UTILITY MAINTENANCE WORKER

City of North Kansas City•North Kansas City, MO

About The Position

This is an entry-level position in the Public Works Water Distribution/Water Pollution Control department. The Utility Maintenance Worker performs basic inspection, repair, installation, and maintenance work in support of municipal water distribution and wastewater collection systems. The role includes field work on water, storm, and sewer lines; maintenance of lift and pump stations; responding to sewer problems; utility locating; and operating vehicles, tools, and heavy equipment. The employee may also assist the Meter Technician and perform general maintenance of the work environment. The position has no supervisory or budgetary responsibilities. Employees must obtain specified licenses and certifications within stated employment or probationary timelines. The role works outdoors and in potentially hazardous conditions, and requires on-call availability during designated days or shifts to respond to emergencies and high-priority situations.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Obtain a Class II Distribution license within three years of employment; certification/documentation makes the employee eligible for an incentive increase.
Obtain and maintain a Class B commercial driver's license with air brake and tanker endorsements within one year of employment.
During the one-year probationary period, pass the written CDL examination within 90 days and obtain the CDL with air endorsement no later than the end of the sixth month of continuous employment.
Sign an agreement to remain employed for two years after obtaining the CDL, or repay a prorated amount of the CDL cost paid by the City.
Obtain certification as a Registered Flagger from the American Traffic Safety Services Association within the probationary period.
Obtain a Traffic Control Certificate within the probationary period.
Knowledge of, or ability to learn, industrial safety practices, particularly for gaseous manholes, below-grade and confined-space work, high-voltage areas, and areas involving heat, offensive odors, and dampness; includes practical application of first aid techniques.
Knowledge of, or ability to learn, procedures for construction and maintenance of sanitary sewers, sewage pump stations, water pumping facilities, water mains, and related facilities.
Interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships with citizens, coworkers, and representatives of other agencies, including people with varied educational, language, and economic backgrounds.
Ability to interact effectively with people who may be confused, upset, or irate.
Ability to remain calm and level-headed under pressure or stress.
Ability to work under adverse conditions, including small spaces, deep underground, on water towers, and in human sewage.
Ability to read and interpret plans, diagrams, drawings, prints, and schematics.
Ability to work independently; think analytically; apply sound judgment; solve problems; make effective decisions; and act with integrity.
Ability to recognize unusual, harmful, or emergency situations and respond appropriately.
Ability to comprehend, process, and apply verbal and written information appropriate to the job.
Ability to consistently demonstrate sound ethics and judgment, maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries, and use City resources effectively and efficiently.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, including occasionally moving up to 200 pounds.

Responsibilities

Inspect, repair, and maintain lift and pump stations, including water, storm, and sewer collection systems.
Perform field work on water, storm, and sewer lines and fire hydrants.
Maintain sanitary and storm sewers daily using specialized equipment, including a sewer combo truck.
Respond to customer calls about sewer backups and problems, and unclog backed-up City main lines.
Locate water, storm, and sewer lines, fiber optics, and fire hydrants for City and contractor construction projects.
Provide backup and assistance to the Meter Technician by performing some or all duties of that position as needed.
Operate and maintain City light vehicles, hand tools, power saws, small-engine-powered equipment, and lawn mowers.
Operate sewer combo trucks, dump trucks, backhoes, and excavators used to repair and maintain water distribution and sewage collection systems.
Perform general maintenance of the work environment to maintain safety standards, including cleaning floors, bathrooms, kitchens, and windows; removing trash; and mowing grass.
Operate Water and WPC Division vehicles to transport tools and supplies in the field.
Perform hydrant flow tests.
Assist with special projects and perform other similar duties as assigned.
Remain available on call during designated days or shifts and respond to emergencies or high-priority situations.