Public Works - Utility Worker​/Operator

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:

Utility Worker/Operator

Department:
Public Works

Reports to:

Utilities Foreman

FLSA Status:
Nonexempt

Salary Grade: 13A/15A Depending on experience and qualifications

2026 Wage: $24.78/$27.35 per hour

JOB SUMMARY

This position operates heavy equipment in the construction, repair and maintenance of the water and sanitary and storm sewer systems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Maintains assigned equipment; conducts pre- and post-trip safety inspections.

Performs excavation and site repair duties.

Repairs landscaping and roadways.

Operates a variety of hand and power tools.

Transports equipment, materials and personnel to and from work sites.

Operates a backhoe, excavator, front-end loader, motor grader, skid steer, dump truck and other equipment and vehicles.

Locates, repairs, and replaces, and installs new water, sewer, and storm mains.

Operates jetting and vactor equipment to clean storm and sewer lines.

Locates and repairs sewer line breaks.

Flags traffic at work sites.

Responds to after-hours emergencies.

On call weekends and holidays.

Assists in snow removal operations.

Operate a vehicle along an assigned route to read and record water usage data using a radio read device or manually.

Identifies irregular readings; re-reads meters as needed.

Turns service off for non-payment.

Locates malfunctioning meters; troubleshoots and makes repairs.

Changes out meter heads.

Locates and repairs leaks.

Connects water service for new customers.

Performs related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

Knowledge of water, sanitary and storm sewer system operation and maintenance principles.

Knowledge of the hazards inherent to utility maintenance work and the safety measures used to mitigate those hazards.

Knowledge of the operation, maintenance and repair of a variety of job-related tools and equipment.

Knowledge of city streets.

Skill in the analysis of problems and the development and implementation of solutions.

Skill in the operation and maintenance of light and heavy equipment.

Skill in the use of hand and power tools.

Skill in the use of handheld computers and job-related software.

Skill in the establishment of safe work zones.

Skills in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Supervisor - Utilities assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include city and department policies, procedures and standards as well as traffic laws. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

The work consists of related equipment operation and maintenance duties. Inclement weather and heavy traffic contribute to the complexity of the position.

The purpose of this position is to operate heavy equipment in the construction, repair and maintenance of the water, storm and sanitary sewer systems. Successful performance contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of system operations.

CONTACTS

Contacts are typically with co-workers, other agency personnel, contractors, vendors, plumbers, and the general public.

Contacts are typically to exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, bending or crouching. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.

The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to dust, dirt, and grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, or irritating chemicals. Work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

This position may have functional supervision over assigned full-time, part-time and seasonal personnel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from high school or possession of GED. Ability to read, write and…