Utility Operator I

GENERAL PURPOSE

In a team environment or while working independently, perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled technical and maintenance work in the operation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution and sewer collection facilities and systems.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Reports to a Utilities Crew leader, or greater, and is under the general supervision of the Utilities Superintendent.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Regular attendance with the ability to work in an occupied environment, including areas with vehicle traffic. May operate heavy machinery and utilize a truck and a trailer at a job site to load and transport equipment to/from worksite and complete required task. As a member of crew, install, and repair main water and sewer lines. This includes excavating to grade, laying and aligning pipe and using special tapping equipment to install valves, lateral water lines, lateral sewer lines, blowoffs, hydrants, meters and service taps, cleanouts, manholes, and service lines and taps. As necessary, block off work area and re-route traffic with consideration for public safety and convenience. Accomplish hookups and test installations according to established procedures.

Install, overhaul, and repair fire hydrants. This includes: shutting off main line or hydrant foot valve; disassembling and cleaning hydrant subsections; replacing gaskets, seals, and seats and reassembling and testing hydrant for proper operation. Inspect new water lines at construction sites, take samples and chlorination readings. Perform routine inspection, cleaning, and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment. Refer defects or needed repairs to supervisor. Perform work in accordance with all federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations and within mandated and appropriate safety standards.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

Complete all duties assigned by supervisor, keep job site and work area clean, and must keep tools clean that are used in performing work. Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

1. High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
2. Valid Texas Class C Driver's License is required.
3. One (1) year of water and sewer utility experience is preferred.

Or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge

Some knowledge of equipment, facilities, materials, methods and procedures used in water distribution operation activities and procedures and practices. Some basic knowledge of OSHA trenching and shoring requirements.

Skills

Judgment and Decision Making - Uses logic and reasoning to analyze, understand, and evaluate job orders and identify potential problems before they arise. Exercises appropriate judgment in establishing priorities. Excellent organizational and time management skills. Assessing the safety of a work site is imperative.

Critical Thinking - Good critical thinking, problem solving, and mechanical skill is necessary when accessing work orders.

Abilities

Coordination of Work - Ability to share a heavy workload to maintain team balance, acquire skills in all equipment and procedures to become a more valuable crew member. Help train and orient new workers.

Communications - Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other departments, and the public.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must obtain a TCEQ "D" Public Water System Operator License within one (2) years of date of hire.

OR

Must obtain a TCEQ "D" Wastewater Treatment License within one (1) year of date of hire.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Large and heavy equipment such as a backhoe, front-end loader, dump truck. Motorized vehicles and equipment, including tapping machine, tamper, plate compactor, pipe threader, jackhammer, acetylene torch, chain saw, trash pump, ditch compactor, air compressor, generators, compressors, pumps, gauges, common hand and power tools, shovels, wrenches, detection devices, mobile radio, phone, calculator, and other necessary equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, crawl, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to handle and feel/operate/manipulate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. While standing/walking primarily on concrete floors, the employee must occasionally lift up to 25 pounds, lift/carry up to 100 pounds with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those and employee typically encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is generally performed outside, exposed to extreme heat in summer and cold in winter. The employee typically is exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and frequently works near moving mechanical parts. The employee is also occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and may work in environments that expose them to risk of electrical shock and vibration. The employee is frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals.