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City Water Department Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Bakersfield

Water Director

Bakersfield, CA

$167K - $203K/yr

Serves as the Water Department Head reporting to the City Manager; Manages activities of the Water Department which includes the Agricultural and Domestic Water divisions, the Kern River Levee ...

City of Bakersfield, CA

Water Director

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$167K - $203K/yr

Serves as the Water Department Head reporting to the City Manager; Manages activities of the Water Department which includes the Agricultural and Domestic Water divisions, the Kern River Levee ...

Highland City

Water Operator I, II

American Fork, UT · On-site

$25.29 - $32.87/hr

Water Department: Public Works Location: Highland, Utah FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Eligible for ... Highland City is looking for a Water Distribution Operator (Level I or II) to join our tight-knit ...

City of Pocatello

Equipment Operator

Pocatello, ID

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

Water Department * Assists plumbers in performing installation, maintenance and repair work on City water lines, service lines, hydrants and valves. * Installs water meters, performs live main line ...

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How much do city water department jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for city water department in the United States is $22.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a City Water Department role, and why are they important?

To thrive in a City Water Department role, you need knowledge of water systems, environmental regulations, and plumbing or utility maintenance, often supported by relevant certifications or a background in water technology. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water quality testing equipment, and GIS mapping tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help in responding to emergencies and collaborating with the public and other city departments. These abilities ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant delivery of water services to the community.

What are some common challenges faced by employees in a City Water Department and how are they typically addressed?

Employees in a City Water Department often encounter challenges such as responding to emergency water main breaks, maintaining aging infrastructure, and ensuring consistent regulatory compliance. These challenges are addressed through ongoing training, close teamwork, and the use of advanced monitoring technologies. Staff routinely collaborate with other municipal departments and external contractors to resolve issues quickly and maintain high water quality standards. Open communication and a strong safety culture are also emphasized to support employees in managing these responsibilities.

What does the City Water Department do?

The City Water Department is responsible for providing clean and safe drinking water to residents and businesses within the city. They manage water treatment facilities, maintain water lines, test water quality, and ensure regulatory compliance. Additionally, the department handles water conservation programs, responds to service issues, and educates the public about water safety and usage.

What is the difference between City Water Department vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectCity Water DepartmentWater Treatment Plant Operator
CredentialsMay require state certification, high school diploma, technical trainingRequires state certification, technical training, and sometimes licensing
Work EnvironmentMunicipal facilities, fieldwork, maintenance sitesWater treatment plants, operational control rooms, field inspections
Employer & IndustryMunicipal government, public utilitiesPublic and private water treatment facilities

Both roles involve maintaining water quality and infrastructure, often requiring similar certifications and working in water-related environments. The City Water Department oversees broader municipal water services, while Water Treatment Plant Operators focus specifically on operating and maintaining water treatment systems.

More about City Water Department jobs
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What states have the most City Water Department jobs? States with the most job openings for City Water Department jobs include:
What job categories do people searching City Water Department jobs look for? The top searched job categories for City Water Department jobs are:
City Water Department jobs near you
Infographic showing various City Water Department job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 44% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,210 per year, or $22.7 per hour.
Water Director

Water Director

City of Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA

$167K - $203K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

City Of Bakersfield rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

167th of 835 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Description Under administrative direction of the City Manager, plans, organizes, coordinates, and directs the City's water systems and wastewater treatment operations; serves as technical expert in matters related to distribution of agricultural and domestic water of Kern River delivery system and Kern River Levee District; and performs related work as required. Representative Duties The following typical tasks and responsibilities are representative of the position's essential duties. They are descriptive, not limiting.

Essential Duties: Serves as the Water Department Head reporting to the City Manager; Manages activities of the Water Department which includes the Agricultural and Domestic Water divisions, the Kern River Levee District and Wastewater Treatment division; Advises the City Council, Water Board, City Manager and others on departmental issues; Ensures timely actions on Water Board items and implementation of City Council resolutions on departmental matters; Administers policy as established by the City Water Board; Develops, controls and manages the Department's annual budget; Develops general departmental administrative policies and procedures. For a full job description please click here. Minimum Qualifications Applications will be accepted only from those applicants who clearly demonstrate on the COMPLETED application, resume, certifications, and supplemental questionnaire that they meet the below requirements: A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Business or Public Administration, Civil Engineering or related field; AND Six (6) years of management and administrative experience in the direction of agricultural and domestic water resources or other related managerial experience, of which two (2) years must be at a division management level.

An equivalent combination of training, certification and experience may be substituted for the above requirements. A valid California Class "C" driver's license. Examination (Weighted: 100%) September 3rd, 2026 (Tentative) An appraisal will be made of the applicant's experience, education, training, certification, knowledge, skills, abilities, and personal qualifications for the position.

A minimum passing score of 70% is required. NOTE: Admission to the Examination may be limited to those applicants who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications. Applicants possessing the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed admittance to the Examination.

Employment applications must be properly completed in accordance with instructions on face of application form. All pertinent information needed to determine that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications must be shown on the application, resume, and supplemental questionnaire; otherwise, the application may be rejected. NOTE: POSTMARKS will not be accepted Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of COMPLETED application.

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