Utility Worker

General Statement

Performs a variety of tasks in the operations and maintenance of water distribution and treatment systems and wastewater collection and treatment systems on an assigned shift.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs routine servicing and corrective maintenance of water/wastewater systems
• Cleans vehicles, heavy equipment, bar screens, comminutors, weirs, drying beds, digesters, pumps, tools, and other stationary and portable equipment
• Performs routine inspection of vehicles and equipment; performs minor maintenance and lubrication of machinery, such as changing oil and greasing equipment
• Maintains grounds and buildings: cuts grass, weeds, and brush; trims trees and bushes; rakes grass, leaves and trash; seeds and cares for lawns and ornamental plantings
• Operates and maintains vehicles, equipment and tools required to load, unload, haul, and spread sand, gravel, dirt, and/or waste products (sludge, product waste, packaging waste, etc.); digs and refills ditches and trenches
• Carries or holds materials, supplies, and tools to assist operations and maintenance personnel
• Maintains records to accurately reflect pounds of materials hauled by private contractors or applied to agricultural lands
• Understands and carries out oral and written directions
• Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with those contacted during the course of work
• Performs other duties as required
• Be willing to obtain distribution and/or collection license within two years

Basic Qualifications

• Possess a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Basic knowledge in the operation and maintenance of vehicles, equipment, farm machinery, pumps and equipment used in and around water and wastewater systems
• Familiarity with hand and power tools and equipment commonly used in the maintenance of vehicles, equipment, structures, and buildings
• Experience operating heavy equipment such as backhoes, skid steers, and mini-excavators is strongly preferred.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

The work area can involve a working environment indoors as well as outdoors, which could cause exposure to outdoor elements; proper environmental attire will be required. Some areas can have loud noise, active machinery, high-pressure fluid systems, electrical equipment, confined spaces, heights and depths, fumes, airborne particles, noxious gases, pathogens, and various chemicals. The use of appropriate safety equipment will be mandatory in these areas to prevent hazardous contact.

Must be able to sit, stand, stoop, twist and bend at the waist, turn, kneel, squat, raise arms above shoulder height, grasp, reach, perform repetitive hand movements, and have fine coordination to operate equipment; have vision sufficient to operate equipment; and have hearing in the normal range with or without correction. In an 8-hour shift, one must be able to transport oneself across the facility, lift objects up to 50 pounds from floor level to waist height, climb into and out of vehicles having high ground clearance, carry a 50 pound toolbox, use arms and back to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts, be able to push a push-type power lawn mower for 3 hours, and wear and use appropriate safety equipment.