Utilities Maintenance Technician , Ii, Iii

Performs skilled and semi-skilled work in the construction, maintenance, and repair of the City of Gastonia’s water distribution and wastewater collection systems. Employees in this series operate motorized equipment, perform physical labor, maintain infrastructure, respond to emergencies, and support regulatory compliance and customer service. Work is performed under varying degrees of supervision depending on the level.

• UMT I – Entry-level technician performing maintenance and repair tasks under close supervision using established procedures. Focused on learning water and sewer repairs, equipment operation, safety practices, and basic water/sewer functions.
• UMT II – Intermediate-level technicians independently operate heavy equipment around live utilities, perform complex water and sewer repairs and installations, and coordinate daily work sequences.
• UMT III – Senior technician with advanced experience operating heavy machinery around live utilities, mentoring junior staff, and handling the most complex excavation, water and sewer repairs, and emergency response activities.

The following job functions are typical for a position of this nature at all levels. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must satisfactorily perform each function. Other job functions and duties may be required as assigned.

• Operate dump trucks, backhoes, trackhoes, mini-excavators, loaders, tractors, skid steers, high-pressure flushers, air compressors, saws, and other motorized and mechanical equipment to construct, maintain, and repair water and sewer systems
• Perform excavation and installation of water and sewer lines around live utilities
• Conduct pre-trip and pre-operation inspections and routine maintenance on vehicles, tools, and equipment
• Use hand and power tools such as shovels, rakes, drills, saws, chainsaws, and tampers
• Perform physical labor including lifting, digging, shoveling, back filling, patching asphalt, landscaping, and restoring disturbed areas
• Work in confined spaces, around traffic, and in all weather conditions
• Maintain job site safety through PPE use and adherence to OSHA, trenching/shoring, and confined space protocols
• Document work performed, equipment usage, maintenance, incidents, and accidents in electronic working-order systems
• Serve in an emergency on-call rotation and respond to water main breaks, sewer overflows, and severe weather events
• Interact courteously and professionally with the public
• UMT II and UMT III may assist in mentoring UMT I staff and coordinating workflow on complex projects

• Operation of light, medium, and heavy construction equipment
• Knowledge of water distribution and wastewater collection systems
• Understanding of safety regulations, PPE usage, and hazard recognition
• Ability to perform heavy manual labor and work in hazardous conditions
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to identify equipment issues
• Effective verbal communication and ability to read maps, work orders, and manuals

• UMT I – High school diploma or GED. No prior experience required
• UMT II – High school diploma or GED and proven experience operating heavy equipment, including excavation, and water and sewer utility maintenance experience
• UMT III – High school diploma or GED and 3 + years of heavy equipment operation, including excavation, and water and sewer utility maintenance experience

• UMT I – NIMS IS-700 within 12 months; NC Class A CDL with Restrictions 8 & Tanker Endorsement within 90 days of hire
• UMT II – Valid NC Class A CDL; NC Grade I Wastewater Collections or NC Grade C Distribution certification within 12 months of hire or promotion
• UMT III – Valid NC Class…