Water Distribution Field Technician

City of Burlington, Vermont•Burlington, VT

16h•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for activities in the City’s water distribution system, including installing, maintaining, and repairing water mains, domestic and commercial service connections, and fire hydrants. The technician may also support the Meter Field Crew as assigned. The position is affiliated with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), is Pay Grade 15, and pays $29.79–$33.20 per hour. The role is designated Remote Tier 1, with zero remote workdays per week. The technician receives daily assignments from the Water Distribution Working Foreman, prepares and maintains required equipment and materials, and completes work safely and on schedule. Duties include responding to emergency callouts, isolating water mains during confirmed breaks, restoring and resurfacing roadways, inspecting contractor-installed water lines, locating water infrastructure, responding to Dig-Safe notifications, and maintaining hydrants and assigned vehicles and equipment. The position may also involve plowing City streets and sidewalks with the Street Division, assisting the Metering Field Crew, and providing on-call coverage at night, on weekends, and on holidays. The work requires adherence to departmental safety procedures, OSHA and VOSHA rules, City standards, and applicable regulations. The technician interacts professionally with coworkers and the public and supports the City’s diversity, equity, and cultural competency efforts. Regular and timely attendance is essential.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Vermont State Operator Classification, Class D, or equivalent; alternatively, obtain the certification within one year of hire.
Training in construction equipment and tool use and related safety practices.
Ability to read and understand blueprints to identify and locate water shut-offs and water lines.
Ability to learn the City water distribution system and connectors, locate underground utility lines such as gas and power, and learn water-pressure and hydraulic-engineering principles and safe work practices.
Ability to lift up to 60 pounds chest-high, averaging two to three times daily.
Ability to safely operate handheld tools, including a jackhammer, pick, and shovel.
Ability to climb ladders in and out of trench excavations, work in confined spaces, and work in all weather conditions.
Ability to work after hours, nights, weekends, and holidays and to provide on-call coverage as required.
Ability to take direction, work flexibly as a team member, prioritize safety and customer service, and learn to operate equipment and perform assigned tasks.
Ability to work professionally and effectively with crew members, leaders, other divisions, and the general public.
Ability to learn and follow VOSHA safety rules and regulations applicable to the Department of Public Works.
Regular and timely attendance.
Ability to understand and comply with City standards, safety rules, personnel policies, and Chapter 31 of the City ordinance.
Ability to support City diversity, equity, and cultural competency efforts and work effectively across diverse cultures and constituencies.
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through ongoing training and professional development.
Ability to maintain an environment consistent with the City’s six operating principles: Customer Service, Fiscal Responsibility, Good Labor Relations, Employee Empowerment, Cooperation, and Constant Improvement.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience in underground water construction or other underground construction.
Working knowledge of plumbing and fixtures in residential and commercial properties.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A at the time of application.
Previous backhoe operation experience.

Responsibilities

Receive daily work schedules and instructions from the Water Distribution Working Foreman; load necessary equipment, tools, and materials and complete assigned tasks safely and on schedule.
Respond to emergency callouts, including suspected leaks and water main breaks; promptly isolate valves when a break is confirmed.
Install, maintain, repair, or replace water mains, valves, and domestic or commercial service connections in accordance with AWWA standards.
Install, maintain, repair, or replace fire hydrants; restore surrounding ground areas, keep hydrants accessible, and flush, pump, and flow-test them as necessary.
Ensure safe work areas for assigned projects and comply with departmental safety procedures, OSHA regulations, and PPE requirements; stop work when safety is in question.
Inspect new water lines installed by contractors for compliance with departmental and State standards and regulations.
Collect infrastructure asset information using a handheld computer and GPS receiver.
Locate, expose, and raise or lower road and gate boxes for Street Division paving projects.
Respond to assigned Dig-Safe notifications and identify water supply lines according to departmental protocol.
Maintain assigned vehicles and equipment in proper working order and keep necessary tools, materials, and supplies available.
Plow City streets and sidewalks with the Street Division as provided for in the Union contract.
Backfill and landscape City green-belt and lawn areas.
Interact with coworkers and the public respectfully and professionally as a City representative.
Attend required safety and professional development training.
Assist the Metering Field Crew with routine metering work when assigned.
Provide assigned on-call coverage, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Perform other duties as required.