Utility Worker - Water Distribution

Hiring Range: $22.34 to $27.92 per hour (Full pay range: $22.34 to $33.51 per hour). FLSA Status: Non-Exempt.

About the role

Performs a variety of manual and semi-skilled activities supporting daily operations and maintenance tasks associated with a water system.

Responsibilities

• Provides support in daily operations for both water and wastewater systems.
• Performs inspections and preventative maintenance using software; inspects hydrants, valves, water infrastructure, tanks, booster stations, and other water system appurtenances.
• Inspects, maintains, and repairs the sanitary sewer collection system including sewer lines, manholes, and lift stations to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Assists in maintenance at treatment plant.
• Performs basic chemical and biological water sampling and testing.
• Locates lines/breaks; taps water main lines; removes/replaces sections of streets, curbs, driveways, and sidewalks; replants/landscapes yards and right-of-ways; and operates a variety of equipment and tools.
• Installs new meters; changes out damaged or malfunctioning meters; reads meters; installs new gaskets and ERTs; and follows up on questionable readings by locating and rechecking readings, examining meters, checking connections for leaks or damage, and/or identifying customer leaks.
• Performs confined space entries.
• Performs and/or assists in routine maintenance and repair on a variety of equipment common to water operations (e.g., valves, CCTVs, pumps, motors, pressure regulating stations, wells, water main, hydrants, and meters).
• Operates assigned vehicles such as vac-trucks, CCTVs, and crane trucks; conducts pre-trip inspections; and drives safely to/from sites.
• Operates complex sewer line cleaning equipment, including hydro-cleaners and other related equipment to remove debris from sewer lines and wet wells.
• Utilizes hand tools, jack hammers, whackers, digging bars, shovels, and other related tools or equipment as required.
• Inspects cleaning equipment, power tools, vehicles, and other large equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Assesses and reports emergency situations and restores normal operating conditions.
• Answers inquiries from contractors and/or the general public regarding readings and water service.
• Performs customer service calls as assigned.
• Provides quality customer service to address citizen complaints or problems; provides requested information; and/or takes appropriate measures to ensure expedient resolution of citizen satisfaction.
• Checks security of premises to prevent unauthorized persons from entering water facilities.
• Follows regulatory and City safety standards including the use of PPE.
• Assists with snow removal and yard maintenance.
• Adheres to all safety policies and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One (1) year of full-time, journey-level construction, maintenance, or equipment operations experience; or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Possess a valid Arizona Class A (or Class B depending on assignment) commercial driver's license (CDL) with tank endorsement or obtain within one (1) year of hire.
• Possess an Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Grade I Water Distribution certification or obtain within one (1) year of hire.

Skills

• Knowledge of water distribution operation and maintenance principles.
• Knowledge of materials, practices, and equipment used in water system maintenance and repair activities.
• Knowledge of materials, practices, and equipment used in wastewater system operations and maintenance.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions for operating assigned equipment, common hand and power tools, and basic preventive maintenance on assigned equipment.
• Skill in operating and maintaining specialized equipment used in the maintenance/repair of water systems and in the operation and maintenance of wastewater systems.
• Skill in using computers and personal protective equipment.
• Skill in accurately documenting daily work tasks.
• Skill in utilizing customer service techniques in responding to requests and complaints.
• Skill in communicating and utilizing appropriate public relations techniques to resolve customer issues.
• Skill in solving problems.
• Ability to recognize occupational hazards of work and follow safety principles, regulations, and safe work practices.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with City residents and employees.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain tools and equipment of trade.
• Ability to collect and organize facts and data, and record field data manually and by using computer programs.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Benefits

• A diverse range of complimentary mental health and wellness services, including an Employee Assistance Program, a free subscription to Calm, and health coaching.
• Paid time off up to 25 days in first year of employment.
• 10 paid holidays and 1 floating holiday per year.
• Free employee-only coverage for medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, and life insurance.
• Pension and long-term disability through Arizona State Retirement System.
• Supplemental benefits such as deferred compensation plans and additional life insurance.

Schedule

• Work is performed in the field.
• Requires working overtime as needed, including nights, holidays, and weekends.
• Participates in on-call duties in a rotational manner which includes being available 24/7 for a seven-day period, approximately four to five times annually.
• Performs emergency standby duties on an as-needed basis.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Work is performed in hazardous conditions including sewage; potentially infectious wastes, methane, hydrogen sulfide, and other possible toxic gases and substances; rotating equipment; noise; high-medium-low voltage; oxygen-deficient and hazardous environments; and in confined spaces and high traffic areas.
• Safely performs manual labor for extended periods of time and safely lifts 50 pounds frequently without assistance with a maximum of 100 pounds with assistance.
• Safely operates required equipment and City vehicles as needed.
• Clearly sees, with correction if necessary, during day hours, night hours, and in potentially adverse weather conditions.
• Clearly, concisely, and effectively communicates in person, over the radio, and by telephone.
• Work is performed in an environment with heavy equipment and machinery that could result in bodily harm to co-workers or others.

Successful candidate will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include drug screening, motor vehicle records check, and criminal background screening.