UTILITY SYSTEM OPERATOR (Open Until Filled)

Utility System Operator

Department: Public Utilities
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

General Statement of Duties

Performs installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of wells, water lines, meters, hydrants, and other water system components.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties

• Water System Maintenance & Repair:
  • Install, replace, and repair water lines, hydrants, meters, valves, and elevated storage tanks.
  • Conduct pressure tests to check for leaks.
  • Flush hydrants and inspect service connections.
  • Take distribution water samples and check chlorine levels.
  • Maintain and repair wells and pumping stations.
• Field Customer Service & Troubleshooting:
  • Connect and disconnect water service.
  • Read meters and inspect service for leaks.
  • Respond to high usage complaints and assist customers.
  • Locate water lines to prevent damage from contractors.
• Equipment Operation & Maintenance:
  • Operate dump trucks, jackhammers, tampers, pipe threading machines, tapping machines, trenchers, air compressors, and boring machines.
  • Maintain assigned vehicles and equipment.
• Record Keeping & Inventory:
  • Maintain records of work activities.
  • Assist with ordering, stocking, and inventorying parts and supplies.
• General Maintenance & Groundskeeping:
  • Mow and trim around hydrants, storage tanks, and other facilities.
  • Participate in hydrant and valve exercise programs.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Preferred (but not required):
  • Knowledge of tools, materials, and equipment used in water system maintenance.
  • Familiarity with utility service policies and procedures.
  • Ability to read utility line maps and service manuals.
  • Knowledge of safe equipment operation and preventive maintenance.
  • Basic understanding of technology applications in utility systems.
• Required:
  • Ability to operate hand and power tools.
  • Skill in customer service and conflict resolution.
  • Ability to work independently and with a team.
  • Capability to follow oral and written instructions and maintain accurate records.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to perform physically demanding work, including:
  • Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and repetitive motions.
  • Lifting up to 100 lbs occasionally, 50 lbs frequently, and 20 lbs constantly.
• Visual acuity required for operating heavy equipment, fitting pipes, reading gauges, and completing reports.

Education & Experience

• Preferred (but not required):
  • High school diploma.
  • Experience in plumbing or water distribution systems.

Special Requirements

• Must have a valid North Carolina driver’s license.
• Must obtain Grade C Distribution System Certification within 12 months of employment.
• Must reside in Columbus County due to on-call and call-back duties.

Application Process

Apply Online:

Columbus County Employment Application

Or Submit Application to:

Columbus County Human Resources
125 W Webster Street
Whiteville, NC 28472

Columbus County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.