Utility Person I (Meters) - Union

About the Role

Medford Water is hiring for two Utility Person I positions, the first level of four in the Utility Person series. This entry-level role involves a variety of skilled and semi-skilled work in construction, repair, and maintenance of water pipelines, as well as meter reading and customer service activities.

Responsibilities

• Install and maintain water mains, fittings, valves, fire hydrants, and meters.
• Operate mechanical equipment driven by air, hydraulics, and electricity, as well as heavy equipment such as dump trucks, service trucks, vac-cons, jackhammers, backhoes, and forklifts.
• Gather meter readings for customer billing.
• Perform utility checks on meters and water lines to ensure operational integrity.
• Work as a crew member to repair, install, and maintain water lines, meters, valves, and hydrants.
• Perform heavy manual labor for extended periods, often under unfavorable weather conditions.
• Operate a variety of equipment and perform flagging duties.
• Demonstrate active communication and respectfulness toward co-workers and the public, incorporating Medford Water Commission Values into daily activities.

Requirements

• High school or vocational school graduation.
• Six months of related experience in construction or technical trades relevant to water distribution systems.
• Valid Oregon Driver’s License Class A CDL (or ability to obtain CDL certification within 12 months).
• Must obtain an Oregon State Certificate of Competency WD I in Water Distribution within six months after the probationary period.

Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions.
• Understanding of methods, practices, and tools used in a water distribution system.
• Proficiency in using computers and related software.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with co-workers, property owners, contractors, and the public.
• Problem-solving ability and excellent physical condition.
• Commitment to continued education and learning.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent vehicle driving to and from project sites.
• Regular kneeling, crouching, repetitive motions, reaching, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, and seeing.
• Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, 50 pounds frequently, and 20 pounds constantly to move objects.
• Exposure to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, limited ventilation, chemicals, and extreme temperatures.
• Work in low-level lighting, restricted workspaces, and intense noise environments.
• Availability for emergency call-out duties.