Entry Level Utility Operator Jobs in North Carolina

Expected Hiring Range: $40,464.98 to $58,544.09

Important: The pay range listed above represents the anticipated starting annual compensation for this position. Your final starting pay will be based on factors like your experience, education, and certifications.

PURPOSE

This position will assist/perform in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution and sewer collection systems as a member of a crew.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Tech I (Grade 16)

• Assist in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water and sewer lines
• Operate basic hand tools, power equipment, and machinery under supervision
• Help with routine inspections of water meters, pipes, valves, and other infrastructure
• Support the maintenance of sewer systems, including cleaning and clearing blockages
• Assist with the setup and monitoring of traffic control for work zones
• Follow safety protocols and maintain compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
• Other reasonably assigned duties

Tech II (Grade 17)

• Assist in installation, maintenance, and repairs on water and sewer lines, pumps, hydrants, valves, and other related appurtenances
• Assist with routine inspections and troubleshoot system malfunctions
• Drives and operates flatbed, service trucks, and dump trucks.
• Assist with the operation of more advanced tools and light equipment, such as pipe jetters and sewer cameras
• Assist in maintaining accurate work records, inventory, and schedules
• Follow safety protocols and maintain compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Respond to emergencies, such as water main breaks or sewer backups. May be in rotation for night and weekend on-call duties
• Reads water meters utilizing drive by reading equipment
• Performs maintenance, installs, removes, and inspects water meters, registers, and appurtenances
• Locate water and sewer utilities in accordance with NC811 regulations.
• Other reasonably assigned duties

Utilities Operator I (Grade 18)

• Assist in the installation, maintenance, and repairs on water and sewer lines, pumps, hydrants, valves, and other related appurtenances
• Perform installation, maintenance, and repairs on water/sewer services and meters, repair hydrants and other routine maintenance and repair tasks
• Conduct routine inspections and troubleshoot system malfunctions
• Operate more advanced tools and light equipment, such as pipe jetters and sewer cameras.
• Operate heavy equipment such as tractors, mowers, and skid steers to clear easements and perform basic jobsite operations
• Follow safety protocols and maintain compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Respond to emergencies, such as water main breaks or sewer backups. Will be in rotation for night and weekend on-call duties
• Assist in maintaining accurate work records, inventory, and schedules
• Understand how to navigate and work through the Towns work order system
• Assist in training entry-level technicians
• All other reasonably assigned duties

Utilities Operator II (Grade 19)

• Perform installation, maintenance, and repairs on water and sewer lines, pumps, hydrants, valves, and other related appurtenances.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues related to system performance, leaks, or blockages.
• Perform advanced system diagnostics, including pressure testing, flow analysis, and camera inspections.
• Operate heavy equipment such as backhoes, excavators, sewer combination trucks, to perform complex excavations for installation and complex repairs.
• Adhere to safety standards and assist in managing job site safety and traffic control.
• Lead small preventative maintenance crews for sewer cleaning, easement inspections/clearing, and valve exercising.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, environmental regulations, and operational procedures for assigned tasks.
• Respond to emergencies, such as water main breaks or sewer backups. Will be in rotation for night and weekend on-call duties.
• Manage work orders and material inventories for assigned tasks.
• Understand how to navigate and work through the Towns work order system.
• Train and mentor entry-level technicians
• All other reasonably assigned duties

EDUCATION, SKILLS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Tech I (Grade 16)

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Possession of valid NC drivers license with an excellent driving record.
• Basic knowledge of water and sewer systems or a willingness to learn
• Ability to follow instructions and work in a team environment
• Other combinations of education and related experience will be considered

Tech II (Grade 17)

• High school diploma or GED required
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in water/sewer system maintenance or related field
• Knowledge of water and sewer systems including basic regulatory requirements
• Basic knowledge of tools and equipment used in general utility installation, repair, and maintenance
• Possess a Class A commercial drivers license with tanker endorsement, or the ability to obtain within 6 months, and an excellent driving record
• NCDOT Flagger Certification or ability to obtain within 6 months
• Ability to follow instructions and work in a team environment
• Other combinations of education and related experience will be considered

Utilities Operator I (Grade 18)

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in water/sewer system maintenance or related field
• Knowledge of water and sewer system operations including regulatory requirements
• Knowledge of tools and equipment used in general utility installation, repair, and maintenance
• Ability to use equipment described in duties and responsibilities or the ability to learn within 6 months.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues
• Possess a Class A commercial drivers license with tanker endorsement and an excellent driving record.
• Possess a C-Distribution and/or Collections I State Certification. Prefer both certifications.
• NCDOT Flagger Certification or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Ability to follow instructions and work in a team environment
• Other combinations of education and related experience will be considered

Utilities Operator II (Grade 19)

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in water/sewer system maintenance or related field
• Advanced knowledge of water and sewer systems operations including regulatory requirements
• Advanced knowledge of tools and equipment used in general utility installation, repair, and maintenance.
• Ability to use equipment described in duties and responsibilities.
• Possess a Class A commercial drivers license with tanker endorsement and an excellent driving record.
• Possess a B-Distribution and/or Collections II State Certification. Prefer both certifications
• Ability to follow instructions and work in a team environment
• Other combinations of education and related experience will be considered

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Tech I, II & Operator I

• Ability to lift 75 pounds and move over short distances, and 35 pounds over extended distances.
• Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which include walking, standing, kneeling, squatting, bending, pulling, pushing, reaching or sitting for extended periods of time, lifting and carrying light to moderate equipment and materials and operating assigned vehicles.
• Climbing ladders as well as climbing into and out of/onto and off of various pieces of equipment, vehicles and equipment trailers.
• Operating manual hand tools (rakes, shovels, pruners, etc.), light hand power tools (portable saws, drills, blowers, etc.), other power tools (Chainsaws, floor saws brush chippers, etc.)

Operator II (Grade 19)

• Ability to lift 75 pounds and move over short distances, and 35 pounds over extended distances.
• Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which include walking, standing, kneeling, squatting, bending, pulling, pushing, reaching or sitting for extended periods of time, lifting and carrying light to moderate equipment and materials and operating assigned vehicles and heavy equipment.
• Climbing ladders as well as climbing into and out of/onto and off of various pieces of equipment, vehicles and equipment trailers.
• Operating manual hand tools (rakes, shovels, pruners, etc.), light hand power tools (portable saws, drills, blowers, etc.), other power tools (Chainsaws, floor saws brush chippers, etc.)

WORKING CONDITIONS

Tech I, II & Operator I

• This position works exclusively outdoors, year-round, and in all weather conditions
• This position requires evening, weekend, holiday, and call-in/on-call work
• This position is considered an ESSENTIAL POSITION, meaning that work may be required during extreme weather events and other emergency situations

The Town of Southern Pines is an Equal Opportunity Employer