Public Works Utility Worker

REPORTS TO: Public Works Foremen/Public Works Director SALARY 2026: $4,694 - $5,868/Month SALARY 2027: $5,045 - $6,132/Month FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt The City of Elma, Washington is seeking to hire a Public Works Utility Worker to operate and maintain city properties, utilities and assets.

PURPOSE:

The Utility Worker is primarily responsible for maintaining City properties and utilities so they are clean, safe, and suitable for use by the general public. The Utility Worker position entails the ability to install, inspect and repair all equipment that is necessary to this process and to ensure that it functions properly at all times. Under general supervision from the Public Works Foreman, the Utility Worker performs a variety of specific and non-specific duties and responsibilities intended to maintain the City’s facilities for the benefit of the City and its citizens. The Utility Worker is required to assist as needed in the water, wastewater, street, parks and cemetery repair maintenance programs.

SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITIES

This is a non-supervisory position.This is a full-time, Fair Labor Standards Act non-exempt position. The Utility Worker is not a Civil Service employee.It is not anticipated that he/she will be required to attend meetings during other than normal work hours; however, the employee may be called back to work before or after regularly scheduled work hours or on scheduled days off.This employee will be required to participate in the week-end duty schedule that requires the employee to be on call.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The job duties and responsibilities represented in this job description in no way imply that these are the only duties to be performed.Employees occupying the position will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by a supervisor. Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Installs, maintains and repairs a variety of public utility fixtures, such as sewers, storm drains, and the city water supply system. Ensures that city streets, parks, cemeteries and utilities are kept in satisfactory condition for safe use by the public. Conducts meter readings for the purpose of generating monthly billing statements. Performs tasks directed at maintaining city property in an attractive condition, (i.e., mowing the lawn, patching holes, ornamental weed control) Performs tasks directed at maintaining city property in a safe condition, (i.e., repair of streets, grading gravel roads, repairing traffic signs) Maintains City Hall grounds for suitable attractiveness. Interprets and correctly acts upon written instructions. Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS

While requirements may be representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and abilities to perform this job successfully, the incumbent will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. The Utility Worker must possess mechanical aptitude and inclination, and an ability to work in an efficient manner with minimal supervision.The Utility Worker must possess sufficient skills to work safely with mechanical and electrical devices and systems, to use a variety of potentially hazardous tools safely and efficiently, including knowledge in the use of heavy commercial vehicles, heavy equipment and in the use of hand tools.Knowledge of basic water hydraulics and telemetry is essential.The employee should have the ability to work well with others. A Utility Worker must have the physical ability to perform manual labor such as digging and shoveling.It is required that a Utility Worker be able to bend, climb, kneel, lift up to 100 pounds, pull, push, reach, stand and/or walk for long periods or under adverse conditions.The Utility Worker will be required to drive City vehicles, operate heavy equipment, and use hand tools.

RECRUITING REQUIREMENTS

Must be at least 18 years old High school diploma or GED preferred Valid Washington state driver's license and satisfactory driving record Background in utility maintenance, installation and repair Ability to obtain Department of Health, Water Distribution Manager I Certification within 1 (one) year period. Ability to obtain Washington Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I Certification highly desirable. Experience in the operation of a variety of heavy equipment, including but not limited to: backhoe, grader, dump truck, etc, All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified to perform the essential functions of this position.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed both indoors and outdoors. The Utility Worker must be able to work alone, sometimes in remote locations. They may be required to work in or over water, on high ladders or in confined spaces. While working outdoors, utility workers will be exposed to insect bites or stings, dust and pollens. Use of a respirator and protective clothing may be required, and will be provided, to perform various elements of the job. Among the hazards encountered are open trenches and exposure to solvents and chemical fumes such as chlorine, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide, dampness, direct sunlight, communicable disease, epoxy chemicals, machinery or its moving parts, cleaning fluids, chemicals, pesticides, insecticides, paints, cleaning agents or similar solutions, liquid chemicals, noisy work area, noxious odors, fumes or chemicals, and smoke.Hazardous areas are routinely encountered, including open pipeline ditches, confined spaces, heights, pressurized water mains, traffic, and specialized equipment. Protective clothing is required for completion of some job requirements, including steel-toed boots, rubber boots, rubber or plastic gloves, safety equipment, safety glasses or goggles, ear protection devices, hard hats, and other specialized protective equipment.

CONTACTS AND RELATIONSHIPS

This person will have routine contact with the public and will be expected to be polite and courteous. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Employer and Employee and is subject to change as the needs of the Employer and the requirements of the job change. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Elma