DPW Water Operator

Position Title

Water Operator

Department

Department of Public Works

Base Wage

$24.22 / hour plus Benefit Package *Negotiable if already licensed water operator in State of MI*

FLSA Designation

Non-Exempt

Supervisor

DPW Supervisor

Applicant Instructions

Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume and complete full-time job application to:

Negaunee Township

DPW Water Operator Position

ATTN: Nick Leach, Township Manager

42 State Hwy M-35

Negaunee, MI 49866

Application deadline postmarked or delivered by July 16, 2025 at 4:00 PM.

Negaunee Township is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Summary

Employee works under the supervision of Public Works Supervisor with primary duties in the Water Dept. Will certify in the water division within 12 months of employment and take responsibility as Operator in Charge at that time. Will assist with Community Center and Recreation jobs and projects when needed. On call position requiring nights and weekends.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Record daily water meter readings from the Township Well System, maintains logs, responds to water line freezes or other emergencies when required.

• Performs maintenance on pumping equipment and the water distribution system, including flushing of hydrants. Perform flow testing on hydrants.

• Schedules meter installations and monthly meter reads on all water accounts.

o Reports all meter readings to the Office Clerk.

o Responds to requests from the Office Clerk or customers regarding high/low meter readings.

o Prepares a written report to the DPW Supervisor and the Township Supervisor on results of all investigations.

o Install and maintains meters to all accounts.

• Under supervision and direction of DPW Supervisor will schedule a sampling of the water system as required by law.

• Supervise the Wellhead Protection Program and water system pump station, maintenance and record keeping.

• Monitors frost levels to determine let run scheduling for water customers.

• Respond to and coordinate response to MISS DIG requests within the water system service area.

• Remains on-call and responds to emergencies according to established policies and procedures.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Plows roads on Township property as needed.

• Maintains motorized equipment.

• Will assist with recreation and community center projects when needed.

• Maintain parts inventory and restock as necessary.

• Attends Michigan Rural Water Annual conference for regulation updates. Engage in other continuing education opportunities when available.

• Assists with Water Department asset management planning.

• Oversee part-time or temporary employees when assigned.

Desired Minimum Qualifications:

High School Graduation/GED. 1-year of relevant work experience.