Utility Maintenance Mechanic

An employee in this class performs a variety of skilled work as a member of a crew engaged in the construction, installation and repair of water and sewer lines, pumping stations, and appurtenances. Work involves the operation of construction equipment in the installation, replacement, and repair of water and sewer pipes to a specific grade and depth, and back‑filling and compacting the site.

Work also includes making taps to water and sewer mains, installing hydrants, meters, and valves, and making repairs to the water and sewer system. Other tasks include performing preventive maintenance and repairs to water and sewer pumping stations and related equipment. Employees are subject to working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, vibration, moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation, and oils.

Employees are also subject to on‑call and call‑back work. Starting pay is $41,377 or DOQ

Installs hydrants, meters, valves, clamps, and related pipeline apparatus; sets meter boxes; repairs and replaces fire hydrants; repairs leaking water and sewer lines.

Reads water meters using hand held computers, electronic devices or manually; connects and disconnects service; changes out meters or transmitting devices; works with customers to investigate leaks, taste, smell and other water quality issues.

Operates tapping machine to make water and sewer taps and service connections; sets meter boxes and installs meters.

Installs new water service lines; repairs and replaces sewer and water lines, valves, hydrants, and other related structures.

Operates backhoe, excavator, dump trucks, tapping machines, dozers, mowing equipment, and other power tools.

Operates testing meters and gauges for water quality testing.

Locates and marks water and sewer lines and services for other contractors or utilities.

Performs preventive maintenance and repair to sewer lift stations; cleans pumps and wet well; checks generators.

Installs, services and tests water meters and meter yokes.

Participates in hydrant and valve exercising and maintenance programs.

Cuts grass at various sites in the utility system and/or County.

Sets up safety zones and flags traffic.

Participates in pressure testing new lines.

Maintains necessary parts and supplies on assigned truck; notifies supervisor on supply needs.

Completes work order forms, records chlorine readings and other readings and prepares other records of work activities.

Performs other related tasks as require

Knowledge of the tools, materials and equipment used in the installation, replacement, maintenance and repair of utility lines.

Knowledge of a variety of maintenance and manual methods and tasks involved in the installation, maintenance, repair and replacement of utility lines and appurtenances.

Knowledge of the use of common hand and power tools.

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

Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions needed in the work.

Knowledge of the application of technology to work assignments.

Working knowledge of pump maintenance and repair.

Some knowledge of the County’s water and sewer service policies and procedures.

Some knowledge of plumbing and carpentry trades.

Skill in the operation of a light and medium size construction equipment.

Skill in teamwork and customer service excellence.

Skill in the operation of assigned equipment.

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

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

Ability to complete records and reports.

Graduation from high school and experience in construction-related utility work including some heavy equipment operation experience: or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.