UTILITY SYSTEM OPERATOR

Utility System Operator

Performs responsible unskilled and semi-skilled work in the installation, operation, replacement, repair, and maintenance of wells, water lines, meters, and related appurtenances.

An employee in this class performs a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled tasks involving the maintenance and repair of water lines, meters, hydrants, valves, elevated storage tanks, water pumps, and wells. Work includes making taps to water mains, installing new water meters and meter boxes, installing hydrants, meters, and valves, and performing general maintenance and repairs to the water system.

Additional responsibilities include meter reading, conducting field customer service investigations for leaks and high-usage complaints, connecting and disconnecting services, troubleshooting issues, locating water lines for contractors, and related duties. Employees work in both indoor and outdoor environments, often in extreme weather, and are exposed to various hazards including loud noise, vibration, mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dust, gases, and oils. Employees are subject to on-call and call-back duties.

Work is performed under regular supervision and is evaluated through observation and inspection for adherence to instructions, proper work methods, and safety practices.

Essential Duties and Tasks

• Connects and disconnects water service; reads meters; inspects services for leaks; flushes hydrants as needed; locates water lines to prevent damage by contractors or utilities.
• Operates tapping machine to make water taps and service connections; sets meter boxes and meters; replaces water meters.
• Lays water pipe; repairs and replaces water lines and related facilities; conducts pressure tests on lines to check for leaks.
• Installs, services, and tests water meters and meter yokes; exercises valves.
• Operates dump trucks, jackhammers, tampers, pipe threading machines, tapping machines, trenchers, air compressors, and boring machines.
• Takes water distribution samples; checks chlorine levels.
• Assists in establishing and carrying out hydrant and valve exercising programs.
• Checks and performs maintenance on wells, pumping stations, elevated storage tanks, and related facilities.
• Installs hydrants, meters, valves, clamps, and related pipeline apparatus; sets meter boxes; repairs and replaces fire hydrants; tests meters; conducts flow tests.
• Mows and trims around hydrants, elevated storage tanks, and other utility sites.
• Assists with ordering, stocking, and inventorying parts and supplies.
• Operates and maintains assigned vehicles.
• Prepares required records of work activities.

Additional Job Duties

• Performs other related tasks as assigned.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Some knowledge of tools, materials, and equipment used in the installation, replacement, maintenance, and repair of utility lines (preferred but not required).
• Some knowledge of maintenance and manual tasks involved in utility line installation and repair (preferred but not required).
• Working knowledge of common hand and power tools.
• Some knowledge of safe operation and preventive maintenance of automotive and mechanical equipment (preferred but not required).
• Some knowledge of information technology applications related to utility system maintenance.
• Working knowledge of water service policies and procedures.
• Skill in customer service and collaborative conflict resolution.
• Skill in operating light- and medium-sized construction equipment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, and the public.
• Ability to read utility line maps and operation manuals; follow verbal and written instructions; and prepare records of work activities.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to perform basic life functions: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, talking, hearing, feeling, and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform very heavy work, exerting up to 100 lbs of force occasionally, 50 lbs frequently, and 20 lbs constantly.
• Must possess visual acuity to safely operate mobile equipment (loaders, dump trucks), fit pipes and parts, read gauges, and complete written records.

Desirable Education and Experience

Graduation from high school and experience in plumbing or water distribution system work is preferred but not required.

Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.
• Possession of a Grade C Distribution System Certification within 12 months of employment.
• Must reside in Columbus County due to on-call and call-back duties.