Utility Worker

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the direction of Department of Public Works Superintendent or Parks & Land Preservation Superintendent and the direction of the Lead Utility Worker, performs the work required to construct and maintain water and sewer systems, and operate, maintain and repair Township property.


Essential Job Functions:

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

1. Performs basic preventive maintenance on a variety of equipment, tools and facilities.
2. Operates a full range of public works vehicles, equipment and tools and maintains equipment, machinery and tools.
3. Responds to complaints or inquiries from the public under the direction of the Lead Utility Worker.
4. Assists with the removal of snow and ice, and the application of salt, sand and other preventive materials as directed.
5. May perform maintenance and construction of water and sewer systems.
6. May perform maintenance of parks, land preserves, pathways, grounds, and facilities.
7. Performs related work as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. A qualified individual with a disability must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements include the following:

• Ability to respond to emergency situations at irregular hours.
• Ability to critically assess situations, solve problems, work effectively under stress, within deadlines, and in emergency situations.
• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, and to understand and carry out oral instructions.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgement, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with employees, project contractors, representatives of other governmental units, professional contacts, other Township administrators, and the public.
• A State of Michigan Vehicle Operator's License.
• Preference given to applicants with a Commercials Driver's License. A Commercial Driver's License with an "A" and "N" endorsement or must be obtained within six months.
• Two or more years of experience in operating heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of water and sewer and facilities, grounds and parks maintenance.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of the safety practices, equipment, methods, and materials utilized in the maintenance of water and wastewater treatment plants and parks, grounds and facilities.
• Basic knowledge of the maintenance practices and procedures utilized for assigned equipment.
• Skill in the operation of assigned vehicles, equipment and power tools.
• Skill in performing basic maintenance tasks on assigned equipment, buildings and facilities.
• Skill in operating related tools and equipment, including computerized systems.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to perform manual labor and regularly travel to other locations. The employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk, hear and view work objects. The employee is frequently required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl; or sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move objects of moderate and occasionally very heavy weight.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions, including extreme heat or cold and wet and/or humid conditions. The employee is exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee may be occasionally exposed to confined spaces, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment can range from moderate to very loud.