Utility Maintenance Specialist I/II/III (temp)

This job has a lot of room to grow for someone just entering the workforce or for experienced individuals looking to change careers. If you enjoy working outdoors, using your hands, and doing a variety of work that changes from day to day, this could be a great opportunity. You’ll work with a small crew assisting with the installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of City-owned utility infrastructure. This is a temporary position expected to last anywhere from a few months up to a year, depending on the needs of the City. It could be a great fit for a college student looking for summer work or for someone interested in getting their foot in the door with the City of Thornton and potentially moving into a full-time position with benefits in the future. Job Summary Under specified supervision, performs scheduled maintenance and emergency repairs of water and sanitary sewer main lines, water service lines, valves, fire hydrants, manholes, and main line valve boxes. Essential Functions Assist with the utilities on-call rotation to respond to after‑hour emergencies such as water line breaks, sanitary sewer overflows, customer service calls, and blockages. Perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance and repairs on water and wastewater pipelines. Operate heavy and light equipment for water and sanitary main‑line repairs, including backhoes, front‑end loaders, shoring equipment, and dump trucks. Conduct CCTV/video inspections using CUES TV equipment on sewer main lines to observe for proper flow, restrictions, water and root intrusion, and overall integrity of the sanitary collection system. Operate jet and/or jet/vacuum combo units to clean sanitary sewer main lines, remove debris from lines and manholes, and perform potholing and water‑main breaks. Monitor and maintain water main‑line valves using valve exercising equipment and valve keys to ensure operability. Adjust and repair damaged and overlaid valve boxes and manholes. Perform fire hydrant flushing, maintenance, repairs, and scheduled fire flows as needed. Perform air‑vacuum valve maintenance. Inspect grease and sand‑oil interceptors for local businesses. Follow, prepare, and generate standard operating procedures. Utilize appropriate personal protective equipment. Assess and track equipment condition for asset management, and obtain quotes for equipment procurement, replacement, and budgetary planning. Perform shop, equipment, and yard maintenance. Serve on‑call status on a rotating basis for snow removal. Work a varying schedule and/or shift, and may be required to work overtime. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications Utility Maintenance Specialist I: High School diploma or GED. Utility Maintenance Specialist II: High School diploma or GED; one year of experience in utility maintenance and repair work. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. Utility Maintenance Specialist III: High School diploma or GED; three years of experience in utility maintenance and repair work, preferably in water and wastewater operations. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. Licensing and Certification Requirements Utility Maintenance Specialist I: Valid Colorado Class B Commercial Driver’s License with a safe driving record and tanker and air‑brake endorsement, or the ability to obtain within six months of hire. Utility Maintenance Specialist II: Valid Colorado Class A Commercial Driver’s License with a safe driving record; Valid Class I Water Distribution Certification or a Class I Sewer Collection Certification required. Utility Maintenance Specialist III: Valid Colorado Class A Commercial Driver’s License with a safe driving record; Valid Class II Water Distribution Certification or a Class II Sewer Collection Certification required. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Utility Maintenance Specialist I: Knowledge of the policies, procedures and goals of the City of Thornton and the department. Knowledge of laws and safety as it relates to vehicle operations, general construction tools and equipment. Skill in operating all assigned equipment, machinery, tools or equipment safely and appropriately. Skill in the safe and lawful operation of a motor vehicle. Skill in making basic mathematical calculations. Ability to follow instructions given verbally or in writing. Ability to build positive working relationships and rapport with team members, other departments, local agencies, and other municipalities. Ability to consistently follow safety instructions. Ability to learn proper procedures for handling asbestos pipe, excavation, trench safety, traffic control safety, fall protection, confined space, and proper PPE. Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing with various audiences. Ability to read and interpret city street signs and utility GIS/locator maps. Ability to complete basic paperwork. Ability to use standard office equipment including handheld tablets, personal computers and job‑related applications including electronic mail. Utility Maintenance Specialist II: All of the above. Knowledge of techniques and materials used in the maintenance and repairs of infrastructure, including but not limited to water and wastewater lines, valves, hydrants, manholes, and water meters. Knowledge of general City of Thornton purchasing procedures, including proper use of purchasing orders and purchasing card. Skill in operating heavy utility equipment operations, including backhoes, front‑end loaders, jet/vac combos, vac trailers, CCTV trucks, and dump trucks. Skill in safe work methods and applying safety regulations pertaining to work. Skill in detecting equipment malfunctions and taking proper corrective action. Skill in directing traffic flow at job sites. Skill in placing cones, barricades, and warning devices. Ability to read and interpret basic blueprints, construction drawings, as‑built documents, and utility GIS/locator maps. Ability to safely utilize gas detectors for confined space entry. Ability to skillfully use varying pieces of equipment as assigned. Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work assignments. Utility Maintenance Specialist III: All of the above. Knowledge of the organization, purpose, current issues, projects, and employee responsibilities of the department. Knowledge of basic procedures for maintenance and minor adjustments or repair of light and heavy utility equipment. Knowledge of how each project fits into the overall division priorities. Skill in reading utility locate maps and making proper field corrections. Ability to maintain accurate records for documenting utility reports. Ability to draw work‑zone traffic control plans for varying jobsites. Ability to lead and direct a crew with minimal oversight, to accomplish projects on time and within budget. Ability to complete advanced reports for utility capital improvement projects. Physical and Mental Requirements Position requires listening, speaking, sitting, standing, walking on uneven and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping and making repetitive hand movements. The position requires near and far vision for inspecting work and operating assigned equipment. Lifting, carrying and pushing tools, equipment and supplies weighing 50 pounds or more are also required. Materials and chemicals may expose the employee to fumes, dust and air contaminants. The job may require work in confined spaces and utility excavations. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb ladders, use power and noise producing tools and equipment, and work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions. The employee regularly works in outside weather conditions, near moving mechanical parts. The employee is frequently exposed to wet or humid conditions, vibration and street traffic. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is frequently loud. Testing Procedures and Background Investigation Examinations may include but are not limited to application screening beyond minimum qualifications; written, oral, practical exercise or any combination thereof or other job‑related assessment deemed appropriate by Human Resources. As a condition of employment, the City of Thornton conducts background investigations for all positions which may include a review of credit report and/or driving record. A drug screen, physical, and/or psychological examination administered by a city‑designated provider will be required for pre‑determined positions. Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Thornton is an equal opportunity employer. Benefits Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Life, Dependent Life & Supplemental Life Insurance Options Voluntary Accidental Death & Dismemberment Policy Flexible Spending Plan Post Employment Health Plan Retirement & Deferred Compensation Plans Short & Long‑term Disability Plans Paid Holidays Vacation & Sick Leave Multilingual Incentive Pay Recreation Pass Wellness Program In‑House Training Opportunities Tuition Reimbursement Employee Assistance Program #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Thornton, Colorado