Utility Equipment Operator

City of Palo Alto•Palo Alto, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Utilities in Palo Alto provides a full range of utility services to its citizens and businesses, focusing on reliability, local control, and environmental sustainability. The Equipment Operator position is part of the Water, Gas and Wastewater division, responsible for maintaining the City’s utility infrastructure. This role primarily involves operating an electric sewer rodding machine and a CCTV push camera to maintain and inspect city-owned sewer laterals and mains. The position can involve working independently or as part of a crew, under the direction of a supervisor or lead.

Requirements

Written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated mechanical aptitude.
Good public contact skills.
Skill in the use of hand tools.
Ability to communicate with others and to assimilate and understand information, in a manner consistent with the essential job functions.
Ability to operate assigned equipment.
Ability to make sound decisions in a matter consistent with the essential job functions.
Ability to follow instructions both orally and written.
Completion of high school, GED or equivalent.
One year plumbing or construction experience.
Possession of a valid California Class B driver's license or the ability to obtain one within six months of appointment with proper endorsements.

Responsibilities

Repairs existing laterals and manholes.
Replaces sewer lateral traps with cleanouts.
Locates cleanouts for maintenance.
Cleans sewer mains.
Chemically treats mains for root control and sets out poison for rodent control.
Records and diagrams completed work on work orders and job prints for submittal to supervisor.
Sets up barricades, flashers and cones to protect work sites.
Performs preventative maintenance on city owned sewer laterals and mains.