Utility Maintenance Worker I - Construction

The mission of the Public Utilities Department is to provide the citizens of Johnston County efficient, affordable and friendly Water Supply, Water Collection and Treatment, Reclaimed Water and Stormwater Management. The Public Utilities Department is seeking a full-time Utility Maintenance Worker with the Construction Division.

An employee in this class performs a variety of unskilled to semi-skilled work as a member of a crew engaged in the maintenance and/or repair of water and sewer lines and pumping stations. Work involves the inspecting, performing preventive maintenance and some repairs to water and sewer pumping stations; operation of tapping machines to install water taps and meters; and operation of light to medium equipment to maintain and repair water and sewer system appurtenances. Work also includes painting hydrants; installing, replacing, and repairing meters, hydrants, and valves; relocating utility easements; and making other repairs to the water and sewer system.

Employees are subject to working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, vibration, moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation, and oils. Work is also subject to the final standards of OSHA on bloodborne pathogens and may require use of breathing apparatus.

Employees are also subject to on-call and call-back work. Work is performed under regular supervision and is evaluate through observation and inspection for adherence to instructions and standard trade and safety practices.

This position is open until filled.

• Makes regular tours of inspection of water and sewer pumping stations and elevated storage tanks; performs preventive maintenance; makes repairs such as packing pumps, replacing bearings and water seals, changing drive shafts, etc.; cleans out, and paints pumping stations, and mows grass and trims trees and undergrowth at sites.
• Reads water meter; connects and disconnect water service based on customer moves, payment, or nonpayment; makes records of work activities and readings.
• Operates tapping machine to make water taps and service connections.
• Repairs water and sewer pipe; replaces and adjusts pipe to proper grade and depth; repairs and replaces water lines and related facilities.
• Installs, services and tests water meters and meter yokes.
• Takes and tests samples of water at elevated storage tanks to determine chlorine levels.
• Operates front end loader, dump trucks, jackhammers, tampers, pipe threading machines, tapping machines, trenchers, air compressors, and boring machines.
• Installs hydrants, meters, valves, clamps, and related pipeline apparatus; sets meter boxes; paints, repairs and replaces fire hydrants; exercises water valves.
• Locates water lines for other contractors or utilities.
• Flags traffic; sets up construction signs.

Additional Duties

• Performs other related tasks as required.

• Working knowledge of the tools, materials and equipment used in the installation, replacement, maintenance and repair of utility lines, pumping stations, meters, and related equipment.
• Working knowledge of a variety of maintenance and manual methods and tasks involved in the installation, maintenance, repair and replacement of utility lines, pumping stations, meters, and appurtenances.
• Working knowledge of the use of common hand and power tools.
• Working knowledge of the safe use and operation and preventive maintenance of common automotive and mechanical equipment.
• Working knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions related to assigned duties.
• Some knowledge of the municipal water and sewer service policies and procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors. co-workers and the public.
• Ability to read utility line maps and equipment operation and service manuals and to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform very heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally; 50 pounds of force frequently; and 20 pounds constantly.
• Must possess the visual acuity to operate equipment such as the backhoe and dump truck in a safe manner to fit pipes and other parts, read gauges, and make written records.

• Graduation from high school and related experience in mechanical, plumbing, utility construction and/or maintenance, and equipment operation experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Possession of valid North Carolina driver's license; may require commercial driver's license.
• Ability to obtain Grade 1 collection system and/or Grade C distribution system operator's certification within 18 months.