Public Works Maintenance Specialist

General Description

This is a skilled technical position requiring the Public Works Maintenance Specialist to perform multiple duties: operate, maintain, and repair both the City’s water system and the City’s sewer collection system; provide an adequate and safe amount of water to serve public and industrial needs including fire protection for the entire city; maintain safe and clean streets for the public and ensure safe movement of traffic;

repair and maintain City streets and alleys; repair, maintain, and install storm drainage systems; operate a variety of City-owned and rental equipment. The position requires the performance of all duties related to public works maintenance, contractual and non‑contractual construction, and customer service through routine to complex procedures, installations, and problem‑solving techniques.

• Performs replacement, cleaning, installations, and repairs on the City’s potable water distribution system which includes reservoirs, wells, pumps, main and service lines, fire hydrants, valves, and pressure booster stations. Knowledge of equipment such as pipe pushers, pipe moles, various pipe styles, and numerous plumbing fittings is required.
• Diagnoses and repairs the City’s water level monitoring system, which includes line repairs, electronic components, valve adjustments, and control panels.
• Uses leak detection devices to troubleshoot main and service line leaks.
• Clears, adjusts, and operates chemical feed pumps used for polyphosphate injection while following safe procedures. Monitors, records, installs, operates, and maintains gas chlorination systems at the wellheads, including changing 150‑pound cylinders and troubleshooting, maintaining, and replacing chlorine gas tubing. Proficiency with a self‑contained breathing apparatus is required.
• Responds to City and customer water‑related emergencies daily, making quick judgment calls to resolve problems.
• Troubleshoots and maintains City wells and water pressure booster stations using basic plumbing, electrical, and pump repair principles. Adjusts anticipator valves and pressure switches on water booster stations.
• Walks and drives meter routes to read and record customer water usage on a hand‑held microprocessor and assists the Treasurer’s Department in resolving customer water issues due to leaks, broken meters, and other problems.
• Performs routine flushing of the water distribution mains, including inspection of fire hydrants and valves for maintenance, fire protection, and City insurance ratings, and maintains broken or outdated fire hydrants.
• Samples and records water quality on a daily and weekly schedule. Monthly/quarterly records and sends water quality samples to a State‑accredited laboratory.
• Inputs data into computer systems and accurately files all potable water system testing and analysis required by the Department of Health.
• Performs potable water sampling for volatile and synthetic organic compounds, lead and copper, inorganic and monthly bacteria presence. Packages samples for delivery to state labs and records all test results.
• Monitors the water quality management report received from the Department of Health yearly and regulates all testing procedures, implementing changes and updates as necessary.
• Has knowledge of State regulated procedures in emergency situations if samples fail, resulting in unsafe drinking water.

• Operates, repairs, and maintains van‑mounted camera and video recording equipment for inspecting the wastewater collection system, using an articulating camera to record pipe lengths, pipe conditions, mains, service connections, and infiltration rates.
• Performs maintenance on City’s gravity and pressure sewer mains using a sewer rodding machine.
• Responds independently to and works with customers on sewer‑related emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, resolving problems efficiently.
• Cleans, inspects, repairs, and raises or lowers manholes. Handles confined‑space environments requiring gas monitoring, air pumps, self‑contained breathing apparatus, and required fall protection equipment.
• Maintains lift stations using a fire…