Senior Maintenance Specialist- Utilities

Job Title

To organize, assign, train, and review the work of a group of skilled and semi-skilled staff involved in maintenance and repair work in sewers and storm drains.

Positions at this level perform the most difficult duties; possess a specialized technical or functional expertise. Incumbents are assigned significant responsibilities above the advanced journey level, possess specialized knowledge, abilities, skills and experience, and exercise independent judgment and initiative in the performance of their duties.

Essential and other important responsibilities and functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide technical and/or functional supervision over assigned skilled and semi-skilled maintenance staff; plan, prioritize, lead, review and participate in the work of staff assigned to a variety of maintenance and repair tasks; provide input into performance evaluations and may assist in presentation of evaluations.
• Develop schedules and methods to accomplish assignments ensuring all work is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies.
• Review the work of assigned personnel; inspect work in-progress; train personnel in the safe and proper operation of a wide variety of tools and equipment used in the assigned tasks.
• Provide budget input for short and long-term projects and annual division budget; verify availability of funds and review expenditures to prevent cost overages.
• Research parts and materials; seek bid and estimates for proposed projects; may recommend selection of contractors; and coordinate with and work effectively with contractors on City-approved projects.
• Prepare purchase requisitions, manage acquisitions and expenditures, track inventory, and ensure timely payment of invoices for supplies and equipment in the area of assignment.
• Maintain accurate records related to work performed including labor, material and equipment costs.
• Operate equipment relative to area of assignment requiring a high degree of skill, and train subordinate employees as needed.
• Order supplies and equipment for work projects.
• Use a personal computer for the purposes of researching product information and entering and retrieving information related to work assignments and other record-keeping.
• Perform related work as required.
• Initiate and plan corrective, preventive, predictive, and other work orders to facilitate the safe, productive, and efficient utilization of maintenance personnel to support utility operations.
• Respond to wastewater related emergencies such as overflows, blockages, and lift station alarms; assess situation, determine proper action, and perform the necessary repairs to resolve the situation.
• Organize, plan, and assist in scheduling all necessary resources to accomplish maintenance activities in the sanitary sewer collection system operated by the City.
• Review project drawings.
• Investigate Dig Alert notifications as necessary.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of providing effective leadership and training for subordinate staff.
• Applicable computer hardware and software.
• Methods and techniques of record keeping.
• Advanced practices and techniques relate to skilled maintenance in area of assignment.
• Codes, regulations, and safety orders applicable to fleet, building, street or landscape maintenance and repair.
• Occupational hazards and safety precautions of skilled fleet, building, street or landscape maintenance and repair work.
• Concepts, methods, and techniques when performing skilled maintenance work such as welding, fabricating, framing, plumbing, electrical and carpentry; concrete finishing and forming, asphalt maintenance including paving, concrete and masonry walls, street drainage, maintenance and repair of vehicles and equipment, and equipment operation.
• Tools, equipment, and materials used in performing skilled maintenance and repair work, based on assignment.
• Concepts, terminology, principles, and practices pertaining to electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems.
• Water chemistry concepts as applied to pool/aquatic facilities.
• The Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
• Methods and materials used in the electrical field or used to perform skilled electrical maintenance and repair work, including troubleshooting and diagnosing for repairs; sprinkler system installation and maintenance; and components and operational characteristics of computerized irrigation management systems.

Ability to:

• Lead, oversee, assist, train, and review the work completed by assigned staff that perform skilled maintenance and repair functions in sewers and storm drains.
• Maintain records and prepare work and time reports in an accurate, complete, and timely manner.
• Work and interact with contractors on City-approved projects.
• Operate assigned tools and equipment in an efficient and safe manner.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Read, understand, and interpret blueprints of structures and work plans, street, drainage, and traffic control plans.
• Oversee and perform water testing and add chemicals to adjust water quality.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Education: Equivalent to a high school diploma or G.E.D.

Experience: Three years of responsible work experience performing technical maintenance and repair duties as a Maintenance Specialist with the City of Palmdale.

Licenses/Certifications/Other Requirements:

Possession of a valid California driver's license by time of appointment is required.

When assigned to Sewers:

In possession of a grade 2 issued by California Water Environment Association.

Working Conditions:

Physical Demands: Mobility: frequent performance of heavy manual labor; frequent standing for long period of time; frequent bending and squatting. The nature of work also requires sitting, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, stooping, crouching, grasping, climbing ladders, and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties.

Lifting: frequent lifting up to 50 pounds. The need to lift, carry and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing 90 pounds or more is also required on an occasional basis, depending on assignment.

Vision: constant use of overall vision. The nature of work also requires both near and far vision when inspecting work and operating assigned equipment.

Dexterity: frequent grasping, holding, and reaching.

Work Environment: Incumbents in this class work within indoor and outdoor environments. When assigned to work outdoors, incumbents are exposed to all weather conditions including wet, hot and cold. Incumbents may be exposed to slippery surfaces. Incumbents may use chemicals, which may involve exposure to fumes. Incumbents are exposed to gas fumes, exhaust, dirt, dust, and other contaminants. Incumbents may be required to wear personal protective equipment during the course of performing work.

The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb ladders, use power and noise producing tools and equipment, drive motorized vehicles and heavy equipment, and work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions.

Incumbents must be available for on-call and stand-by duty and respond to after-hours emergencies.