Job Descriptions

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs a wide variety of semiskilled to skilled work in the construction, replacement, repair, installation, and cleaning of the City's sanitary sewer, storm collection system, and water distribution systems and related facilities.

This classification is assigned to the Turlock City Employees Association bargaining unit for labor relations purposes and is subject to overtime assignments.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Utilities Maintenance Worker I - this is the entry level class in the Utility Maintenance Worker series. This class is distinguished from the Utilities Maintenance Worker II by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series. Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgement on matters related to established procedures and guidelines as are positions allocated to the II level. Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited related work experience. Employees work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks.

Utilities Maintenance Worker II - This is the journey level class within the Utility Maintenance series. This class is distinguished from Utilities Maintenance Worker I by the assignment of the full range of duties assigned. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and they are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the I level.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

General supervision is provided by the Utilities Supervisor Assistant. This is not a supervisory class; however, journey level maintenance workers may provide guidance to less experienced staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE

FOLLOWING:

• Install, remove, clean, and repair sewer lines, storm lines, water lines and related facilities.
• Cut, lay, install, and repair water mains, storm lines, sewer lines, valves, and hydrants, etc.
• Isolate water main sections for repair and/or construction; record and perform unidirectional flushing of water distribution system water mains and fire hydrants; and disinfect water mains when required.
• Perform water line taps; install water services, blow-offs, meters, vaults, boxes, and exercise valves.
• Operate large construction equipment such as dumptrucks, backhoes, loaders, trenching machines, etc.
• Perform daily DMV vehicle inspections; document and inspect equipment for safety and wear.
• Proficiently operate vacuum & jitter combination trucks.
• Build and repair manholes, catch basins, and other related facilities.
• Participate in construction, maintenance, and repair work, using established safe work practices and procedures.
• Operate large and complex maintenance equipment such as Hydrovactors, rodders, hydro‑cleaners, closed circuit televising equipment, etc.
• Exercise and maintain distribution system valves using a variety of manual and motorized tools and equipment; determine appropriate types of valves for different applications as found throughout the City.
• Install barricades and route traffic in a safe manner.
• Respond to public complaints and requests for service.
• Turn on new water services, turn off discontinued water services and delinquencies, disconnect sewer services, and distribute notification papers related to the same.
• Operate a jackhammer and pour and finish concrete.
• Break out and load asphalt and concrete onto large dump trucks.
• Identify, plan, and arrange for equipment needed for each assigned project.
• Maintain various records related to meter readings, repairs, maintenance activities and assigned duties.
• Assist in maintaining inventory of parts, supplies, and equipment.
• Read maps and interpret plans, blueprints, specifications, and maintenance manuals.
• Install shoring and related safety equipment.
• Operate sewer cleaning equipment in emergency conditions.
• Locate and repair water leaks, damaged lines, and worn valves.
• Collect samples, perform a variety of routine tests; record and monitor results.
• Install, test, repair, and replace fire hydrants.
• Assist with the collection and transportation of water samples for lab analysis; monitor chemical dosages; assist with the application of chlorine and other water treatment-related chemicals to adjust water quality levels; assist in assuring adequate levels of safe potable water to meet City needs.
• Respond to public complaints concerning water quality and service lines; investigate public complaints and assist with troubleshooting, diagnosing, and resolving problems and malfunctions; respond to waterline emergencies as needed.
• Test, repair, install, and replace backflow prevention devices.
• Perform standby/on-call duties, as assigned and required.
• Perform emergency repairs as necessary; respond to emergency calls at irregular hours.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Utilities Maintenance Worker I

Knowledge of:

• Basic construction, repair, and maintenance methods, procedures, tools, equipment, and materials.
• Safe work practices under hazardous conditions.
• Operation of a variety of construction equipment.

Ability to:

• Perform a variety of construction, repair, and maintenance tasks.
• Locate underground services.
• Learn to identify equipment, tools, and materials needed for each project.
• Work under routine and emergency conditions, sometimes in severe weather.
• Install, repair, remove and clean pipes.
• Operate a variety of construction and maintenance equipment, including a jackhammer.
• Install and remove shoring.
• Work efficiently and safely with others.
• Understand and follow instructions and directions.
• Perform a wide variety of physically strenuous tasks as required.
• Respond appropriately to public inquiries and complaints in a tactful, courteous manner.

Utilities Maintenance Worker II

Knowledge of:

• Journey level methods, materials, and equipment used in the repair, installation, cleaning, and maintenance of the sanitary sewer system, storm collection system, water distribution system, well sites, tanks, and related appurtenances.
• Basic knowledge of potable water system operation and drinking water treatment processes
• Safe work practices under hazardous conditions such as confined space entry and working in the public right-of-way.
• City regulations, procedures, and operations related to operation and maintenance of the City's sewer, storm collection systems, and water distribution systems.
• Basic use and operation of personal computers, including ability to create correspondence, access job related files, and enter data.
• Basic principles of backflow knowledge.
• Journey level knowledge of the City’s distribution systems and maps.
• City geography and the municipal street system.

Ability to:

• Meet all requirements of a Utility Maintenance Worker I.
• Train others in the safe and correct use of a wide variety of construction and maintenance equipment.
• Safely operate heavy construction and repair equipment with proficiency and efficiency.
• Learn methods, procedures and requirements for monitoring and adjusting water quality levels.
• Monitor chemical dosages and assist with the adjustment of water quality levels.
• Learn principles, practices and procedures related to the operation and maintenance of a water distribution system.
• Recognize and deal with hazards encountered in the course of work.
• Read, interpret, and understand blueprints and construction drawings.
• Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Respond to emergencies as required and take corrective action as needed.
• Troubleshoot for faulty system equipment.
• Make independent decisions in field situations with effectiveness and efficiency.
• Use and interpret closed circuit televising equipment.
• Understand and implement all related safety rules and procedures.
• Demonstrate journey level skills in all phases of construction, repair, maintenance, and cleaning of sewer, storm, and water distribution systems.
• Obtain basic backflow knowledge and basic knowledge of potable water system operation.
• Develop advanced knowledge of sewer system, storm system, and water distribution system.
• Serve in lead capacity for short periods of time.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Utilities Maintenance Worker I

Experience:

One year of construction or maintenance experience working with pumps, valves, basic plumbing functions, and working with heavy equipment.

Training:

High School diploma or GED certificate.

Certificate(s):

Possession of a Water Distribution Grade I Certification issued by the California Division of Drinking Water and a Collections System Maintenance Grade I Certification issued by the California Water Environment Association, both within 18 months from date of hire.

Possession of a Work Zone Safety Certification within 24 months from date of hire

License:

Possession of an appropriate, valid California Driver's License at the time of appointment, to be maintained as a condition of continued employment. Ability to obtain a Class B Driver’s License within nine (9) months from date of employment, to be maintained as a condition of continued employment.

Utilities Maintenance Worker II

Experience:

Two years of experience as a Utilities Maintenance Worker in a position comparable to that of a Utilities Maintenance Worker I for the City of Turlock.

Education:

High School diploma or GED certificate. Six college units or CEU’s in a related field or scholastic general education (i.e. Speech, Math, English, Science, Foreign Language, etc.).

Certificate(s):

Possession of two of the following certifications: Water Distribution Grade II Certification issued by the California Division of Drinking Water, Water Treatment Operator Grade II Certification issued by California State Water Resources Control Board, or Collections System Maintenance Grade II Certification issued by the California Water Environment Association.

Possession of a Work Zone Safety Certification.

Possession of a Hazardous Materials First Responder, Awareness Level, (FRA) Certification within 18 months from date of appointment.

License:

Possession of an appropriate, valid, Class B Driver's License and proof of automobile liability insurance at the time of appointment, to be maintained as a condition of continued employment.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Physical Conditions:

Maintain the following physical abilities: see well enough to read, write and make observations, operate hand and power tools, vehicles and heavy equipment; hear well enough to converse on the radio, telephone and in person; bodily mobility to walk, bend, stand, crouch or climb for extended periods of time, operate assigned equipment and vehicles and perform heavy manual labor for extended periods; ability to tolerate extreme fluctuations in temperature while performing essential functions and be able to lift equipment on a frequent basis 25lbs, and on an occasional basis 50lbs.