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Water Distribution Operator Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

... and water customers, specializing in overhead and underground electric distribution for power ... Job Summary The UGE Operator is responsible for operating the machines required to install the ...

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Water Distribution Operator information

See Colorado salary details

$13

$27

$42

How much do water distribution operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for water distribution operator in Colorado is $27.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.73 and $31.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Water Distribution Operators?

Water Distribution Operators are professionals responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of clean drinking water to homes, businesses, and other facilities. They monitor water distribution systems, maintain equipment such as pipes, pumps, and valves, and test water quality to comply with health and safety regulations. These operators also respond to emergencies like leaks or contamination and keep detailed records of system performance. Their work is essential for public health and the reliable operation of municipal water systems.

What is the difference between Water Distribution Operator vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectWater Distribution OperatorWater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsWater Distribution Certification, State LicensingWater Treatment Certification, State Licensing
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, maintaining pipelines, valves, and metersPlant environment, operating treatment equipment
Job FocusDistributing potable water, repairing infrastructureTreating water to meet safety standards
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal water departments, utility companiesWater treatment facilities, municipal agencies

While both roles involve working with water systems, the Water Distribution Operator primarily manages the distribution network, ensuring safe water delivery, whereas the Water Treatment Plant Operator focuses on treating water to meet health standards. Certifications and work environments differ, but both are essential for maintaining safe and reliable water services.

What are some common challenges faced by Water Distribution Operators, and how can they be managed effectively?

Water Distribution Operators often encounter challenges such as responding to emergency repairs, maintaining water quality standards, and managing aging infrastructure. These situations require quick problem-solving, clear communication with team members, and strict adherence to safety protocols. Staying up-to-date with training and industry regulations can help operators handle these challenges efficiently, while strong teamwork ensures that issues are resolved promptly to maintain uninterrupted water service.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Water Distribution Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Distribution Operator, you need a solid understanding of water distribution systems, hydraulics, and basic math, typically supported by a high school diploma and state certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, water quality testing equipment, and maintenance tools is essential for daily operations. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help operators quickly identify and resolve issues while coordinating with team members. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure the safe, reliable delivery of potable water and compliance with regulatory standards.
What are popular job titles related to Water Distribution Operator jobs in Colorado? For Water Distribution Operator jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Distribution Operator jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Water Distribution Operator jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Water Distribution Operator jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Water Distribution Operator job openings:

Maintenance Tech/Water Systems Tech I-IV - Transmission & Distribution

City of Greeley

Greeley, CO โ€ข On-site

$29.23 - $42.38/hr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


City Of Greeley rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

511th of 660 rated public administrative organizations


Job description


Anticipated Hiring Ranges:
Maintenance Technician: $19.97 - $24.16 Hourly
Water System Tech I: $21.96 - $27.73 Hourly
Water Systems Tech II: $24.16 - $30.41 Hourly
Water Systems Tech III: $26.57 - $33.77 Hourly
Water Systems Tech IV: $29.23 - $36.94 Hourly
Full Salary Ranges:
Maintenance Technician: $19.97 - $28.95 Hourly
Water System Tech I: $21.96 - $31.84 Hourly
Water Systems Tech II: $24.16 - $35.03 Hourly
Water Systems Tech III: $26.57 - $38.53 Hourly
Water Systems Tech IV: $29.23 - $42.38 Hourly
*The actual offer extended will be based on your years of relevant experience, education, licensure or certifications, and potentially other factors at the time of offer.
Why Do I See Two Salary Ranges?
The City of Greeley, in compliance with Colorado state law, includes a salary range for all positions posted. This law improves wage transparency. We post both the full salary range and the anticipated hiring range, where we expect to make an offer. Offers are based on experience, education, certifications, and other factors.
City of Greeley's Total Rewards
The City of Greeley is committed to providing a comprehensive total rewards program that supports employees in their work by encouraging excellence and investing in employee development and recognition. This philosophy is grounded in fiscal responsibility, organizational effectiveness, and employee safety and well-being, ensuring the responsible stewardship of public resources while offering meaningful and comparable rewards. This approach ensures that the city remains an attractive, inclusive, and rewarding work environment, while also effectively serving the community.
Benefits: This position is benefit eligible. Please view our benefits guide here.
Job Summary:
The City of Greeley is seeking a Maintenance Technician or Water Systems Technician l - IV to join the Transmission and Distribution team in the Water and Sewer Department. The Technician will report to the Transmission and Distribution Crew Supervisor and will assist in the routine repair and maintenance of water mains throughout the City. The successful Technician will install water mains, inspect, and perform necessary repairs of water leaks and infrastructure, replace water pipes, and safely and effectively operate equipment. The position requires field work involving working in confined spaces, excavation trenches, and near the operation of heavy equipment. Specific tasks may involve operating various equipment, keeping logs on corrections, ordering, and installing replacement parts, etc. Stand-by duty for emergency call-in is rotated among division employees.
Experience, Knowledge, Skills:
Minimum Requirements
All Levels:
  • Must have a valid, unrestricted driver's license and a good driving record.
  • High school diploma or equivalent to be eligible to test for licensure.
  • Basic understanding and knowledge of working with the methods, materials and equipment used in utility maintenance work (e.g., metal detectors, measuring instruments, pick, shovels, probe rods, dump trucks, and heavy equipment, etc.).
  • Must be willing to participate in a rotating on-call schedule.
  • Must be able to respond to after-hours emergencies, even when not on call, within 45 minutes.

Maintenance Technician:
  • Current Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or the ability to obtain within six (6) to nine (9) months of hire.

Water System Technician I:
  • One (1) month of related experience.
  • Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required.
  • Water Distribution Operator 1 Certified.

Water Systems Technician II:
  • Two (2) years of related experience.
  • Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required.
  • Water Distribution Operator 2 Certified.

Water Systems Technician III:
  • Three (3) years of related experience.
  • Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required.
  • Water Distribution Operator 3 Certified.

Water Systems Technician IV:
  • Four (4) years of related experience.
  • Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required.
  • Water Distribution Operator 4 Certified.

Preferred
  • Prior water, sewer, or streets maintenance related experience preferred.
  • Prior mechanical experience is preferred.
  • Prior experience and comfortability working in a heavy traffic environment preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Ability to measure distance using a tape measure or calibrated instruments.
  • Ability to interpret maps, electrical schematics, and drawings.
  • Ability to learn job-related material through oral instructions and observation.
  • Ability to follow established safety practices and procedures.
  • Ability to commit to the "on call" schedule.
  • Knowledge of the business and organizational structure of Colorado municipalities.
  • Collaboration skills, including the ability to work with others from different areas and backgrounds to reach a common goal.
  • Computer skills, including the ability to utilize Microsoft Office programs (i.e. Microsoft Teams and Outlook, etc.), CityWorks, and the ability to learn and experiment with new software and systems.
  • Interpersonal skills, including the ability to facilitate interaction, communication, and teamwork between others.
  • Oral, written, and listening communication skills, including the ability to accurately interpret what others are saying and convey messages, information, concepts, and details accurately and clearly.
  • Organizational skills, including the ability to set and meet goals and deadlines, manage appointments, create schedules, coordinate, and facilitate meetings, and make decisions.
  • Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple concurrent and competing tasks and responsibilities, and adapt to changing priorities while maintaining personal effectiveness.
  • Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and stay on task when completing special projects and daily assignments.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and reliable professional judgment, as well as collaboratively with a team to achieve desired results.
  • Ability to maintain a strong work ethic, positive problem-solving attitude, and enthusiasm for the work performed.
  • Ability to self-start and take initiative in completing daily tasks and special projects.
  • Ability to focus on activities that have the greatest impact on meeting work commitments.
  • Ability to establish and maintain partnerships with a variety of internal and external constituencies.
  • Ability to communicate and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and ages
  • Ability to navigate a complex political environment.

Essential Functions:
  • Installs water taps, pipes, valves, and fire hydrants; flushes fire hydrants.
  • Performs maintenance on water pipes and equipment.
  • Investigates color of water, taste, and odor complaints.
  • Cleans out water valves and fire hydrant lines (March - May) each year.
  • Performs cold patching of construction holes, repairs sidewalks, and fills in manholes for traffic and citizens.
  • Maintains and tracks inventory.
  • Performs cleanup after work is completed.
  • Uses shovels, hand tools, power tools, drives company pickup trucks, loaders, and dump trucks daily.
  • Works in confined spaces, excavation trenches, and near the operation of heavy equipment.
  • Operates various equipment.
  • Creates and maintains logs on maintenance, corrections, ordering of supplies, and installation of replacement parts.
  • Participates in stand-by duty for emergency call-ins on a rotational basis.
  • Completes work orders daily within CityWorks.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A
Travel: Regular Local/Field Based Travel: This position requires regular travel within the County and nearby cities. Employees frequently travel to field sites, client locations, or other City buildings as part of their job duties. Access to a personal or City fleet vehicle may be required.
Work Environment:
  • Outdoor work performed in all weather conditions.
  • Frequent exposure to outdoor conditions, including extreme temperatures (below 32 degrees or above 100 degrees) for periods of more than one hour.
  • Regular work in high-speed traffic areas while setting up equipment or performing maintenance.
  • Exposure to noise from machinery, equipment, and construction activities.
  • Exposure to respiratory hazards such as dust, fumes, mists, gases, odors, airborne particles/pathogens, or poor ventilation.
  • Frequent work in hazardous environments, including trenches, confined spaces, shoring systems, construction sites, heavy equipment areas, and uneven, rocky, or slippery surfaces.

Physical Requirements:
  • Maintain stamina enough to walk, stand, and work on uneven terrain for extended periods.
  • Capacity to perform sustained physical labor outdoors for extended shifts (8-12 hours), including in inclement weather and during emergency response.
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull tools, materials, and equipment up to 50 lbs. regularly and up to 100 lbs. occasionally, with or without assistance.
  • Frequent climbing of ladders, steps, and equipment and ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach in various positions, and maintain awkward postures as required.
  • Sufficient manual dexterity to operate tools, equipment, and vehicle controls safely and precisely; ability to complete fine motor tasks.
  • Adequate vision to read instruments, inspect work areas, and monitor traffic and job site conditions.
  • Ability to hear warning signals, verbal instructions, and equipment sounds in loud or noisy environments.
  • Must be able to speak clearly and effectively to communicate with coworkers, supervisors, clients, or public.

EOE Statement: The City of Greeley provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
ADA Statement: We are committed to an inclusive and barrier-free search process. We provide accommodations for applicants requesting accommodation through the search process such as alternative formats of this posting. Individuals with disabilities in need of accommodations throughout the search process should contact the ADA Coordinator at: HR@Greeleygov.com .
Conditions of Employment: The City of Greeley is an at-will employer. Employees and the City may terminate employment at any time for any reason. Candidates must successfully complete all pre-employment screenings and employment eligibility verification. Pre-employment screenings include a drug test, a background and national sex offender search, a motor vehicle record search, and for some positions, a physical demands evaluation. For more information about City policies and practices during the recruitment process, including but not limited to EOE, Reasonable Accommodation, and pre-employment screenings, please visit our career page HERE.