WWW Utility Investigator - Department of Public Works

Job Summary

A Utility Investigator responds to customer complaints related to water and wastewater utilities by assessing the situation on-site and determining and communicating required repair and response priorities to utility maintenance personnel. The work of this class involves no supervisory duties or responsibilities. Incumbents receive moderate supervision from a technical supervisor. Employees in this class work a conventional work week that may include rotating shifts and are subject to 24-hour call-back as required. Work is performed outdoors where incumbents are exposed to inclement weather, raw sewage, noxious odors and traffic. Work involves regularly walking, standing, bending and stooping for brief periods of time and occasionally walking or standing in difficult terrain for prolonged periods.

Minimum Qualifications

• On or before the date of filing the application, each candidate must:
  • Have graduated from an accredited high school or possession of a GED certificate.
  • Have five years of experience in utility construction, installation, maintenance and repair, or three years of experience in utility construction inspection or investigation.
• Have a valid Maryland Class C Noncommercial or equivalent out-of-state driver’s license acceptable to the Office of Risk Management. Provisional driver’s licenses or learner permits are not acceptable.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of construction, installation, maintenance, repair and operation of water mains, water meters, sanitary sewers, storm drains, manholes, inlets and related appurtenances.
• Knowledge of traffic control procedures.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures regarding utility maintenance and repair, protective clothing and traffic control.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and compliance regarding water and wastewater.
• Skill in assessing cause of and nature of repair required to resolve utility related problems in water and wastewater maintenance systems.
• Skill in communicating effectively and with tact with residential and commercial customers of the municipal water system regarding the cause of utility problems, utility maintenance and repair requirements, and the City’s response.
• Skill in documenting findings in a clear and concise manner regarding the cause and nature of repair required to correct utility problems.
• Skill in reading and interpreting simple blueprints and drawings.
• Skill in using specialized equipment such as aqua phone, and hydrant and meter wrenches.
• Skill in remaining calm and professional in dealing with irate citizens including homeowners, tenants and business owners.
• Skill in responding quickly and effectively in a crisis situation.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers and mid-level managers.

Background Check

Note: Those eligibles who are under final consideration for appointment will be required to authorize the release of criminal conviction information. Probation All persons, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a mandatory six-month probation. Eligibility Qualified candidates will be considered for vacancies as they arise, for a period of at least six months. The decision of the Director of Human Resources with respect to acceptable minimum qualifications is final.

Education Accreditation

Applicants’ education must be obtained from an accredited institution. Education credentials obtained out of the US must be evaluated for US equivalency. Evaluation agencies information may be obtained at www.naces.org.

Selection Process

• All candidates indicating the minimum qualifications on their applications will be placed on the eligible list without further examination.
• The training and experience of each candidate will be evaluated for appropriateness and quantity.

Examination Process

• Applicants must provide sufficient information on their application to show that they meet the minimum qualifications for this recruitment.
• Successful applicants will be placed on the employment certified eligible list for at least six months.
• The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience as presented in your application and as they relate to the requirements of the position.
• You may be required to complete supplemental questions to further examine specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities of the position.

Baltimore City Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Baltimore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodation during the hiring process should contact Human Resources directly. Do not attach your request for accommodation to the application.