Utility Worker I- Water Department

Apply Today!

DEFINITION OF CLASS

Performs a variety of unskilled or semi-skilled maintenance work, and operates a variety of equipment in the construction, operation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of City infrastructure systems in a variety of areas.   Works under the immediate supervision of a division leadworker and/or supervisor.  This is a safety-sensitive position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES PERFORMED

• Inspects and/or repairs water and wastewater systems as frequent intervals to insure that all aspects of the systems are functioning properly; 
• Maintains a variety of records relating to inspections and maintenance activity;
• Determines the location of gas, telephone, power, television, water, and sanitary sewer lines from the appropriate sources prior to excavation;
• Responds to complaints regarding water leaks, pressure loss, no water, sewer blockages, etc. and evaluates the situation for repairs; 
• Cuts, fits, lays, repairs, taps, cleans and flushes water and sanitary sewer mains;
• Works with pipe, valves, and fittings on repair of mains and services and installation of services, fire hydrants, etc.;
• Assists in shutting off broken sections of water mains;
• Services water supply, sewer lift and other pump stations areas.   
• Performs a variety of assigned tasks related to the employee’s assigned division of operation;
• Performs required labor involved in construction and maintenance projects as part of a crew, including tasks such as pavement cutting, ditch digging, manhole and line cleaning, main and pipe repair, pipe laying and backfilling of ditches;
• Assists in the construction of various public works projects;
• Operates light automotive and construction equipment, including dump trucks, tractors, skid-steer loaders, motorized walk-behind equipment, hand tools, mowers, trenching equipment, etc.;
• Drives trucks of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling and unloading of various equipment and materials;
• Operates a variety of power construction and maintenance equipment used in the employee’s assigned division;
• Observes safe driving precautions and uses caution in operation of equipment to prevent overloading;
• Works with a variety of hand tools;
• Ensures the proper maintenance of equipment and tools by cleaning and checking equipment and tools after use;
• Performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and refers defects or needed repairs to supervisor; cleans equipment;
• Washes interior and exterior of assigned equipment;
• Performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards;
• In the absence of a Leadworker / Supervisor, may oversee work of subordinate employees;
• Works overtime as required;
• May be required to work standby on a rotating basis;
• Subject to call-in for specified emergencies;
• Reports to work as scheduled and on time, even under inclement weather conditions.

OTHER DUTIES PERFORMED

• Performs other duties as required;
• Serves on various employee teams.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or GED equivalent, and
• Experience in the construction and/or maintenance field that is pertinent to the employee’s assigned division; or 
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret written communications;
• Ability to respond to verbal inquiries from management, staff, and customers;
• Ability to effectively present information verbally and/or in writing;
• Ability to perform basic mathematic computations;
• General knowledge of the geography and street layout of Alcoa and Blount County;
• Some knowledge of equipment, facilities, materials, methods and procedures used in maintenance, construction and repair activities associated with employee’s assigned division;
• Working knowledge of the methods, techniques, and tools involved in general construction;
• Knowledge of the use and care of picks, shovels, mowers, automotive equipment, small tractors, etc.;
• Ability to perform strenuous physical labor, including heavy lifting and walking long distances, for long periods of time and frequently under adverse field conditions;
• Knowledge of applicable safety precautions; ability to work safely;
• Ability to work both independently and with others, and to complete daily activities according to work schedule;
• Ability to understand, follow, and transmit written and oral instructions;
• Ability to learn new procedures and to apply the same to a variety of tasks.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a valid State of Tennessee Class A or B Commercial driver's license (Class A for Construction Services), with appropriate endorsements, or ability to obtain the same upon employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and smell.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 80 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and vibration. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock.

The noise level in the work environment is frequently loud.

The duties described in this job description are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not excuse them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.