Utilities Technician

The Utilities Technician is responsible for specialized duties in the monitoring, maintenance, and operation of the City's water, gas, and sewer systems. Working within the Utilities division of the Public Works Department, this technical role ensures the safety and efficiency of essential utilities, operating under general supervision.

Utilities Technician functions include but are not limited to the following:

Gas System Monitoring:
Conduct daily inspections of natural gas regulator stations. Verify functionality of regulators, odorizers, and gauges. Log gas pressures and odorant usage, making necessary adjustments or repairs.

Water System Monitoring:
Inspect all city water well sites daily. Ensure all equipment, including pumps, is operational. Log water, chlorine, polyphosphate, and fluoride usage, making necessary adjustments. Conduct chlorine and fluoride sample tests to ensure water safety.

Leak Investigations and Repairs:
Respond to gas odor complaints and identify leaks using various gas detectors. Repair leaks as needed or shut off meter if the leak is on the customer's line.

Sewer System Maintenance:
Address sewer backups using roto rooter or jet rig as appropriate. Use sewer camera for further inspection and assessment.

Water Main Maintenance:
Monthly flush of all dead-end water mains to prevent bacteria buildup, maintain clarity, and uphold chlorine residuals in the system.

Utility Controls:
Manage gas and water turn-ons/offs for commercial and residential properties. Conduct leak tests during gas turn-ons and assist customers with pilot light ignition on appliances.

Documentation and Reporting:
Complete work orders using Incode, providing all essential meter information and work details for the billing department.

Water Quality Assessments:
Respond to water quality or pressure complaints. Address issues causing low water pressure or flush lines as needed.

Contribute to the team effort by performing other related duties as assigned.

Work Environment:

The work is typically performed outdoors.

May be required to work in high or dangerous places.

Work may involve potentially life threatening exposure to extreme temperatures, humidity, noise, chemical/gases, contagious diseases, airborne particles/pathogens, and/or physical trauma.

May regularly be exposed to uncomfortable temperatures, humidity, noise, chemicals/gases, contagious diseases, airborne particles/pathogens, and/or physical trauma.

May be required to work in confined spaces.

Position responsible for completing work that requires the use of a respirator.

May be exposed to fumes or airborne particles.

May be exposed to biohazards or blood borne pathogens.

Work may potentially involve risk of exposure to electric shock.

Physical Abilities. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Work requires the ability to sit, stand, walk for extended periods of time.

Work requires the ability to complete repetitive wrist, hand, and/or fine motor movement.

Work requires the ability to grasp, pull, push, and reach.

Work requires the ability to climb and balance.

Work requires the ability to talk, hear, listen, and comprehend.

Work requires the ability to drive and/or operate mechanical equipment.

Work requires visual acuity of 20 feet or more, visual acuity of 20 inches or less, three dimensional vision, precise hand/eye coordination, the ability to identify and distinguish colors

Must be able to lift to 60 pounds.

Work requires the ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl.

The City of Tomball offers reasonable accommodation in the hiring and employment process for individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance to accommodate a disability, you may request accommodation at any time.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Certain job functions described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws, and employees may be required to comply with the changes.

Education and Experience:

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.

Education High School diploma/GED or equivalent

Experience Minimum of 2 years previous relevant work experience is required.

Certifications Natural Gas Operator Qualification, Poly welding certification prefered.

Licensing Driver's License, Class C Water and C Wastewater licenses issued by TCEQThe following list of knowledge, skills, and abilities have been identified by our team as building blocks towards efficiency and effectiveness in this role.

Comprehensive knowledge of water, gas, and sewage systems; familiarity with local utility regulations.

Proficient in using various tools and equipment related to utilities; adept in recording and documentation.

Efficient problem-solving capabilities, ability to respond promptly to emergencies, and handle multiple…