Utilities Services Worker I/II/III

City of Modesto•Modesto, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Modesto is hiring Utilities Services Workers for openings in its Water and Wastewater divisions. The role performs skilled and semi-skilled construction, maintenance, and repair work on water and wastewater systems and facilities. Duties vary by assignment and include operating construction equipment, maintaining utility infrastructure, responding to emergencies, and supporting work crews. The position may involve standby/on-call duties, work at remote sites, and work in outdoor environments, confined spaces, and potentially hazardous conditions. The recruitment covers Utilities Services Worker I, II, and III. The levels have progressively higher experience and certification requirements. Salary depends on the candidate’s experience. The City offers an education incentive of 2.5% for a bachelor’s degree and 5% for a master’s degree. Candidates must complete a City application and supplemental questionnaire. Applicants may be assessed through an in-person written exam tentatively scheduled for the week of December 14, 2026.

Requirements

Utilities Services Worker I: One year of increasingly responsible experience performing maintenance and/or construction work involving operation of light to heavy equipment; previous utilities operations experience is desirable.
Utilities Services Worker II: Experience equivalent to one year as a Utilities Services Worker I with the City of Modesto.
Utilities Services Worker III: Experience equivalent to one year as a Utilities Services Worker II with the City of Modesto.
High school diploma or GED equivalency.
Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license.
A valid Class A or Class B California commercial driver’s license with appropriate endorsements is required within 90 days of appointment.
Utilities Services Worker I: When assigned to Water, obtain a Grade I Water Distribution Operator Certificate within 18 months and a Grade II certificate within 30 months of appointment.
Utilities Services Worker II: When assigned to Water, possess a Grade II Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the State of California.
Utilities Services Worker III: When assigned to Water, possess a Grade III Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the State of California.
Utilities Services Worker II: When assigned to Wastewater, possess a Grade I or higher Collection System Maintenance certification from CWEA.
Utilities Services Worker III: When assigned to Wastewater, possess a Grade II or higher Collection System Maintenance certification from CWEA.
For levels II and III, a Crane Operator Certificate issued by the National Commission of Crane Operators is required within 12 months of assignment when applicable.
Ability to perform heavy manual labor and learn to operate light and heavy power-driven equipment.
Knowledge of basic construction methods, tools, and equipment; arithmetic; utility construction, maintenance, and repair methods; traffic laws and control; safe work practices; and trench safety and shoring methods.
Ability to locate utilities and follow Underground Service Alert procedures; perform skilled and semi-skilled construction and maintenance tasks; load and transport equipment; and identify project tools and materials.
Ability to learn assigned-area geography and water-distribution infrastructure, work around hazardous materials, maintain and repair utility systems and equipment, read blueprints, and participate in construction meetings.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, establish and oversee construction sites at night, in adverse weather, or during emergencies, and communicate clearly orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
May be required to complete job-related training, including First Aid and CPR.
Meet the physical demands of frequent heavy manual labor, standing, bending, squatting, grasping, holding, and reaching; lifting up to 100 pounds; and working in noisy conditions and around environmental substances.

Nice To Haves

Previous work experience in utilities operations.
Utilities Services Worker I: A valid Backflow Tester certificate.
When assigned to Wastewater at Utilities Services Worker I: Grade I or higher Collection System Maintenance certification issued by CWEA.
Utilities Services Worker II: A valid Water Sampling Certificate when assigned to Water.
Utilities Services Worker III: A valid Water Sampling Certificate when assigned to Water.
Utilities Services Worker III: Depending on assignment, a valid Backflow Tester certificate and Cross Connection Specialist certificate.
Utilities Services Worker III: When assigned to Wastewater, a valid Backflow Tester certificate.

Responsibilities

Operate light to heavy construction equipment and vehicles for construction and maintenance of water, wastewater, and related systems.
Excavate and expose water and wastewater infrastructure, including mains, lines, valves, manholes, catch basins, pipelines, wells, and basins.
Perform water distribution and wastewater system operation, construction, and maintenance tasks.
Plan and install temporary traffic-control devices at work sites.
Break out and load asphalt and concrete; identify and arrange equipment for assigned projects.
Perform minor equipment repairs, check fluid levels, lubricate moving parts, and report major repair needs.
Conduct daily vehicle inspections and document equipment safety and wear.
Respond to emergencies such as floods, line breaks, overflows, and stoppages; repair and restore systems and services.
Transport refuse to appropriate dumping sites and operate jackhammers and other construction tools.
Lay and fit pipelines; make water-line taps; install services, hydrants, valves, meters, vaults, boxes, and related equipment.
Identify and mark utilities in response to Underground Service Alerts.
Use tripods, cranes, harnesses, hazardous-gas/air sensors, and ladders to enter confined spaces.
Identify and report hazards; maintain accurate work records and perform routine maintenance on tools, equipment, and vehicles.
Stock vehicles with tools and equipment, and load and transport construction equipment to and from work sites.
Perform standby/on-call duties as assigned.
Develop work schedules and methods, support timely project completion, evaluate staff activities, and provide feedback and on-the-job training.
Provide on-site leadership and direction to crews on assigned projects.
Use handheld and office computers to enter and retrieve data and prepare records and reports.
Maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, City employees, and the public, and comply with safety programs and procedures.
When assigned to Water/Distribution: locate and repair service and main leaks; operate pipe locators; install and inspect backflow assemblies; install, replace, and maintain water meters.
When assigned to Wastewater: inspect sewer and storm-drain lines with closed-circuit television equipment; clean and service rock wells, catch basins, drain lines, and lift-station wet wells.
Perform related duties as assigned.