Water Distribution - Utility Worker Trainee, I II

City of Abilene•Abilene, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the immediate or general supervision of a Lead Supervisor or higher, the Water Distribution Utility Worker performs construction, maintenance, and operational duties for the assigned division or branch of the water and sewer system, individually or as part of a team. The positions do not exercise supervision. Work includes maintaining and repairing water distribution and sewage collection infrastructure, operating City vehicles and heavy equipment, responding to customer concerns, and coordinating repairs. The role may also assist with wastewater collection tasks. The position works outdoors or in confined workspaces, with exposure to cold, heat, noise, chemicals, and hazardous materials. It requires travel between worksites, an eight-hour shift during normal business hours, and availability for standby/on-call work outside normal business hours as needed. The overall physical demand is heavy, including lifting up to 100 pounds and carrying up to 50 pounds.

Requirements

Utility Worker Trainee: Six months of experience as a Laborer, Utility Worker, or in other related work.
Utility Worker Trainee: High school diploma or GED.
Utility Worker Trainee: Texas driver’s license or military waiver.
Utility Worker Trainee: Class A Texas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), or ability to obtain one within 90 days of employment.
Utility Worker I: Class A Texas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Utility Worker I: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a TCEQ Class D Water License or Wastewater Collection I license within one year of employment.
Utility Worker II: Two years of experience comparable to that of a Utility Worker.
Utility Worker II: TCEQ Class C Water Distribution License or Wastewater Collection II License.
Bloodborne Pathogens and HazCom training within 60 days of employment.
Ability to safely operate and care for tools, vehicles, equipment, and materials; safeguard and effectively use assigned information technology equipment in the field.
Ability to perform general maintenance work with attention to detail and accomplish tasks at the minimum acceptable rate for the position.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely verbally and in written reports; read and understand street maps on paper and electronic devices.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships, follow the City of Abilene Core Values, and work respectfully as a team member.
Ability to travel to different sites and work an eight-hour shift during normal business hours, with availability for on-call work outside normal business hours as needed.
Ability to meet the stated heavy physical demand: lifting up to 100 pounds and carrying up to 50 pounds; physical tasks include frequent standing, walking, lifting, pushing/pulling, kneeling, crouching, and climbing.
Knowledge of safe driving and heavy equipment operating principles and practices; approved methods, materials, tools, equipment, and practices for safely repairing and maintaining water and sewerage systems; work in the assigned division or branch and its effect on City system operations; and general GIS applications.
Knowledge of City of Abilene Policies and Procedures within six months of employment.
For positions with multiple levels, requirements for lower levels also apply at higher levels; equivalent combinations of experience and training may qualify.

Nice To Haves

Utility Worker II: TCEQ Class B Water Distribution License or Wastewater Collection III License.

Responsibilities

Inspect, maintain, repair, install, and/or replace damaged water distribution and sewage collection lines, valves, fire hydrants, pumps, meters, and meter assemblies.
Assist with cleanup and periodic maintenance of water utility property and easements.
Operate a City vehicle daily to travel to various worksites.
Operate heavy equipment appropriate to the position level. Trainees must operate at least one of the following: backhoe, loader, dump truck, air compressor, or vacuum truck/machine. Utility Worker II must operate all of these types of equipment.
For Utility Worker II, ensure the work site is safe and productive.
For Utility Worker II, investigate customer complaints related to leaks, low pressure, outages, and other water distribution issues.
Contact and coordinate with required personnel and agencies to make repairs.
Communicate clearly with employees, customers, and supervisors about the nature and status of work being performed.
May assist with wastewater collection-related tasks.
Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.