Utility Worker I,II or III - Water Distribution

The City of Newport is seeking a hard-working, professional, and dedicated individual to fill a position of Utility Worker in the Water Distribution Division of the Public Works Department. Under the supervision of the Public Works Operations Superintendent, the Utility Worker position in the Water Distribution Division primarily ensures delivery of safe and clean drinking water through maintenance, construction and repair of water distribution pipes, hydrants, booster stations, metering devices, and other infrastructure within the public right-of-way and on public owned facilities and easements. The Water Distribution Division is part of the Public Works Department.

The Utility Worker is a three-tiered career ladder encompassing increasingly higher levels of knowledge, skill, experience and responsibility. The Utility Worker I is designed as an introductory position for candidates with limited experience or breadth of skill. Incumbents are expected to expand their skills to advance to Utility Worker II which requires greater breadth of skill and experience. The Utility Worker III requires more direct subject matter knowledge, experience, and performing at an expert skill level.

Placement in the job classification and salary range will be based on the knowledge, skills, experience, training, education, and certifications of the person hired.

This position requires the individual to participate in a monthly on-call rotation, which requires a 30 minute response time.

$750 sign-on bonus to be paid at the end of the first full payroll cycle.

$1,500 retention bonus paid after working 12 full months for the City of Newport, subject to signing a repayment agreement if employment terminates prior to the two-year anniversary date.

MINIMUM/MANDATORY EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the duties as described. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities would be:

Utility Worker I

High School Diploma or GED, and

Minimum 1-year experience in construction or related field, and

Oregon Water Distribution I certification within 18 months of hire.

Utility Worker II

Educational and Experience requirements of Utility Worker I position and the following:

Minimum 2 years' experience as a Utility I in water distribution and general construction. (3 years' total experience), and

Oregon Water Distribution II certification at time of hire.

2 CEU or equivalent classroom hours in Water Distribution construction, operation and/or maintenance within the last 2 years.

Demonstrated knowledge and ability to use the following equipment: Includes safety precautions, proper operation and user required care and maintenance.

Jackhammer

• Air Compressor
• Cut-off Saw
• Pumps
• Pressure Washer
• Concrete Saw (walk-behind)
• Compactors
• Chain Saw
• Front-end Loader
• Dump Truck - basic
• Jetter-vac - assist
• Aerial Bucket Truck

Utility Worker III

All duties of a Utility Worker I and II, AND

• Evaluate work to be performed.
• Select type of material and equipment needed for project.
• Evaluate type of impact on public and private property.
• Notify public when affected with type of work and reason for work being conducted.
• Call for and maintain utility locates if excavation is going to be performed.
• Oversees the construction/maintenance work performed at the job site.
• Ensure safety aspects and City procedures are followed, including traffic control, safety equipment, and safe working habits.
• Report work progress and completion to the Supervisor.
• Deal with public complaints and by questions by phone and in person.

KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of field installation of underground utilities; construction; and maintenance and repair of heavy equipment. Knowledge of occupational hazard and effective/proper safety standards, practices and procedures related to equipment operation, heavy labor, and the use of hand and power tools and equipment. Familiarity with the operations, materials, methods, techniques, as well as the Federal and State guidelines used in water distribution.

Proficiency in routine vehicle maintenance, service, and refueling. Demonstrated knowledge of personal protective equipment (PPE) application, use, and care. Proficiency in identifying and working with and around utility locates (call in, identify markings). Understanding and proficiency of radio communication protocol. Backhoe operator certification.

Knowledge of area (locations, addresses). Demonstrated knowledge of personal protective equipment (PPE) application, use, and care. Knowledge of area (locations, addresses).

SKILLS: Skill in the use of personal computers, various related software programs, standard office equipment, heavy equipment, including backhoe, and hand and power tools. Proficiency in routine vehicle maintenance, service, and refueling. Proficiency in identifying and working with and around utility locates (call in, identify markings). Understanding and proficiency of radio communication protocol. Customer Service orientation and skills. Exceptional interpersonal skills, strong oral communications skills with a variety of audiences; ability to communicate complex material in a simple, understandable manner; Strong reasoning, analysis, and problem solving skills combined with excellent judgment and professionalism.

ABILITIES: Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with City management, employees, Council members, other entities, and the general public. Ability to write work reports and maintain records and logs; read and interpret technical manuals, work orders, blueprints, diagrams, and sketches; Ability to work independently and effectively and cooperatively within a team structure. Ability to follow written and verbal direction. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals and groups. Ability to operate heavy equipment and hand/power tools used in public works operations. Physical ability to perform the essential job functions. Ability to operate a computer and familiar with the Microsoft Office suite of software. Consistent availability and response to after-hours emergency call-back after 6 months of hire.

Special Requirements/Licenses FOR ALL CLASSIFICATIONS:

• Valid Oregon Driver's License at time of hire.
• Possession of a valid Oregon Class A commercial driver's license with a N (tanker) endorsement within six months of hire.
• Work Zone Traffic Control (flagger) training within six months of hire.
• First Aid/CPR within six months of hire.
• Confined Space training within 6 months of hire.
• Competent Person training within 6 months of hire.
• Lock-Out-Tag-Out training within 6 months of hire.
• Forklift training within 6 months of hire.
• Backhoe operator certification.
• Occupational Noise Exposure training at time of hire.
• Other certifications as required by position classification.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, stand, bend, kneel, stoop, communicate, reach, and manipulate objects. The position requires mobility including the ability to frequently lift or move materials up to 30 pounds and occasionally lift or move materials up to 100 pounds. The position requires the ability to operate a motorized vehicle. Manual dexterity and coordination are required about 90% of the work period while operating equipment such as computers, keyboards, telephones, standard office equipment, maintenance equipment, and motorized vehicles. Physical exertion may be required to move heavy objects, crawl through tight spaces, and kneel in confined areas. Physical effort may be required to perform heavy manual labor in confined and cramped spaces and uncomfortable conditions, climb ladders, bend, reach, and stand for long periods of time. Sensory requirements include; speaking, hearing, vision, color discrimination, touch, smell, and balance.

WORKING CONDITIONS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work location is primarily outdoors (65-85+% of the time) and may involve exposure to loud noise, dust, mud, uneven terrain and varying and extreme weather conditions. Employees in this position are exposed to the risk of physical harm from hazards found in the field environment such as heavy equipment, tools, loud noise, and extreme weather.

Subject to 24-hour call back for emergencies.

All applications for this position must be submitted via our online application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofnewport.

Only complete applications will be considered. Please submit a cover letter and resume with your application. Please do not fax, mail or e-mail any documentation. You will receive a confirmation email when your application has been successfully submitted.

The City of Newport is an EEO and veteran's preference employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under state, federal or local law.

The City of Newport follows Oregon law regarding Veterans' Preference in Public Employment. If you are requesting Veterans' Preference, you must complete the Veteran's Preference Form and attach a copy of your DD214 / DD215. If you are a disabled veteran, you must also include a copy of your Veteran's Administration benefit summary/award letter with your application.

All offers of employment are subject to successful completion of a pre-employment background check, reference checking, and in the case of safety sensitive positions, drug and alcohol testing.

Employment Type: Full-Time