Water Distribution & Grounds

Who is Water Distribution & Grounds?

The Water Distribution & Grounds Department has several areas of responsibility including:

·         Repair and maintenance of buried piping, fire hydrants, and valves

·         Locating and marking buried utilities

·         Locating water leaks using ultrasonic sounding equipment

·         Maintaining computer records of all distribution piping

·         Twenty-four hour dispatch

·         Managing the backflow prevention program

·         Grounds maintenance

The Water Distribution & Grounds Team:

The water distribution & grounds team is a diverse group of more than 60 individuals with experience in many areas ranging from underground construction and field service to computerized leak detection and horticulture. The department is divided into five teams.

• The distribution maintenance and repair team, which is the largest, includes Crew Leaders, Equipment Operators, Pipe Installers and Laborers.  This team is responsible for all water distribution system maintenance including repair of water main breaks.
• The leak detection and locating team consists primarily of experienced field staff.
• The support team includes administrative and record keeping staff.
• The dispatch team consists of Dispatchers who provide coverage in dispatch 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• The grounds maintenance team includes Gardeners, Lead Gardeners, Laborers, and Equipment Operators. This team is responsible for maintenance of Water Works Park, the largest inner city park in America, as well as horticultural activities at the Des Moines Botanical Center.

What it’s Like to Work in Water Distribution & Grounds at DMWW:

The water distribution maintenance and leak/locate teams have people who are on call 24 hours a day. Water main breaks or leaks can occur at any time of day or night and we must respond quickly to restore service to our customers. This is outdoor work and much of it is in the winter time. The grounds maintenance team also does much of their work outdoors. Spring and summer are busy times for them as they plant and maintain flowers and trees in the park and the botanical center.

Are You Eager for a Career in Water Distribution & Grounds at DMWW?

Typically new members of the department begin their careers as pipelines or grounds laborers, equipment operators, or in support roles. Advancement opportunities are available for knowledgeable, hardworking team members in many areas. Pipe installers, Crew Leaders, Field Service Technicians, and Lead Gardeners are often hired from within the department. Supervisory opportunities also exist within the department.

Job Descriptions

AM-FM GIS Technician
Concrete Worker
Crew Leader - Pipelines
Crew Leader - Service
Director of Water Distributution
Dispatch - CSSR
Distribution Water Quality Coordinator
Equipment Operator - Grounds
Equipment Operator - Pipelines
Field Service Technician
GIS Analyst
Installer
Laborer - Grounds
Laborer - Pipelines
Lead Gardener
Leak Surveyor
Office Assistant - Water Distribution
Park Police Officer
Secretary - Water Distribution
Supervisor of Grounds
Supervisor of Water Distribution
Water Distribution Planner