Utility Maintenance Worker

City of Apex, NC • Apex, NC

86d • $45,317 - $60,510

About The Position

An employee in this class performs a variety of unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled equipment operation and labor tasks in the construction, maintenance, and repair of utility lines and related appendices. Work involves tasks to dig, build, repair and replace sections of water and sewer lines and services, hydrant and valve maintenance, meter installs and repair, etc. and using a variety of tools to perform the assigned tasks. As needed the employee operates light to heavy equipment such as backhoes, excavators, loaders, forklifts, compactions equipment, and multiple hand-held devices in situations requiring skill and care to dig around underground and overhead utility lines (which involves high voltage electric), near traffic, in traffic in both minor streets and multilane NCDOT highways, beside houses, behind houses, between houses and in other tight places etc. Employees are subject to working in both inside and outside environments and in confined spaces, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, vibration, moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation, and oils. Work around wastewater is subject to the final standards of OSHA on blood borne pathogens. Employees are also required to serve rotating on-call and call-back work. Work is performed under regular supervision and is evaluated through observation and inspection for adherence to instructions and standard trade and safety practices.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school and some experience in semi-skilled maintenance or construction work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Working knowledge of the operation and care of variety of equipment used.
• Working knowledge of tools, materials and equipment used in general utility construction and maintenance work.
• Working knowledge of municipal maintenance and construction practices.
• Considerable knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the work.
• Working knowledge of the environmental and regulatory requirements related to water distribution and sewer collection systems.
• Working knowledge of traffic laws, ordinances and regulations pertaining to operations of motorized equipment.
• Some knowledge of the functional operation of water and electric meters.
• Ability to prepare and maintain records of work activities.
• Ability to understand oral and written instructions.
• Ability to operate construction equipment with skill.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with citizens, supervisors, and other employees, and respond courteously to the public.

Nice To Haves

• Municipal experience is a plus.
• State Certifications in Water Distribution, Cross Connection or Sanitary Sewer/Collections is a plus.
• Utility construction/maintenance or plumbing experience is a plus.
• Experience or skills showing a mechanical aptitude, such as motorized equipment or vehicle operation, repair or maintenance is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Performs unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled trades work operating equipment and using hand tools in the construction, replacement and repair of water and sewer lines.
• Participates in the maintenance, repair, and installation of meters, risers, hydrants, valves, back flow prevention, and related appurtenances.
• Works with CCTV crews and with cleaning crews inspecting and maintaining sewer lines, storm drain lines and manholes.
• Uses shovels to finish grading trenches for construction of water and sewer lines; fits pipe; uses hand tools and operates equipment to back fill trenches; loads and unloads gravel, dirt, and other materials, tools and equipment.
• Occasionally operates construction equipment such as dump trucks, tampers, trenchers, air compression driven equipment, valve exercising equipment and other related light and medium equipment; pushes snow.
• Assists the crew leader with the setting up of the job and controlling safety and traffic.
• Cleans stopped sewer lines with pressurized hoses, snakes, vacuums, and shovels.
• Cuts grass with tractors, bush hogs, mowers and trimmers; flushes hydrants.
• Uses multiple hand-held devices and, as needed, may drive trucks and occasionally operate backhoes, excavators, loaders, forklifts, compactions equipment; motor graders, and other equipment in situations requiring skill and care such as around underground and overhead utility lines, near overhanging branches, parked cars, heavy traffic and other situations; may clear streets, ditches, or other areas to proper grade.
• Performs minor preventive maintenance on vehicles and equipment.
• Performs and assists with making water and sewer taps, installing fire hydrants and installing and replacing water meters.
• Gets materials and supplies for each job; ensures all equipment is in good working order.
• Assures safe work around other crew members, electric and utility lines, pressurized gas lines, and other vehicles and property; assists the crew leader with the setting up of the job and controlling safety and traffic.
• Makes records of work activities through electronic work order system.
• Responds to service calls on weekend and night duty; assesses need for resources and establishes priorities; restores water service to customers after hours; may be called back during inclement weather such as hurricanes, tornados, wind storm, snow, etc.

Benefits

• Paid medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for employees
• 5% contributions to the NC401(k) retirement plans (no matching required)
• Participation in the Local Government Employees' Retirement System (LGERS), 6% contribution by employee
• Traditional sick and vacation leave
• 80 hours Peak Paid Time Off per year (after completion of probation)
• $1,200 Peak Lifestyle Benefit to pay for health and wellness activities (after completion of probation)
• Paid parental, caregiver, and bereavement leave
• 13 paid holidays
• Longevity pay
• Tuition assistance
• Expansive wellness program, and more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees