Public Works AssociateTown of Hermosa, South Dakota
Full-Time | $24.00 per Hour Starting Wage | Paid Water Operations Apprenticeship
The Town of Hermosa is accepting applications for a full-time Public Works Associate.
This is a career opportunity for someone interested in developing a broad range of municipal public works skills while receiving paid, structured training in drinking-water system operations. Prior municipal or utility experience is welcome but is not required. The Town is looking for a dependable person with mechanical aptitude, a willingness to learn, good judgment, and the ability to take increasing responsibility as training and experience are completed.
The selected employee will participate in the South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems (SDARWS) Registered Apprenticeship Program for Water Systems Operations Specialist. The program combines paid on-the-job training with technical instruction and provides a pathway toward South Dakota water operator certification and a nationally recognized registered apprenticeship credential.
The Town will pay required apprenticeship-related training, operator certification and testing expenses, and required job-related licensing costs.
Position Development
This position is designed to grow with the employee.
The employee will begin with general municipal public works and maintenance responsibilities while receiving supervised training in water-system operations and other technical duties. Additional tasks may be authorized as the employee receives training and demonstrates competence.
Following completion of the water operations apprenticeship, the employee will assume a broader range of independent public works responsibilities.
A CDL is not required at hire, but must be eligible to apply. Applicants who already possess an appropriate CDL are encouraged to apply. If the employee does not already hold one, CDL training and licensing may be scheduled and funded by the Town following completion of the apprenticeship.
General Responsibilities
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
The employee will not be expected to independently perform work requiring licensing, certification, specialized training, or demonstrated competence until those requirements have been satisfied.
Work Structure
The normal work schedule is:
Monday through Friday
7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The employee receives a one-hour unpaid lunch period, which may generally be taken at the employee’s discretion between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
The position is 40 hours per week.
Work is performed through the Town’s established policies, authorized duties, work orders, and task-authorization procedures. For administrative guidance or clarification, the employee’s points of contact are the Finance Officer, Board President, and Board Vice President, in that order.
On-Call and Emergency Work
Once trained for snow-removal operations and once the necessary Town equipment is in place, the employee will be subject to call-out for snow and ice removal.
Following completion of the apprenticeship, the employee will be expected to maintain 24/7 availability for public works emergency call-outs.
There is no separate standby compensation. An employee who is called out will receive a minimum of one hour of paid time for the response.
Compensation
Starting wage: $24.00 per hour
Hours worked over 40 in a workweek are paid at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate.
Hours actually worked on applicable federal or state holidays are paid at 2 times the regular hourly rate.
Premium rates do not stack. Double time is the maximum applicable hourly rate.
Benefits
Full-time employees are eligible for the Town’s benefit package, which currently includes:
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must:
Conditions of Employment
Employment is contingent upon:
This is an at-will position and includes a three-month probationary period. Completion of the probationary period does not change the employee’s at-will employment status.
How to Apply
Applications may be submitted through Indeed or through the Town of Hermosa Office using conventional application materials such as an employment application and/or résumé.
Open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as received.
Applicants interested in building a long-term career in municipal infrastructure, utilities, equipment operation, and public service are encouraged to apply.
Town of Hermosa, South Dakota
9/9/2026
Full-Time | $24.00 per Hour Starting Wage | Paid Water Operations Apprenticeship
The Town of Hermosa is accepting applications for a full-time Public Works Associate.
This is a career opportunity for someone interested in developing a broad range of municipal public works skills while receiving paid, structured training in drinking-water system operations. Prior municipal or utility experience is welcome but is not required. The Town is looking for a dependable person with mechanical aptitude, a willingness to learn, good judgment, and the ability to take increasing responsibility as training and experience are completed.
The selected employee will participate in the South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems (SDARWS) Registered Apprenticeship Program for Water Systems Operations Specialist. The program combines paid on-the-job training with technical instruction and provides a pathway toward South Dakota water operator certification and a nationally recognized registered apprenticeship credential.
The Town will pay required apprenticeship-related training, operator certification and testing expenses, and required job-related licensing costs.
Position Development
This position is designed to grow with the employee.
The employee will begin with general municipal public works and maintenance responsibilities while receiving supervised training in water-system operations and other technical duties. Additional tasks may be authorized as the employee receives training and demonstrates competence.
Following completion of the water operations apprenticeship, the employee will assume a broader range of independent public works responsibilities.
A CDL is not required at hire, but must be eligible to apply. Applicants who already possess an appropriate CDL are encouraged to apply. If the employee does not already hold one, CDL training and licensing may be scheduled and funded by the Town following completion of the apprenticeship.
General Responsibilities
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
- Lawn care, mowing, trimming, weed control, and maintenance of Town-owned grounds and rights-of-way
- Traffic sign inspection, repair, replacement, and maintenance
- General maintenance and minor repairs of Town buildings, garages, grounds, and facilities
- Water meter reading and reporting
- Assisting with Town events and community festivities
- Receiving work orders from Town office staff and documenting completed work through the Town’s electronic infrastructure management system
- Maintaining accurate records of work performed
- Tracking inventory of parts, supplies, materials, tools, and other items necessary for public works operations
- Maintaining Town work areas, equipment, and storage areas in an orderly condition
- Assisting with water-system maintenance and operations as training and authorization permit
- Assisting with hydrants, valves, meters, utility locates, service work, inspections, sampling, system maintenance, and other water-system activities as properly trained and authorized
- Providing basic wastewater/sewer system maintenance support as trained and authorized
- Assisting with streets, drainage, rights-of-way, and other municipal infrastructure
- Performing snow and ice removal after appropriate training and once the necessary Town equipment is in place
- Operating Town vehicles, tools, machinery, and equipment for which the employee has been trained and authorized
- Operating CDL vehicles and heavy equipment after the appropriate training, licensing, and authorization
- Performing other public works duties consistent with the position, training, and demonstrated competence
The employee will not be expected to independently perform work requiring licensing, certification, specialized training, or demonstrated competence until those requirements have been satisfied.
Work Structure
The normal work schedule is:
Monday through Friday
7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The employee receives a one-hour unpaid lunch period, which may generally be taken at the employee’s discretion between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
The position is 40 hours per week.
Work is performed through the Town’s established policies, authorized duties, work orders, and task-authorization procedures. For administrative guidance or clarification, the employee’s points of contact are the Finance Officer, Board President, and Board Vice President, in that order.
On-Call and Emergency Work
Once trained for snow-removal operations and once the necessary Town equipment is in place, the employee will be subject to call-out for snow and ice removal.
Following completion of the apprenticeship, the employee will be expected to maintain 24/7 availability for public works emergency call-outs.
There is no separate standby compensation. An employee who is called out will receive a minimum of one hour of paid time for the response.
Compensation
Starting wage: $24.00 per hour
Hours worked over 40 in a workweek are paid at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate.
Hours actually worked on applicable federal or state holidays are paid at 2 times the regular hourly rate.
Premium rates do not stack. Double time is the maximum applicable hourly rate.
Benefits
Full-time employees are eligible for the Town’s benefit package, which currently includes:
- Employee-only health insurance premium paid 100% by the Town
- Current HSA-qualified health plan has a $3,500 deductible
- Town contribution of $75 per month to the employee’s HSA
- $200 per month stipend for selecting the least-expensive available Town health insurance plan
- South Dakota Retirement System: Town contributes 6% of wages and employee contributes 6%; vesting after three years
- Vacation: accrues at 4.3333 hours per twice-monthly pay period, with up to 120 hours carried over
- Sick leave: accrues at 8 hours per month, available for use after three months of employment, with up to 240 hours carried over
- Paid holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day
- One paid Personal Day
- Three days of bereavement leave for immediate family
- Workers’ Compensation coverage
- Town-paid required training, certifications, testing, licensing, tools, PPE, and work equipment
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Possess a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent credential
- Possess a valid driver’s license
- Have a driving record acceptable to the Town’s insurer
- Reside within 25 miles of Hermosa at the time of hire
- Be able to communicate effectively with Town staff, contractors, officials, and the public
- Be able to work independently and accurately complete assigned work
- Be able to demonstrate basic mechanical troubleshooting skills
- Be able to routinely lift and carry up to 50 pounds
- Be able to climb, bend, kneel, work around machinery and equipment, and perform sustained physical work
- Be able to work outdoors in heat, cold, rain, snow, wind, and other adverse conditions
Conditions of Employment
Employment is contingent upon:
- Successful background check
- Successful pre-employment drug screening
- Successful Town-paid DOT physical prior to hire
- Acceptable driving record
- Successful demonstration of mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
This is an at-will position and includes a three-month probationary period. Completion of the probationary period does not change the employee’s at-will employment status.
How to Apply
Applications may be submitted through Indeed or through the Town of Hermosa Office using conventional application materials such as an employment application and/or résumé.
Open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as received.
Applicants interested in building a long-term career in municipal infrastructure, utilities, equipment operation, and public service are encouraged to apply.
Town of Hermosa, South Dakota
9/9/2026
UTILITY FIELD TECHNICIAN I, II
City of Rapid City
Start & end date 08/28/2026 - 09/13/2026
Salary Range: $43,167.65-$67,608.34 annually
Group: AFSCME Union
Apply At:
https://cityofrapidcitysd.tylerportico.com/tesp/employee-selfservice/jobs/job-list/2026205%7C1
Position Description:
This job description outlines the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.
Job Summary:
Under the supervision of the Utility Field Supervisor, this position installs water metering systems and provides customer support to the Water customers of the City of Rapid City.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Utility Field Technician I: ($43,168 - $51,052)
Utility Field Technician II: ($50,257 - $67,608)
Qualifications:
Utility Field Technician I: Six months experience with power tools, hand tools, and operating a tablet or similar touch screen device.
Utility Field Technician II: Utility Field Technician I requirements and one-year related experience in operation of curb box keys, electrical, and plumbing.
All Levels:
Must possess a valid driver’s license or obtain within 30 days from date of hire.
High school diploma or equivalent is required.
Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of radiation. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. The employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Apply at:
https://cityofrapidcitysd.tylerportico.com/tesp/employee-selfservice/jobs/job-list/2026205%7C1
9/4/2026
City of Rapid City
Start & end date 08/28/2026 - 09/13/2026
Salary Range: $43,167.65-$67,608.34 annually
Group: AFSCME Union
Apply At:
https://cityofrapidcitysd.tylerportico.com/tesp/employee-selfservice/jobs/job-list/2026205%7C1
Position Description:
This job description outlines the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.
Job Summary:
Under the supervision of the Utility Field Supervisor, this position installs water metering systems and provides customer support to the Water customers of the City of Rapid City.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Utility Field Technician I: ($43,168 - $51,052)
- Installs new water meters, wires, radio boxes and remote pads.
- Programs radio meter reading equipment.
- Checks curb boxes for proper operation.
- Reads water meters.
- Assists Utility Repair Technician II.
- Assist customers with questions regarding pressure and plumbing problems or other customer service related issues.
- Locates curb boxes; check for possible leaks in service lines.
- Must be willing to work variable hours and may have to help out with on-call.
- Turns water curb box valves on or off.
Utility Field Technician II: ($50,257 - $67,608)
- Performs all Utility Field Technician I duties.
- Cleans and repairs curb-boxes.
- Assists Water Division and customers with questions, problems and requests pertaining to water leaks and water shut-offs.
- Repairs and changes out all size meters.
- Does on call rotation.
Qualifications:
Utility Field Technician I: Six months experience with power tools, hand tools, and operating a tablet or similar touch screen device.
Utility Field Technician II: Utility Field Technician I requirements and one-year related experience in operation of curb box keys, electrical, and plumbing.
All Levels:
Must possess a valid driver’s license or obtain within 30 days from date of hire.
High school diploma or equivalent is required.
Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of radiation. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. The employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Apply at:
https://cityofrapidcitysd.tylerportico.com/tesp/employee-selfservice/jobs/job-list/2026205%7C1
9/4/2026
WATER DISTRIBUTION CREW LEAD
City of Rapid City
Posting start & end date 08/26/2026 - 09/23/2026
Salary Range
$65,201.99-$81,789.38
Group
AFSCME Union
Position Description:
This job description outlines the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.
Job Summary: This position coordinates repair and preventive maintenance of the municipal water distribution system. Creates and provides standard operating procedures, workforce training, and resource support to accomplish work objectives. Provides Water Distribution Operators with guidance of work projects to be conducted, issues work orders, and tracks key performance indicators of work performed.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Work Environment:
https://cityofrapidcitysd.tylerportico.com/tess/citizen/jobs/job-list/2026198%7C1
9/4/2026
City of Rapid City
Posting start & end date 08/26/2026 - 09/23/2026
Salary Range
$65,201.99-$81,789.38
Group
AFSCME Union
Position Description:
This job description outlines the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.
Job Summary: This position coordinates repair and preventive maintenance of the municipal water distribution system. Creates and provides standard operating procedures, workforce training, and resource support to accomplish work objectives. Provides Water Distribution Operators with guidance of work projects to be conducted, issues work orders, and tracks key performance indicators of work performed.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Performs various tasks during the installation, repair, and maintenance of water mains, fire hydrants and other water infrastructure, including cutting, fitting, sealing, laying, and tapping pipe.
- Coordinates the inspection, operation and repair of valves, fire hydrants, system hardware, and the flushing of water lines.
- Promotes safety in the workplace, ensures operators have appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and creates a consistent culture of safety at all times.
- Creates, trains and implements the use of standard operating procedures.
- Coordinates operator work schedules, crew schedule rotations, and training initiatives.
- Operates a variety of heavy equipment, office equipment and work order software.
- Coordinates and provides regular training opportunities on safety, work processes and team development.
- Tracks inventory of parts, materials, and supplies.
- Reviews design plans and drawings for capital improvement water projects. Ensures operations staff feedback is communicated to design staff for incorporation into final project.
- Tracks key performance data, creates reports and analyzes data in order to provide workflow recommendations.
- Assists Water Reclamation Operators with repair, maintenance and operation of the storm water/sanitary collection systems as needed.
- Must be available for variable work hours and rotational on-call shifts.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Four years of water utility repair and maintenance experience or related field required.
- Must possess a Water Distribution Operator Class III certification or ability to obtain within 24 months from date of hire.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days from date of hire.
- Must possess a valid Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with tanker endorsement or ability to obtain within 180 days from date of hire.
Work Environment:
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions.
- The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts, working in high, precarious places, risk of electrical shock, and fumes or airborne particles.
- The employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear and taste or smell.
- The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and climb or balance.
- The employee is occasionally required to sit.
- The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
https://cityofrapidcitysd.tylerportico.com/tess/citizen/jobs/job-list/2026198%7C1
9/4/2026
City of Pierre
The City of Pierre seeks a passionate individual to join our team in making Pierre one of the best places to live, work, and visit. This position will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the City’s new state of the art Water Treatment Facility and distribution systems. Qualified applicants must have the ability to learn water treatment techniques and be able to perform a multitude of hands on maintenance activities that pertain to drinking water systems.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Work involves responsibility for performing a variety of tasks in maintaining the public water system. The Water Plant /System Specialist controls and maintains treatment machines and equipment involved in production of water to drinking water standards; participates in specialized technical work at the municipal water treatment plant, distribution system, and related facilities of the raw and potable water system; duties in the operation of the Water Treatment Plant and Distribution systems, including water sampling, testing, chemical dosage calculations, treatment, repair, maintenance and operation of pumps, wells, motors, SCADA as well as installation, maintenance and repair of water distribution parts and facilities. Work involves contact with regulatory officials, the public and contractors regarding production and distribution quality of the drinking water. In addition, this position will work with other employees in the plant on a day to day basis. Work is reviewed upon completion for adherence to prescribed standards and procedures and compliance with state and federal regulations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: State of SD Board of Operator Certification in water treatment within 18 months of employment. On call duties are rotated among staff.
WAGE: $26.29/hr minimum plus comprehensive benefit package including 100% employer paid employee health, dental and life insurance along with a 6% employer match to the South Dakota Retirement System and 12 paid holidays. Up to $2000 annual educational assistance available. Wage offer will be based upon actual education and experience.
CLOSES: Open until filled
UP TO A $3000 HIRING BONUS!
APPLICATIONS TO: City of Pierre Human Resources Director, PO Box 1253, Pierre SD 57501, (605)773-7429, www.cityofpierre.org
Please Note: Our email addresses have changed from @ci.pierre.sd.us to @pierresd.gov. Please update your contacts to use our new email addresses. Messages sent to our previous addresses will continue to be received during the transition period. Thank you!
8/10/26
The City of Pierre seeks a passionate individual to join our team in making Pierre one of the best places to live, work, and visit. This position will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the City’s new state of the art Water Treatment Facility and distribution systems. Qualified applicants must have the ability to learn water treatment techniques and be able to perform a multitude of hands on maintenance activities that pertain to drinking water systems.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Work involves responsibility for performing a variety of tasks in maintaining the public water system. The Water Plant /System Specialist controls and maintains treatment machines and equipment involved in production of water to drinking water standards; participates in specialized technical work at the municipal water treatment plant, distribution system, and related facilities of the raw and potable water system; duties in the operation of the Water Treatment Plant and Distribution systems, including water sampling, testing, chemical dosage calculations, treatment, repair, maintenance and operation of pumps, wells, motors, SCADA as well as installation, maintenance and repair of water distribution parts and facilities. Work involves contact with regulatory officials, the public and contractors regarding production and distribution quality of the drinking water. In addition, this position will work with other employees in the plant on a day to day basis. Work is reviewed upon completion for adherence to prescribed standards and procedures and compliance with state and federal regulations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: State of SD Board of Operator Certification in water treatment within 18 months of employment. On call duties are rotated among staff.
WAGE: $26.29/hr minimum plus comprehensive benefit package including 100% employer paid employee health, dental and life insurance along with a 6% employer match to the South Dakota Retirement System and 12 paid holidays. Up to $2000 annual educational assistance available. Wage offer will be based upon actual education and experience.
CLOSES: Open until filled
UP TO A $3000 HIRING BONUS!
APPLICATIONS TO: City of Pierre Human Resources Director, PO Box 1253, Pierre SD 57501, (605)773-7429, www.cityofpierre.org
Please Note: Our email addresses have changed from @ci.pierre.sd.us to @pierresd.gov. Please update your contacts to use our new email addresses. Messages sent to our previous addresses will continue to be received during the transition period. Thank you!
8/10/26
City of Custer
City of Custer, SD - Public Works Department Inter Department Operator with water and wastewater certifications.
Updated Job Listing -
City of Custer, SD - Public Works Department Inter Department Operator with water and wastewater certifications. Responsible for maintenance, repairs, and operation of the City’s water and wastewater system in addition to snow removal and general street and park maintenance duties. Full-time position that requires availability to work weekends.
Starting wage: $25.18 - $30.18, depending on certifications and experience. Up to $500 per month housing allowance for 12 months.
To learn more and apply: www.cityofcuster.com/employment. Open until filled.
6/15/26
City of Custer, SD - Public Works Department Inter Department Operator with water and wastewater certifications.
Updated Job Listing -
City of Custer, SD - Public Works Department Inter Department Operator with water and wastewater certifications. Responsible for maintenance, repairs, and operation of the City’s water and wastewater system in addition to snow removal and general street and park maintenance duties. Full-time position that requires availability to work weekends.
Starting wage: $25.18 - $30.18, depending on certifications and experience. Up to $500 per month housing allowance for 12 months.
To learn more and apply: www.cityofcuster.com/employment. Open until filled.
6/15/26