs required testing and sampling of water.
• Operates and maintains water system, wells, storage tanks, hydro-pneumatic tanks, lines and valves, monitor pump motors to detect unusual noises, vibrations or excessive heat. Utilizes backhoes, service trucks, compactors and hand tools.
• Perform efficiency tests on pumps, wells and other equipment.
• Troubleshoot and correct minor electrical and mechanical equipment problems. Repair and overhaul pumps, motors, chlorinators and control valves.
• Determines best course of action in the completion of assignments including setting priorities; estimating number of hours to complete assignment, determining labor required; and determining necessary materials, equipment and supplies.
• Supervises, coordinates and performs a variety of administrative work such as scheduling of subordinate personnel; maintains records; responds to requests for information or services; and performs related administrative, planning and research activities. Prepares reports of expenditures, activities performed and other related required information.
• Prepares performance evaluations; recommends and initiates disciplinary actions up to and including separation; recommends hiring; approves vacations and time off; prepares work schedules and assignments; supervises the activities of assigned personnel; monitors reports and record keeping activities filed by assigned personnel for completeness, accuracy, and adherence to policy and procedure guidelines; instructs personnel in departmental policies, procedures and techniques; and provides and recognizes additional training in the safe operation and servicing of required equipment, tools and materials in assigned area and methods and techniques of maintaining and operating public or other related water systems.
• Checks progress of assignments performed by assigned personnel, verifying adherence to assignment requirements, and determining quality of work performed.
• Determines proper and efficient usage of materials, equipment, hand, and power tools by assigned personnel in the performance of their assignments.
• Selects and orders required materials and supplies in accordance with established purchasing procedures.
• Determines and recommends additional equipment and tools requirements for assigned area.
• Maintains an adequate inventory of materials, equipment and tools required to fulfill work assignments.
• Prepares complete, accurate and timely budget information, cost data, reports, records and logs.
• Installs water services. Repairs broken water lines. Maintains buildings and grounds.
• Performs readings of well meters and storage tanks levels.
• Keep detailed records of maintenance activities and prepare reports.
• Maintains good public relations with residents in the district and with other agencies and suppliers for the district.
• Communicate effectively with management, employees, customers, regulatory personnel and others.
• Troubleshoot and address water related complaints, discuss with customers their water-related concerns.
• Respond to water system emergencies.
• Routinely flush and clean water mains, Clean and disinfect storage tanks.
• Supervise treatment and assure proper monitoring and control.
• Safely handle, store and utilize treatment chemicals.
• Keep water system plans up to date.
• Protect equipment and facilities from corrosion, vandalism and/or other damage.
• Conduct safety inspections, follow safety rules and provide safety training.

SECONDARY JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs related work as required.
• Performs special assignments as requested.
• Exercise regular and predictable attendance and punctuality in accordance with Mohave County Personnel Policies and Procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

Utility Service Worker : Entry level experience work including.

• High School Diploma/GED (General Education Degree).
• Any experience in water system operation, meter reading, or public customer service-related work to include record keeping of receipts/payments.
• Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Grade 1 Distribution certification must be attained within six (6) months of employment and Grade 1 Treatment certifications must be attained within one (1) year of employment.
• ORan equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications.

Water Systems Operator: Three years with Water System Operations experience including.

• High School Diploma/GED (General Education Degree).
• Three (3) years successful experience in the operation and maintenance of water systems and water distribution sites.
• Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)’s Water Operator - Grade 1 and Water Treatment-Grade 1 Certifications must be attained within three (3) months of employment.
• Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)’s Water Operator - Grade 2 and Water Treatment-Grade 2 Certifications must be attained within eighteen (18) months of employment.

• OR an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications.
  
  

SPECIAL JOB REQUIREMENT

• Must pass a drug screen post offer.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Laws, regulations, state statutes, policies and procedures pertaining to the operation of domestic water districts and Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (A.D.E.Q.) rules and regulations.
• Public administration, public works and/or related engineering fields.
• Operation and maintenance of water delivery systems.
• Records management and general bookkeeping practices.
• Department policies, rules and procedures
• Mohave County Personnel Policies and Procedures, and Department Regulation.
• The installation, operation and maintenance of water meters, water lines, and related equipment to include use of hand tools and the operation of a backhoe, dump truck, water tanker and service trucks
• Communicating and maintaining professionalism with the public, co-workers, and work contacts.
• Set priorities, estimate material quantities, equipment needs, and labor hours required to perform and complete work assignments.
• Perform work accurately and in accordance with established standards applicable to the operation and maintain of water systems which include regulations, guidelines, manuals, blueprints, diagrams, specifications, and oral and written instructions.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records.
• Interpret and apply technical materials encountered.
• Interact with other professionals and the public in the administration of water district functions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with associate personnel, the general public, contractors and related agencies, and County departments.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Fulfill all physical requirements of the position.
• Comply with Mohave County Personnel Policies and Procedures, and Department Regulations.

Mohave County has an extensive benefits package with exceptional health, wellness, and work/life balance offerings, financial & retirement benefits, comprehensive leave program, and more.
Check out our Benefits Guide for full details!

Closing Date/Time: 6/14/2026 5:00 PM Arizona

Salary:

$46,072.00 - $56,638.40 Annually