Utility Systems Worker (Line Maintenance)

City of Suffolk•Suffolk, VA

About The Position

Under general supervision, performs specialized maintenance work for the Public Utilities Department. Work includes operating equipment; installing and maintaining water and sewer lines and equipment; and maintaining equipment and facilities in the Line Maintenance, Water Treatment Plant Production, or Maintenance divisions. The employee uses initiative and some independent judgment to complete assigned tasks and exercises tact, courtesy, and firmness in interactions with customers and the general public. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions. Employees may also be assigned related duties that are incidental to the work.

Requirements

One year of experience in water or sewer maintenance, groundskeeping, or closely related work, or an equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.
Valid driver's license.
Knowledge of ditching machines, boring machines, jackhammers, concrete and pipe saws, and other equipment used in water and sewer system maintenance.
Knowledge of water and sewer line maintenance, occupational hazards, appropriate safety precautions, and tools and materials used to repair and maintain water distribution and collection systems and sewer fixtures.
Skill in operating trucks and motorized equipment and in servicing and caring for motorized equipment.
Ability to perform minor maintenance on water distribution and collection equipment and fixtures, and to use equipment and tools to locate and unearth water and sewer fixtures.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, perform limited supervisory duties, and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to perform physical labor for extended periods, potentially under arduous conditions, and to adapt to stress and emergency situations.
Ability to communicate general information by speaking and signaling, and to read routine instructions and work orders, write routine sentences, and complete routine forms and incident reports.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic, inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, and deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.
Ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately when using heavy motorized machinery.

Responsibilities

Be available for on-call work after hours.
Operate motorized equipment used in Public Utilities Department maintenance and distribution, including backhoes, ditching machines, boring machines, jackhammers, lawn mowers, and other equipment used to install and repair water and sewer mains, services, pumps, valve boxes, hydrants, and associated fixtures.
Inspect equipment and perform minor maintenance on it.
Repair water and sewer systems, and maintain and repair valves, hydrants, and manholes.
Assist skilled laborers and mechanics with more complicated distribution-system repairs and maintenance.
Backfill and level ditches and excavations, and grade and repair roads affected by water and sewer repairs.
Maintain water and sewer facilities, including repairing vacuum systems, applying degreaser in manholes, and releasing pressure from sewer lines.
Assist the lead worker in responding to after-hours calls and emergency repair work.
Inspect vehicles and report problems.
Prepare related paperwork and reports and assist with recordkeeping and log maintenance.
Perform some carpentry duties as needed.
Train less skilled workers in the safe operation of motorized equipment used in water distribution maintenance.
Perform other related duties as required.