Entry Level Utility Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

QUALIFICATIONS

Utility Technician I - $20.00 an hour

Entry level

Must be able to obtain Water Operator D or Wastewater Collection Operator I license within a year of hire

Utility Technician II - $21.00 an hour

Must possess a Water Distribution Operator C or Wastewater Collection Operator II license.

Utility Technician II - $22.00 an hour

Must possess a Water Distribution Operator C or Wastewater Collection Operator III license and a Class B Commercial Driver's License (Preferred).

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Utility Superintendent, the Utility Technician I performs a variety of tasks in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water & wastewater collection systems and related facilities. Provides support to other departments within Public Works as assigned, and responds to and investigates citizen inquiries.

SUPERVISION

RECEIVES direct supervision from the Utility Superintendent

EXERCISES no supervision.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Maintain Water/Sewer Systems

• Perform general maintenance checks and make simple repairs to the City's water & wastewater systems.
• Report any complicated or large repairs to the Utility Superintendent which will be assigned to the utility maintenance crews.
• Respond to water leaks and make needed repairs.
• Check on the manholes around the city to confirm that the flow is not impeded; clean out manholes where there is a problem.
• Operate tapping machines, jackhammers, air hammers, wastewater rooter, compactors and pipe cutting equipment.
• Operate a variety of equipment including backhoes, front-end loaders, tractors and dump trucks in routine situations.
• Respond to complaints involving wastewater system backups, overflow or stoppages; clear what is possible with equipment used or refer to superintendent for a work crew.
• Trace and locate water and wastewater lines; read and locate water and wastewater lines by GIS and/or maps.
• Maintain a variety of records and information pertaining to water and wastewater.
• Troubleshoot and identify water and wastewater flow problems.
• Install, repair and remove complex residential and commercial water meters.
• Check and record flow data from flow meters located throughout the city; interpret the meaning of various indicators and make appropriate adjustments as necessary.
• Clear stopped up wastewater lines; operate hydro jet as appropriate.
• Maintain, repair and install fire hydrants.
• Repair and replace sidewalks, curbs and streets when installations and repairs are complete.
  

Maintenance/Safety

• Maintain safety regulations including wearing appropriate clothing, erecting proper barricades and signage and using proper equipment and tools.
• Performs routine inspections of assigned areas to detect any necessary repairs or hazardous conditions.
• Inspects, cleans and maintains equipment and tools in safe operating order.
• Organizes tools, equipment, and supplies necessary to complete assignments.
  

Safety/Equipment Maintenance

• Maintain safety regulations including ensuring all personnel wear appropriate clothing, erecting proper barricades and signage.
• Perform safety inspections of equipment and enforces safety rules and practices on the work site.
• Inspect, clean, and maintain equipment and tools used to ensure they are in safe operating order.
• Perform routine inspections of assigned areas to detect any necessary repairs or hazardous conditions.
• Utilize proper safety precautions related to all work performed.

Other Duties

• May be required to assist in the setup, teardown, and cleanup for special events and meetings.
• May occasionally be required to work on-call, evenings or weekends.
• Assist in other departmental operations when needed.
• Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work hours is essential.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:

A High School diploma or equivalent is required. No experience is required.

Knowledge of:

• General maintenance and repair techniques for common tools and equipment used in general construction and maintenance work; and their basic safety precautions and procedures.
• Operation and maintenance of power and hand tools.
• Safe handling techniques of hazardous chemicals and materials.
• Safe working practices pertaining to sewer facilities and equipment.

Skills and Abilities:

• Perform a variety of repair and maintenance tasks involving water and sewer collection systems.
• Operate a variety of construction and maintenance equipment in a safe and effective manner.
• Plan and organize materials and supplies necessary to complete work orders or daily assignments.
• Work cooperatively with other departments.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Resolve customer complaints and concerns when asked.
• Follow all City policies and procedures.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Be punctual and regular in attendance.

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

(All licenses and certifications noted below apply to all employees hired after 09/27/17)

• Must be able to obtain a Class D Water or a Collection I Wastewater license within one (1) year from the date of hire or date moved to the position.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class C Texas driver's license.
• May require higher driver's license classification after employment at the City's expense.
• May be required to obtain certification or licensure specific to area of assignment after date of employment at the City's expense.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in a construction site/outdoor environment.
• May be subject to walking on uneven or unstable terrain.
• May be subject to repetitive motion and heavy manual labor such as digging, repairing water/sewer pumps, transporting, delivering and picking up debris, or other required equipment.
• May be confined to small spaces.
• Daily physical labor that includes entering enclosed spaces, climbing ladders, lifting heavy equipment, digging potholes, and operating other equipment and other physically exerting activities on a daily basis.
• May be subject to standing, sitting, bending, kneeling, lifting, carrying, reaching, pulling, and crouching.
• Maybe subject to working extended hours and responding to emergencies on an on-call basis.
• May be subject to exposure to extreme weather conditions, loud noises, hazardous chemicals and fumes, infectious diseases, air and water borne pathogens, and poisonous insects, spiders, and snakes or wild animals common to water, wastewater and underground utilities.
• May be exposed to moving traffic.
• Must be able to work in stressful situations.
• Must be able to lift up to 85 pounds.

Normal duty hours are 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. Callback may be required when necessary. Benefits include 100% employer paid employee only medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums. Paid vacation, holiday, and sick leave available. Participation in the Texas Municipal Retirement System is required, as well as Social Security deductions.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.