Utility Worker

Department: Public Works | Reports To: Director of Public Works | Employment Type: Full-Time | Work Location: In-Person, 1246 Louisville Hwy., Goodlettsville, TN 37072

About the role

Under the direction of the Director of Public Works, the Utility Worker performs a variety of skilled and semi-skilled duties related to the construction, operation, maintenance, and repair of the City's wastewater collection system, public rights-of-way, drainage infrastructure, streets, facilities, and other public works assets. The Utility Worker operates equipment, performs manual labor, responds to emergency situations, and assists with a wide range of departmental projects to support the City's infrastructure and services.

Responsibilities

• Construct, maintain, inspect, and repair the City's wastewater collection system, including sewer mains, manholes, lift stations, and related infrastructure.
• Operate and maintain heavy and light equipment, including trucks, tractors, backhoes, skid steers, ditch witches, excavators, trenchers, jet rodders, and other specialized equipment.
• Perform building, grounds, and facility maintenance at City-owned properties.
• Install, repair, and maintain drainage structures, culverts, ditches, and stormwater infrastructure.
• Perform right-of-way maintenance, vegetation control, brush removal, litter control, and bulk waste collection.
• Assist with roadway maintenance, street repairs, traffic signs, barricades, and emergency repairs.
• Load, unload, transport, and properly use tools, materials, and equipment.
• Perform routine inspections of equipment and report maintenance or repair needs.
• Respond to emergency situations, including storms, flooding, sewer overflows, and other public works emergencies.
• Participate in the department's rotating on-call schedule and respond after normal business hours, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations as assigned.
• Follow all applicable federal, state, local, OSHA, and City safety regulations and procedures.
• Maintain accurate work records and documentation as required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience in public works, construction, underground utilities, heavy equipment operation, or a related field is preferred.
• Valid Tennessee Commercial Driver License (CDL) required.

Skills

• Knowledge of materials, methods, tools, and equipment used in wastewater collection system construction, maintenance, and repair.
• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment and specialized utility equipment.
• Ability to learn mechanical, electrical, and maintenance concepts related to pumps, lift stations, and utility infrastructure.
• Ability to read work orders, maps, utility locates, and technical instructions.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Effective problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, contractors, and the public.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical labor under varying weather conditions.
• Willingness to work in confined spaces, including manholes and lift stations, after receiving appropriate training.
• Ability to respond appropriately during emergency situations.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently lift and carry objects weighing up to 75 pounds.
• Walk, stand, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, reach, and perform repetitive physical movements for extended periods.
• Enter and work within confined spaces when properly trained and equipped.
• Work around moving equipment, machinery, and traffic.
• Safely wear and utilize required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Perform physically demanding work for extended periods.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily outdoors in varying weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, and humidity.
• Frequent exposure to dirt, dust, noise, wastewater, chemicals, fumes, insects, poisonous plants, and other environmental hazards.
• Work may be performed around moving traffic, construction zones, excavations, and heavy equipment.
• May be required to work outside of normal business hours during emergencies, severe weather events, or other operational needs.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required.

Employment Requirements

• Pass a pre-employment drug screen and physical.
• Successfully complete a background investigation.
• Meet all employment requirements established by the City.
• Maintain all required licenses and certifications throughout employment.

Pay

$20.00 per hour, with potential for overtime. Following a successful six-month performance review, employee may be eligible for an additional $0.50 per hour increase.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS)
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
• 13 paid holidays annually
• Vacation leave
• Sick leave
• Two personal days annually
• Employer-supported training and professional development
• Optional 401(k) and 457(b) deferred compensation plans

All benefits are subject to applicable plan documents and City policy.