Water Distr - Construction - Utility Worker Trainee I/II

General Description

Under the immediate or general supervision of a Lead Supervisor or higher; to perform, either alone or within a team, required construction, maintenance and operational duties in the assigned Division/Branch of the water and sewer system.

Supervision Exercised

These positions do not exercise supervision.

Important and Essential Duties

• Inspect, maintain, repair, install and/or replace damaged water distribution and sewage collection lines, valves, fire hydrants, pumps, meters and meter assemblies.
• Absorb and assist with cleanup and periodic maintenance of water utility property and easements.
• Operate a City vehicle daily to travel to various worksites.
• Operate at least one of the following: backhoe, loader, dump truck, air compressor, vacuum truck/machine.
• Ensure the work site is safe and productive at all times.
• Operate all of the following: backhoe, loader, dump truck, air compressor, vacuum truck/machine.
• Investigate customer complaints related to leaks, low pressure, outages and other issues related to water distribution.
• Contact and coordinate with required personnel and agencies to make repairs.
• Communicate effectively with other employees, customers and supervisors the nature and status of work being performed.

Other Job Related Duties

May also assist with accomplishing some Wastewater Collection-related tasks.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Perform safe driving and heavy equipment operating principles and practices.
• Know all approved methods, materials, tools, equipment, and practices used to safely repair and maintain water and sewerage systems.
• Understand the different jobs and tasks in the assigned Division/Branch and how they generally impact the operations of the City’s water and sewerage systems.
• Use general Geographical Information System (GIS) applications.
• Be familiar with City of Abilene Policies and Procedures within six (6) months of employment.

Experience and Training Guidelines

• Utility Worker Trainee: Six (6) months of experience as a Laborer, Utility Worker, or other related work is required. A high school diploma or GED is required.
• Utility Worker I: A valid Texas driver’s license or a military waiver is required. A valid Class A Texas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), or the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment is required. Possession of or the ability to obtain a TCEQ Class D Water License or Wastewater Collection I license within one (1) year of employment is required.
• Utility Worker II: Two (2) years of experience comparable to that of a Utility Worker I with the City of Abilene is required. A Texas Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required. A TCEQ Class C Water Distribution License or Wastewater Collection II License is required. A TCEQ Class B Water Distribution License or Wastewater Collection III License is preferred.

Special Requirements

• Bloodborne Pathogens training and HazCom training are required within sixty (60) days of employment.
• Working outside or in a confined workspace with exposure to cold, heat, noise, chemicals, and hazardous materials.
• Ability to travel to different sites.
• Availability to work an 8-hour shift during normal business hours and be on standby (on call) to work outside normal business hours, as needed.
• The overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday: Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds.
• The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task: Standing - Extensive (100 – 70% of the time); Sitting - Moderate (60 – 30% of the time); Walking - Extensive (100 – 70% of the time); Lifting - Extensive (100 – 70% of the time); Carrying - Moderate (60 – 30% of the time); Pushing/Pulling - Almost Never (