UTILITY MAINTENANCE WORKER

General Statement of Duties

Performs responsible semi-skilled to skilled work in the installation, replacement, repair and maintenance of water and sewer lines.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class performs in a team, engaged in the maintenance of sewer lines and/or maintenance and repair of water meters and lines. Work involves significant public contact and knowledge of the water and sewer system and customer service policies in identifying problems, responding successfully to water leaks, meter malfunctions, sewer clogs, and other similar customer service issues. Work also requires skilled construction equipment operation. Employees are subject working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as working in heavy traffic, loud noises, vibration, moving mechanical parts, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation, and oils. Work with raw sewage is also subject to the final standards of OSHA on bloodborne pathogens. Employees are also subject to on-call and call-back work. Work is performed under regular supervision and is evaluated through observation and inspection for adherence to instructions and standard trade and safety practices.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Tasks

• Installs, inspects, replaces, locates, reads, tests, disconnects, and changes out residential and commercial water meters.
• Meets with customers, plumbers and other to identify and resolve customer problems; discusses problems with customers; notifies when disconnecting water supply; explains customer service policies.
• Operates a specialized truck to remove sewer blockages with water pressure jet, automated rodding machine, or vacuum pumping apparatus; enters manholes to clean out obstructions following confined space entry requirements.
• Locates City water and sewer lines and marks them for other utilities and various construction projects;; receives location requests through fax machine; locates and marks water and sewer lines.
• Operates construction equipment including back hoes, excavators, and loaders around underground utilities, overhead utility lines, in and around traffic and parked cars; participates with crew on major line repairs and replacement projects.
• Operates tractor with bush hog attachment to mow and clear sewer easements.
• Operates video camera to inspect sewer lines for inflow and infiltration problems.
• Stocks and maintains assigned trucks and equipment.
• Prepares daily logs or other records.
• Performs other tasks as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of the tools, materials and equipment used in the installation, replacement, maintenance and repair of water and sewer lines and appurtenances.
• Considerable knowledge of the hazards associated with working around raw sewage and other work hazards and the associated safety precautions.
• Considerable knowledge of a variety of maintenance and manual methods and tasks involved in assigned tasks.
• Working knowledge of the municipal water and sewer service customer service policies and procedures.
• Skill in the operation of heavy construction equipment including excavators, back hoes, track hoes, and front end loaders.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and the public.
• Ability to read utility line maps and operation and service manuals and to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to keep accurate detailed records.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform very heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally; 50 pounds of force frequently; and 20 pounds constantly.
• Must possess the visual acuity to keep records, inspect small parts and assemble them, read gauges, and operate a truck in a safe manner.

Desirable Education and Experience

• Graduation from high school and experience in related utility maintenance and repair work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Prefer possession of collection system operator level I certificate and/or distribution system operator level C certificate.

Special Requirements

• Possession of or ability to obtain valid North Carolina Class B Commercial driver's license within 6 months of hire date will elevate to Utility Maintenance Worker II level with an additional 5% above Utility Maintenance Worker scale.

Minimum Starting Rate: $17.09