Utility Worker I/II

Utility Worker

Perform semi-skilled and skilled field work in the construction, operation, and maintenance of potable water pipelines, appurtenances, and services for the Sweetwater Authority (Authority) Engineering and Operations Department.

Department: Engineering and Operations

Disclaimer: The specific statements shown in each section of this job description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.

Supervision Received/Exercised:

• General supervision is provided by the Distribution Manager or Director of Engineering and Operations.
• Direct supervision is provided by the Field Crew Supervisor.
• Technical and training assistance is provided by the Utility Leadworker, Utility Worker II, and Equipment Operator.
• There are no staff supervisory responsibilities for this position.

Examples of Duties/Responsibilities

• Assist in the installation, maintenance, and repair of potable water distribution systems including: Water main repair, replacement, flushing, disinfecting, testing, pipe cutting, and line tapping; service, hydrant, and valve installation, replacement, and exercising.
• Assist in the break up and removal of old concrete and asphalt; load, unload, and haul materials and equipment; clean up job sites; cut and cover trenches; install and remove meter boxes, clean up debris and weeds around meter boxes; build rough forms, mix and pour concrete; lay asphalt, and perform other related activities.
• Locate and mark out existing Authority facilities and appurtenances.
• Control and direct traffic; place and remove cones, barricades and signs; clean up at job sites; perform other related activities.
• Complete a variety of paperwork, including work order and service papers.
• Maintain records and draw intersection maps to show location of utility structures.
• Operate large trucks and construction equipment such as loaders, backhoes, dump trucks, valve operating trucks and trenching machines.
• Perform standby duty as assigned, at intervals of one (1) week period of time to provide emergency service on a twenty-four (24) hour a day basis; respond to emergencies as required on an "on-call" basis within 30 minutes.
• Contact other departments or other agencies regarding utility locations.
• Excavate and cover trenches, and install shoring.
• Use computers to access facility maps and information.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, customers, vendors, Board members, and the public.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Methods, materials, practices, and tools required for pipe, main, service and meter installations and repair.
• Practices and principles of disinfecting water facilities.
• Safety work practices and procedures.
• Occupational, public health, and safety hazards as related to the trade.
• Modern office procedures and practices, equipment, and clerical techniques.
• Computer programs and software, such as Microsoft Office.
• Proper English usage, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Ability to:

• Learn to use, operate, repair, and maintain a variety of construction equipment and tools used in the installation and repair of water facilities and surface improvements.
• Read, understand, and follow oral and written instructions.
• Perform heavy physical labor under varying weather conditions.
• Work under emergency conditions day or night when called any time during a 24-hour period.
• Maintain records accurately and write legibly.
• Operate a computer and related software applications.
• Keyboard proficiently.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Use interpersonal skills effectively as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Education/Training/Experience: Positions in this class typically require any combination equivalent to education and experience that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade and some related work experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Licenses/Certifications – Required Conditions of Employment:

• Possess and maintain a valid California Class A Driver License.
• New employees must obtain a Class A Driver License within one (1) year from start date; this requirement will be a "condition" of passing probation. Training will be provided by the Authority within that time period.
• Authority personnel wishing to transfer into the Distribution Department must obtain a Class A Driver License within one (1) year from start date. Training will be provided by the Authority within that time period.
• Maintain an acceptable, safe, and active driving record, together with proof of insurability.
• Obtain a Water Distribution Operator D2 certification as issued by the State Water Resources Control Board within one (1) year from start date.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the following essential functions:

• Hear normal conversation in person, by radio, and on the telephone.
• Mobility of arms to reach, and the dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate small objects and to write legibly.
• Visual ability (which may be corrected) to read small print and video messages, including good peripheral vision and depth perception.
• Speak in a normal voice; able to be heard and understood on the telephone, in person, and to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Use office equipment such as personal computers, copiers and fax machines.
• Operate power tools or controls; reach with hands and arms.
• Mobility to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; bend and extend legs, and walk on uneven ground.
• Repetitive movement such as shoveling and sweeping for extended periods of time.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required per standard operating procedures (SOP).
• Potential exposure to fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock and vibration.
• Operate large trucks and construction equipment such as loaders, backhoes, valve operating trucks, and trenching machines.
• Lift, carry, push or pull up to ninety (90) pounds.
• Perform heavy physical labor associated with frequent lifting, pushing, carrying and pulling bags of cement, pumps, fittings, meters, flanges, tampers, blacktop, jackhammers, valves, valve keys, tools and other related items.
• Keyboarding for extended periods of time.
• Fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
• Work near moving mechanical parts and in outside weather conditions of the local climate.
• Exposure to alternating noise levels.

Working Hours:

• Flex Schedule: Monday through Thursday 6:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. (9/80); Friday 6:30 A.M. - 3:00 P.M., and every other Friday off or, as assigned by the supervisor.

Other Conditions:

• Working conditions require that a uniform be worn; to be provided by the Authority.
• Subject to standby and call-out in emergency situations.
• May be required to work up to sixteen (16) hours.
• Work around various types of animals and insects such as dogs, snakes, spiders, bees, rodents, etc.
• It is important that incumbents in this position maintain a professional and businesslike