Utility Maintenance Worker I (Wastewater)

Job Title

An employee in this class performs a variety of unskilled to semi-skilled work as a member of a crew engaged in the maintenance and/or repair of sewer lines and wastewater pumping stations.

Salary: $41,711.59 - $70,909.70 Annually

Location: Johnston County Public Utilities, NC

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 02620

Department: Public Utilities

Division: Construction

Opening Date: 07/20/2026

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Johnston County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Duties and Responsibilities

Makes regular inspection tours of sewer pumping stations and storage tanks

Performs preventive maintenance

Makes repairs such as packing pumps, replacing bearings and seals, changing drive shafts, etc.

Cleans pumping stations

Mows grass and trims trees and undergrowth at sites

Reads wastewater meters

Makes records of work activities and readings

Repairs sewer pipe

Replaces and adjusts pipe to proper grade and depth

Repairs and cleans wastewater lines and related facilities

Operates front-end loader, dump trucks, Vac trucks, jackhammers, tampers, pipe threading machines, tapping machines, trenchers, air compressors, and boring machines

Flags traffic when needed

Performs other related tasks as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Working knowledge of the tools, materials and equipment used in the installation, replacement, maintenance and repair of utility lines, pumping stations, meters, and related equipment.

Working knowledge of a variety of maintenance and manual methods and tasks involved in the installation, maintenance, repair and replacement of utility lines, pumping stations, meters, and appurtenances.

Working knowledge of the use of common hand and power tools.

Working knowledge of the safe use and operation and preventive maintenance of common automotive and mechanical equipment.

Working knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions related to assigned duties.

Some knowledge of the municipal water and sewer service policies and procedures.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and the public.

Ability to read utility line maps and equipment operation and service manuals and to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Must be able to perform very heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally; 50 pounds of force frequently; and 20 pounds constantly. Must possess the visual acuity to operate equipment such as the backhoe and dump truck in a safe manner to fit pipes and other parts, read gauges, and make written records.

Desired Education and Experience

Graduation from high school and related experience in mechanical, plumbing, utility construction and/or maintenance, and equipment operation experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Possession of Grade 1 Collection system operator's certification or ability to obtain within 18 months of hire.

Special Requirements: Possession of valid North Carolina driver's license; may require commercial driver's license.

Important Pre-Employment Information

If the position requires a degree, official transcripts must be submitted within 30 days of hire.

A pre-employment reference check will be conducted.

A background check may be required and may include criminal history, motor vehicle records, sex offender registry checks, pre-employment drug screening, SBI fingerprinting, and, if applicable, a National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) check.

A conviction record does not automatically disqualify you from employment, unless otherwise required by state law. Each situation is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Benefits

Johnston County provides a comprehensive, affordable insurance and benefits program.

Employees are offered a diverse selection of benefits including medical (no-cost for the employee plan), dental, life, and supplemental benefit coverages. Employees can also take advantage of our on-site wellness clinic and virtual telehealth program, both at no-cost!

Additional benefits include participation in the NC Retirement System, a 401(k) match option, generous paid leave and holiday schedule, tuition reimbursement, and more! To learn more, visit

*This description applies to benefits eligible positions.