Utility Maintenance Technician

Performs unskilled work in the maintenance, repair and replacement of the City’s water distribution and sewer collection infrastructure systems. An employee in this class performs a variety of unskilled labor tasks to assist in the construction, maintenance, and repair of utility lines and appurtenances.   Work involves using a variety of tools and light equipment to repair, replace and build sections of water and sewer lines, as well as to unstop clogged lines.  Work also involves mowing and other grounds maintenance work to ensure access roads and outfalls are accessible.  

• Assists with the repair, replacement and construction of water and sewer lines as needed.
• Mows and maintains spray fields, outfalls and access roads to ensure access to infrastructure for maintenance and repairs. 
• Assists with clearing backed up or clogged sewer lines with pressurized hoses, rakes and shovels.
• Performs “flagger” operations on roadways, as needed, during maintenance and repair operations.   
• Uses various pneumatic, gas or electric power tools, including compressors, jack-hammers, tapping machines, boring machines, tamps, concrete saws, drills, etc. 
• Uses basic hand tools, such as shovels, rakes, hoes, etc. to perform tasks. 
• Performs minor preventive maintenance on vehicles and equipment, including sharpening chainsaws, greasing and maintaining heavy equipment, etc.
• Responds to residential service calls to solve sewer problems. 
• Assists with making water and sewer taps, installing and replacing water meters, and installing fire hydrants. 
• Operates various light and heavy-duty equipment, including dump trucks, tractors, loaders, mowers, etc. 
• Performs “on-call” duties on a rotational basis as needed.
• Assists other departments and agencies as needed
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

 

• Knowledge of the tools, materials and equipment used to maintain and repair water distribution and sewer collection infrastructure and associated appurtenances.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and proper safety precautions associated with working around raw sewage, operating heavy construction equipment, working around traffic and performing daily responsibilities.    
• Knowledge of municipal maintenance and construction practices.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the work.   
• Knowledge of traffic laws, ordinances and regulations pertaining to operation of motorized equipment.
• Ability to safely and skillfully operate and maintain light to heavy duty equipment and various pneumatic, gas or electric power tools. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, peers and the general public.
• Ability to deal courteously and tactfully with City personnel, contractors and the public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The work is heavy work which requires exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. The work may require specific physical characteristic and abilities such as heightened strength, mobility, dexterity and full range of motion. The following additional physical abilities are also required: climbing, crouching, kneeling, manual dexterity, hearing, mental acuity, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, stooping, talking, visual acuity and walking. 
 
WORK ENVIRONMENT:         
The work is generally performed in inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposed to the hazards, including working in heavy traffic, loud noises, vibration, moving mechanical parts, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation, and oils.  Work is subject to the final standards of OSHA on blood borne pathogens.  The work environment involves high risks with exposure to potentially dangerous situations or unusual environmental risks which require a range of safety and other precautions. Use of safe work practices with equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, observance of fire regulations and traffic signals are required. Employees will be required to wear other appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks, coats, boots, goggles, gloves, or shield.
 
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One (1) year of experience in utility maintenance or construction work.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of a valid North Carolina Class “B” Commercial Driver’s License or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire date.