Utility Worker I

Water Department Position

The starting range for this position is $52,990 to $62,338, depending on qualifications. The complete salary range for this position is currently $52,990 to $84,272. The Water Department is responsible for providing a safe and reliable supply of water for the citizens of the Town of Normal. In addition, adequate pressure and volume must be maintained for fire protection purposes. The Department has three main divisions, Treatment, Distribution, and Administration/Billing. The Distribution Division is charged with operating and maintaining more than 200 miles of water mains, reading and maintaining more than 17,000 services and meters, and providing customer service. These activities include the supervision of the installation of new water mains, repair of water mains, valves and hydrants on a 24/7 basis, installation and repair of services and curb stops, installation and repair of all water meters, meter reading, hydrant flushing, and various customer service activities.

Duties/Essential Job Functions

Performs semi-skilled and skilled labor as required to install, locate and repair various components of the water distribution system, including but not limited to valves, valve boxes, fire hydrants, water mains, service lines, and other water distribution appurtenances in all weather conditions. Performs site restoration work after maintenance or repair of water system appurtenances. Is required to install, test, repair, read and record data, and perform other maintenance deemed necessary to provide accurate performance of utility metering equipment and processes. Responds to customer complaints concerning their water utility bills, water quality, low water pressure, or any other water related problem as directed, and takes appropriate water tests or samples as required. Becomes familiar with the operation and maintenance of all equipment. Performs general maintenance and custodial work. Is available for emergency work 24 hours per day. Must carry a pager when assigned to off-duty on-call status. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skill and Abilities

Must be capable of reading and interpreting simple blueprints, maps and location instructions for all water system appurtenances. Must be familiar with operating principles, and be capable of learning actual operation of tools and machinery used in the performance of water system operation and maintenance. Ability to accept and follow instructions of supervisors and to complete assigned tasks in a reasonable length of time. Ability to learn all requirements of the Town of Normal Water Code, and with IEPA and OSHA rules and regulations pertaining to water distribution maintenance and repair. Must possess necessary communication skills to effectively and courteously converse with utility customers and the public. Ability to develop the driving skills necessary to safely operate all vehicles in the water department fleet. Must be aware of and practice good safety habits and effectively utilize all safety equipment provided for use by the department. Must have the mechanical and plumbing aptitude and skills necessary to satisfactorily learn and perform all of the related tasks listed in examples above. Physical ability to perform a wide variety of manual labor in a wide variety of inclement weather, especially as it relates to the back, legs and arms.

Desirable Training and Experience

Graduation from a standard High School or GED equivalent, and related work experience is preferable. Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid State of Illinois Commercial driver's license. Must be able to obtain and retain a valid Class D Water License from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency within two years of hire.

Benefits

Town of Normal Employee Benefits Summary Progressive Salary Administration With acceptable performance, automatic increases at six months (end of probation), twelve months, and twenty-four months. Employees then receive an annual merit step on April 1st each year until they reach the top of the position's salary range. The salary schedule may be modified for cost of living adjustments in April capped at 5% annually. Group Health Plan The Town has a comprehensive self-funded medical plan with UMR Preferred Provider Option (PPO). Employees may choose among two plan design options: a traditional PPO plan with a $500/person and $1000/family deductible or a High Deductible Health Plan with a Health Savings Account (HSA) component. The Town currently pays the monthly insurance premium for full time employees who participate in the wellness program. The Town may contribute to employee HSAs based on an employee's plan selection. Dependent coverage is available with the Town contributing 50% toward the dependent premium. Group Dental Plan The Town has a comprehensive self-funded dental plan that provides payment of 80% of eligible expenses for preventive and 70% of basic & major care. Preventive dental benefits are not subject to the deductible. The Town pays the monthly premium for full time employees. The maximum benefit is $2,000 per person per calendar year and covers orthodontics, 50% up to $2000 per lifetime per covered individual. Dependent coverage is available with the Town contributing 50% toward the premium. Vision Plan VSP is the provider of the Town's vision plan. There are two plans for employees to choose from. The plans cover a portion of the cost of exams, contacts, lenses and frames. Refer to for more information about benefits, discounts and doctor listings. Pension Programs The Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) is the pension system for all classified civilian employees. Retirement benefits are based on two factors, the years of service and each member's highest 48 months of earnings as an IMRF member. This plan includes short and long-term disability and death benefits. Employees contribute about 4.5% of earnings annually in addition to the Employer's contribution. By state statute, sworn Police Officers and Firefighters are eligible for pension programs administered by independent pension boards. Deferred Compensation and Roth IRA Plans The Town offers a voluntary 457 retirement savings plan through MissionSquare Retirement. Per IRS regulation, employees have the option of contributing a portion of their salary up to a predetermined dollar limit in effect for that year or 100% of gross salary, whichever is less. Town employees also have the option of making Roth IRA contributions through payroll deduction. Flexible Spending Plan This is a salary reduction plan in accordance with IRS regulations. Participants selecting pre-tax payment of their dependent health and dental premiums, day care expenses or non-covered medical expenses will have those payroll deductions sheltered from taxable income. Life Insurance The Town provides a $30,000 term policy with Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage to all full time employees. Optional dependent coverage for spouse ($10,000), and children over 6 months ($3,000) is available. The Town offers two voluntary life insurance programs. One is a decreasing term life insurance program sponsored by IMRF. The other is a term life program from The Standard that can be purchased for employee, spouse and dependent children. Evidence of insurability may be required. Holidays Eleven paid holidays are provided each year. They are New Year's Day, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day and Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and one Floating Holiday. Personal Convenience Days Full time and regular part time employees receive three paid days per fiscal year. New hires receive a pro-rated share of PC time at hire. Increases of one additional day occur after reaching 20 years of service then again after reaching 25 years of service. Vacation Leave Full time employees earn vacation monthly based on the following: Less than 5 years of service 2 weeks Between 5-9 years of service 3 weeks More than 10 years of service 4 weeks Regular employees working less than full time accrue a prorated share of leave time. Sick Leave Classified employees earn sick leave at the rate of one day per month, twelve days per year. Maximum accumulation is 120 days. Employees may use sick leave for personal illness, injury, or doctor's appointments. Employees may also use sick leave for needed care of a spouse, dependent less than 18 years of age, or parent. Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Pursuant to the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1992, all eligible employees may receive up to 12 weeks of FMLA leave for qualifying events. Parental Leave Eligible employees may take up to four weeks of paid leave to provide care immediately following the birth or adoption of a minor child. Education/Training Full time employees may be eligible to apply for tuition reimbursement. For pre-approved classes or courses the Town will pay up to $2500.00 per calendar year. Some positions may have opportunities to attend conferences, workshops, or other on-going professional development. Employee Assistance Program The Town's EAP provides professional counseling services and specialty referral for employees and dependents. Services include meeting with employees or dependents to determine the proper course of treatment, providing some counseling services free of charge, or referring the client to an appropriate outside counselor. The Town's health plan may pay for a portion of counseling services. Wellness Program The Wellness Program includes an annual health risk appraisal screening. The Town also offers a wellness program to all employees covered on the group health insurance. This program provides fun, interactive challenges, in addition to access to personal health coaching, a trainer, and a dietician. Employee Credit Union The Town supports