Utilities Operator Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Position is available in either Lawrence or Topeka

Definition and Examples of Work

• Operates, installs and maintains electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
• Supervises skilled tradesmen, repairmen, and unskilled workers in the operation of equipment and in in maintenance/repair activities.
• Inspects the repairs and adjustments on engines and generators and directs installation of new equipment.
• Lays out plans and prepares specifications of the work and materials for installation of new equipment and repairs.
• Obtains quotes and gives approval for purchases.
• Prepares budget estimates of equipment and personnel needs, prepares reports of operations, and maintains related records.
• Manages designated team members to include directing work assignments, coaching and development, managing performance, and conducting employee performance evaluations.
• Participates in interviewing, hiring and training new employees.
• Attends meetings as required by management and outside stakeholders.
• Additional duties may be assigned as business needs require.

Latitude and Impact of Position

This position works independently and as part of a team, with considerable latitude for determining materials and work methods. Engages in problem solving independently and as a team, requiring extensive technical knowledge. The position delegates to others, providing coaching, training in a formal or informal manner, and performance feedback. Negotiation and persuasion is used with internal/external customers and/or vendors on an occasional basis. Decision making is typically done independently in regard to work tasks and may be done independently within company policy when other departments may be impacted. Purchasing decisions may be made up to $500 without supervisory approval. Successful completion of job tasks impacts operating costs through efficient utilization of labor, material and equipment, external relationships, customer satisfaction, and external company liability.

Work Environment

The work environment described here is representative of the general work environment for the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently works in an office environment and requires driving to jobsites as needed.
• Work is frequently performed outdoors in all weather elements or in a warehouse/production environment.
• Must work in all weather elements and will be frequently exposed to heat, cold, high humidity, and dust.
• Noise levels are generally moderate to loud.
• Exposure to fumes, airborne particles, and chemicals occurs on a regular basis.
• Personal protective equipment may be required on a frequent basis.
• Work will frequently be performed in confined, enclosed spaces, underground, or in elevated places accessed by ladders or lifts.
• Occasional exposure to roadside traffic, high voltage elements, and sewer ponds.

QUALIFICATION

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of the principles, methods, and practices used in operating, maintaining, and repairing electrical, plumbing, sewerage, and other mechanical systems.
• Extensive experience in the maintenance and repair of electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems and related equipment.
• Thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions required in the operations and maintenance of mechanical systems.
• Use of computer, telephone, and general office equipment.
• Ability to trouble shoot problems.
• Ability to supervise and direct skilled and unskilled workers.
• Ability to plan, prepare specifications, and direct new installations and major repair projects.
• Ability to work from drawings and specifications and to read sketches and blueprints.
• Ability to understand verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to make simple estimates for time and materials required on projects.
• Ability to use HVAC tools, hand tools, power tools, plumbing and sewer machines, fiber machines.
• Ability to use various jobsite equipment including: digging equipment, excavators, trenchers, rock saw, vactron, skid steer, bucket truck and lifts, loader, fiber blowing machine, air compressor, etc.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Water tower inspection.

Required Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in the electrical, plumbing, or mechanical trades.
• Minimum two year of supervisory experience.
• Underground storage tank operator training.
• Experience with adjusting defects in systems and equipment.
• Experience with fiber location and installation.
• Universal refrigerant.
• Pump and boiler repair.
• Fuel pump repair.
• Ditch and rescue work.

Certification, License, Registration

• Master electrical or plumbing license for the state of Kansas; HVAC/mechanical certification.
• CDL
• KDHE wastewater operator license.
• First aid / CPR
• Backflow certified, preferred
• Pipe fusing certified, preferred
• Universal EPA certificate, preferred
• Confined space certification, preferred
• Must obtain required CEUs annually to maintain certifications.

Physical requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Employees regularly walk, at times on uneven terrain; bend, twist, turn, kneel, squat, reach overhead, and climb stairs or ladders (continuous)
• Must be able to verbally communicate with others and hear noises and voices, while distinguishing sound tones (frequent)
• Uses hands to touch, handle or feel while gripping, grasping, pinching or squeezing and using vibratory tools on a frequent basis.
• Frequently uses sense of smell to define work problems.
• Regularly carries, lifts, pushes or pulls up to 50 pounds (continuous), frequently carries, lifts, pushes or pulls to 75 pounds, and occasionally carries, lifts, pushes or pulls up to 100 pounds.
• Regularly uses vision up close and for distance sight, must be able to distinguish between colors and shapes, and use peripheral vision and depth perception, while adjust focus (continuous)

Other Requirements

• Frequent daily travel along the turnpike.
• On call 24/7/365.
• Occasional overtime.