Temporary Utility Worker

Location: Newport, OR | Temporary position with the City of Newport Public Works Department

About the Role

Join the team that keeps our streets, water distribution, and wastewater systems operating safely and efficiently. The City of Newport is seeking up to four Temporary Utility Worker employees to support seasonal operations. These roles provide essential assistance during the summer and fall maintenance season and offer opportunities to gain hands-on experience in maintenance of streets, water distribution, and wastewater collection operations.

Schedule

• Streets Division (2 positions): Approximately 8–10 weeks, up to full-time hours
• Water Distribution Division (1 position): Approximately 5 months, up to full-time hours
• Wastewater Collections Division (1 position): Approximately 5 months, up to full-time hours

Responsibilities

• Streets Division:
  • Perform vegetation control, roadside maintenance, and litter removal
  • Assist with pavement marking and striping operations during favorable weather
  • Support general maintenance activities to improve transportation system safety and appearance
• Water Distribution Division:
  • Provide grounds maintenance at pump stations and water system facilities
  • Conduct vegetation control, site cleanup, and hydrant maintenance
  • Support general maintenance activities for the upkeep of drinking water infrastructure
• Wastewater Collections Division:
  • Assist with grounds maintenance and cleanup at wastewater lift stations
  • Perform vegetation control, litter and debris removal, and general site maintenance
  • Support general maintenance activities to improve accessibility and operation of the wastewater collection system

Requirements

• Ability to perform physical labor in outdoor environments and varying weather conditions
• Willingness to adhere to all safety policies and utilize provided PPE
• Ability to follow instructions, work independently, and complete assigned tasks efficiently
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with City staff and the public
• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum of 1-year experience in construction or related field

Skills & Qualifications

Knowledge:

• Field installation of underground utilities; construction; maintenance and repair of heavy equipment
• Occupational hazards and effective/proper safety standards, practices, and procedures related to equipment operation, heavy labor, and the use of hand and power tools
• Operations, materials, methods, techniques, and Federal/State guidelines used in water distribution

Skills:

• Use of personal computers, related software, standard office equipment, heavy equipment (including backhoe), and hand/power tools
• Routine vehicle maintenance, service, and refueling
• Identifying and working with utility locates (call in, identify markings)
• Radio communication protocol
• Customer service orientation and interpersonal skills
• Strong oral communication skills with a variety of audiences; ability to communicate complex material in a simple, understandable manner
• Reasoning, analysis, problem-solving, judgment, and professionalism

Abilities:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City management, employees, Council members, other entities, and the public
• Write work reports, maintain records and logs; read and interpret technical manuals, work orders, blueprints, diagrams, and sketches
• Work independently and cooperatively within a team structure
• Follow written and verbal direction
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals and groups
• Operate heavy equipment and hand/power tools used in public works operations
• Perform essential job functions requiring physical ability
• Operate a computer and use Microsoft Office suite software

Pay

$4,333.33 monthly

Benefits

• Free membership to the City's Recreation and Aquatic facility
• Pro-rated sick and vacation time
• Other benefits as required by law