Water Maintenance Worker

Job Title

This is responsible work of considerable difficulty performed on the municipal water distribution system and its components.

Work involves water system maintenance work requiring skills learned through experience on related jobs and the operation of light automotive equipment on a limited incidental bases. Standard work assignments are performed with considerable independence under the general direction of the Water Maintenance Crew leader; new work assignments are carried out under rather close supervision until learned. Work is normally reviewed upon completion for adherence to standards and instructions and through inspections, work reports prepared, and achievement of desired results.

Examples of Duties

This list may not include all tasks and/or knowledge which may be expected of the employee, nor does it cover all specific duties which may be required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Perform maintenance and repair work on municipal water distribution system and its components; inspects jobs under way and upon completion; advises on work problems.
• Operates a side tapping machine in the installation and repair of water lines; operates a back hoe in digging ditches to perform maintenance and repair work.
• Makes general and difficult system repairs; repairs water leaks and mains; locates meters and valves and repairs fire hydrants.
• Operates a variety of maintenance and related equipment including water pumps, portable generators, air compressors, side tapping machine, and winch lines in performing system repairs and maintenance work. Ability to operator the Vactor Truck.
• Responsible for ensuring that proper on-the-job safety procedures are followed and safety equipment is consistently and properly used.
• Performs related work as required.

Typical Qualifications

Education/Experience:

Required - High school diploma or equivalent, or completion of vocational/technical school; considerable experience with maintenance functions in the water distribution system; or any equivalent combination of training and experience to provide the outlined knowledge, abilities, and skills:

General Skill Levels:

• Knowledge of municipal water system grid and its components.
• Tools equipment, and work methods used in water system construction, maintenance, and repair work.
• Standards and occupational hazards involved in trenching, general maintenance, and the operations of automotive equipment.
• Occupational hazards involved and of the safety precautions necessary in the performance of assigned work.
• Computer software system(s) including but not limited to the email, work order system, internet searches, and GIS.
• JULIE regulations.

Skills :

• Skill in the use, care, and demonstration of general and specialized tools, and the mechanical and automotive equipment used in required maintenance work.
• Planning, organizing and directing a work crew within the responsibilities of this position.
• Transferring technical knowledge to operational activity to achieve desired results.
• Using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.

Ability to:

• Ability to deal with the public in general and difficult work situations.
• Perform work independently under limited supervision.
• Ensure that proper on-the-job safety procedures are followed and safety equipment is properly and consistently used.
• Read and understand technical information including plans and blueprints and apply guidelines and regulations to operational situations.
• Communicate orally and in writing with internal and external stakeholders professionally.
• Ability to efficiently use the City's Geographic Information System (GIS) for locating utilities.
• Understand and follow general oral and written instructions.
• Work evenings, nights and weekends as required and respond to emergency situations.
• Correctly perform basic arithmetic.
• Correctly take, record and use measurements.
• Responsible for the correct, safe and efficient locating of the City owned underground utilities including telecommunication, electric power, water, sewer, and communication fiber under the State mandated J.U.L.I.E law.
• Distinguish colors used in the JULIE color coding system.

Certificates or Licenses:

• Required - Possession and maintenance of a valid Illinois Class B Commercial Driver's License with airbrake endorsement. Employees or applicants hired into the position after October 23, 2024, must have a tanker endorsement.
• Preferred - Illinois Class D Operators License

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions: Majority of work is performed in an outdoor setting in all conditions including hot, cold, wet and dry weather. Work requires traveling to construction sites and the ability to traverse a variety of natural and altered ground surfaces which may be uneven, wet or slippery or sloped.