Utility Maintenance Worker

Summary of Duties

The position is an entry level position within the Water Distribution/Water Pollution Control department of Public Works. Performs basic inspection, repair, installation, and maintenance work in support of a municipal water distribution and wastewater collections system.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Inspects, repairs, and maintains lift and pump stations, including water, storm, and sewer water collection systems;
• Performs field work on water, storm, sewer lines, and fire hydrants;
• Performs daily maintenance of the sanitary and storm sewers using specialized equipment (sewer combo truck);
• Responds to customer calls regarding sewer back-ups and problems and unclogs backed-up City main lines;
• Performs utility locates; water, storm, sewer lines, fiber optics and fire hydrants for City and contractor construction projects;
• May provide back-up and assistance to the Meter Technician by performing some or all of the duties of that position.
• Operates and maintains City light vehicles, hand tools, power saws small engine powered equipment and lawn mowers;
• Operates sewer combo truck, dump truck, backhoe and excavator equipment used in the repair and maintenance of water distribution and sewage collection systems.
• Performs general maintenance of work environment to maintain safety standards, including cleaning floors, bathrooms, kitchens, and windows, removing trash, mowing grass, and other related activities;
• Operates Water & WPC Division vehicles to transport tools and supplies in the field;
• Performs hydrant flow tests;
• Assists with special projects and performs other similar duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Budgetary Responsibilities

• None

Minimum Qualifications

• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent;
• Must obtain and maintain Class II Distribution license within three years of employment;
• Must obtain and maintain a Class B commercial driver’s license with air brake endorsement.
• During the one year probationary period, the newly hired Employee has 90 days to pass the written examination and must obtain the CDL with air endorsement no later than the completion of his or her sixth month continuous employment. City will pay for cost of obtaining a CDL; employee will sign an agreement to remain employed for two years after obtaining CDL, or will be required to pay back a prorated amount.
• Must obtain certification as a Registered Flagger from the American Traffic Safety Services Association within three years of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

• Knowledge of (or ability to learn) the proper industrial safety practices with special regard to gaseous manholes, working below grade or in confined places, high voltage areas, and/or areas involving heat, offensive odors, and dampness, including the practical application of first aid techniques;
• Knowledge of (or ability to learn) practices and procedures governing the construction and maintenance of sanitary sewers, sewage pump stations, water pumping facilities, water mains, and related facilities;
• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with citizens, co-workers, and representatives of other agencies, including individuals with various educational, lingual, and economic backgrounds;
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals who may be confused, upset, or irate;
• Ability to remain calm and level-headed during times of high pressure or stress;
• Must be able to work under adverse conditions, such as small spaces, deep underground or climbing water towers, and in human sewage;
• Ability to read and interpret plans, diagrams, drawings, prints, schematics, etc.;
• Ability to work independently;
• Ability to think analytically and apply sound judgment, solve problems, make effective decisions, and act with integrity;
• Ability to use sound judgment to detect unusual, harmful, or emergency situations and act accordingly;
• Ability to comprehend, process, and apply both verbal and written skills appropriate to the job;
• Ability to consistently demonstrate sound ethics and judgment;
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries;
• Ability to use City resources effectively and efficiently.

Work Environment, Physical Demands, and Other Requirements

• May be required to climb or balance, reach with hands and arms, sit, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk or hear, smell, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel;
• Works in an outdoor environment with exposure to weather-related heat and cold, rain, snow, wind, and related elements;
• Works in and on local and state roadways;
• Exposed to working in close quarters, high and precarious places, moving mechanical parts, moving traffic, vibration, fumes or airborne particles, sewage, and infectious diseases;
• May occasionally be required to move up to 200 pounds (such as a manhole cover);
• Required to serve in an “on-call” capacity during designated days or shifts, at all times, as well as be available to respond to emergencies or high priority situations.

The City of North Kansas City, MO is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, race, color, creed, mental or physical disability, religion, national origin, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, source of income, or any other status protected by local, state, or federal law, in the admission or access to, or employment in, its programs or activities. All interested parties are encouraged to apply!