Utility Service Worker

Under direct or general supervision, the Utility Service Worker performs a variety of technical maintenance duties involved in the construction, maintenance, and operation of the water and wastewater systems. He or she has regular contact with customers, requiring courteous, effective communication skills. Performs quality control sampling, records daily operation of potable water production facilities, wastewater lift stations, and the non-potable pump station; and also maintains the cleanliness and order of the above facilities and stations as well as the Utility Operations Facility.

Essential Job Duties:

• In addition to the other duties listed in this Job Description, the Utility Service Worker must be able to perform the following additional essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Install, operate, repair, and maintain the water and wastewater systems.
• Maintain and operate well, lift stations, and generators on a routine basis.
• Assist in collection of samples, assembly of pipe, and installation of taps, meters, and other devices.
• Repair breaks in the water distribution system and wastewater collection systems.
• Perform general cleaning and maintenance of city property, maintain water well sites, water storage sites, sewer lift stations, and the non-potable pump station.
• Install, repair and upgrade water/wastewater lines and meters.
• Safely operate equipment and machinery as directed.
• Install, repair, and maintain equipment at well sites, lift stations, and other locations, within the scope of his or her ability.
• Investigate and diagnose water/wastewater leaks, stoppages and complaints, and repair when in the scope of his or her expertise.
• Perform general and machine-aided labor and other general construction duties as assigned.
• Be available for and respond to call outs after normal working hours in accordance with Utilities Department Stand-by Procedures or in the event of special emergency declaration by the Director of Public Works and Utilities or his designee.
• Care for and maintain assigned vehicle and equipment.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees throughout all City Departments and with the general public.
• Communicate effectively with the public and other City employees.
• Operate water meter reading hand held computer on an as-needed basis.
• Promptly, legibly, and accurately complete service records, reports, and other required documentation.
• Work safely, follow safety rules and training, wear personal protective devices when required and maintain a clean, safe work environment.
• Follow City and Department policies and procedures and the instructions of his or her super-visor or their appointed designee.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, co-workers and others (internally and externally) in order to provide, exchange, or verify information, answer inquires, address issues, or resolve and/or report problems or complaints.
• Use good judgment and make good decisions in matters related to the job.
• Assist others; be helpful, cooperative and courteous, and demonstrate a good attitude in all dealings with the public, co-workers and others.
• Report in a timely manner all issues, concerns, or questions to the supervisor or others, as appropriate, in the chain of command.
• Take up matters affecting his or her job with his or her immediate supervisor and through proper channels.
• Punctual, regular, on-site, in-person attendance is a requirement of the job.
• Attend all safety and other meetings and training as assigned.
• Work outside of normal working hours as required and be on call and available for duty during emergency periods as defined by City Council, the City Manager, the Director of Public works or their designee.
• Demonstrate initiative and diligence in the prompt and proper completion of all job duties, whether or not listed in this Job Description.
• Safeguard City property and recognize and report needed repairs.
• Maintain confidentiality with regard to all City business.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Basic Requirements:

• Graduation from high school, General Education Development (GED) Certificate or equivalent.
• Have a minimum of a Class C Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record.
• Possess or obtain a Class D Water Operator License within twelve (12) months of completing a Basic Waterworks Operations class conducted by an approved training organization; maintain a valid Water Operator License that meets state requirements for our system size.
• Possess or obtain a minimum of a Class 1 Wastewater Collection Operator License within twelve (12) months of completing a Wastewater Collection class conducted by an approved training organization; maintain a valid Wastewater Collection Operator License that meets state requirements for our system size.
• Must be available during off-duty hours for and respond to business calls in a timely manner.
• Have satisfactory results on background and pre-employment physical/medical exam.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The Utility Service Worker must have significant knowledge, skills and/or abilities as shown be-low.

• Ability to gain and apply knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Basic knowledge of machines and tools, including their uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Ability to give full attention to what other people are saying, take time to understand the points being made, ask questions as appropriate, and not interrupt at inappropriate times.
• Ability to talk clearly to others to convey information and ideas so others will understand.
• Ability to read and understand basic information and ideas presented in writing.
• Ability to develop the skills to assess when something is wrong or likely to go wrong.
• Ability to follow safe work practices and procedures.
• Basic knowledge of arithmetic.
• Ability to monitor gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a meter or machine is working properly, and at an acceptable level within specifications.
• Ability to perform routine maintenance on equipment and determine when and what kind of adjustments or maintenance is needed, within the scope of his/her expertise.
• Ability to follow instructions of a supervisor and to work independently with or without supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Physical and Mental Requirements

In order to successfully achieve the goals of Utility Operations, the Utility Service Worker must meet the following physical and mental requirements with or without accommodation. Physical and mental demands include, but are not limited to:

• Ability to walk and work on a variety of uneven surfaces and sit, stand or crouch for extended periods of time;
• Ability to work outdoors in extreme conditions, including heat, cold and inclement weather;
• Ability to lift and carry, or move, objects weighing up to eighty (80) pounds, unassisted;
• Ability to maintain balance, stoop, bend kneel, stand, reach, grasp, push and/or pull, unassisted;
• Ability to climb and descend ladders and stairs;
• Ability to effectively use hand tools;
• Ability to move quickly, unassisted, in emergency situations;
• Ability to read, write, and speak effectively, and to understand the meaning of spoken words, in the English language;
• Ability to hear and speak clearly while operating a two-way radio;
• Ability to legibly and accurately record written data on documentation;
• Good visual acuity, and good hearing and listening abilities, that is, the Utility Service Worker must be able to see clearly and hear spoken words from co-workers, supervisors and others;
• Good motor coordination skills, that is, the Utility Service Worker must be able to coordinate his or her eyes, hands and fingers rapidly and accurately in order to handle precise movements as when using hand tools and driving, and in response to visual, auditory and other stimuli;
• Ability to understand, learn, remember and communicate information about the job;
• Ability to understand, remember and follow instructions, rules and regulations; and
• Ability to work effectively while under pressure and deadlines in order to respond to co-workers and the public.