811 LOCATOR/SENIOR LINE MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

City of Oxford; Oxford (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Oxford is seeking a skilled utility worker to locate and mark underground water and sewer lines, and perform installation and repair work as part of a crew. You will operate backhoes and other construction equipment, make taps, install hydrants, meters and valves, and ensure lines are properly graded and tested.

The role requires physical stamina, adherence to safety standards, and the ability to read maps and work with the public.

Qualifications

• Experience in installation, maintenance and repair of water and sewer lines.
• Must read utility line maps and manuals.
• Knowledge of safety and OSHA standards.
• Ability to operate heavy construction equipment.

Responsibilities

• Uses locating devices to locate underground water and sewer lines.
• Marks lines with spray paint to designate location.
• Operates tapping machines to make water/sewer taps and connections.
• Lays pipe and adjusts grade/depth; repairs/replaces lines and appurtenances.
• Installs hydrants, meters and valves; tests pipelines.
• Inspects lift stations and performs preventive maintenance.
• Operates heavy equipment such as backhoe, loaders, dump trucks, and tampers.
• Maintains records of work activities and inventories.
• Performs other related tasks as required.

Skills

Locating utilities

Pipe installation

Equipment operation

Reading maps

Safety procedures

Public interaction

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Backhoe

Tamping machines

Camera inspection

SCADA

Work orders

Job description

General Statement of Duties

Performs skilled work in the locating and marking of underground, city-owned water and sewer utilities for customers, contractors and other departments when digging is required. Performs responsible semi-skilled and skilled work in the installation, replacement, repair and maintenance of water and sewer lines, and appurtenances.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class performs a variety of skilled work as a member of a crew engaged in the construction, installation and repair of water and sewer lines. Work involves the operation of construction equipment in the installation, replacement and repair of water and sewer pipes to specific grade and depth, and back filling and compacting the site. Work also includes making taps to water and sewer mains, installing hydrants, meters, and valves, and making repairs to the water and sewer system. Employees are subject 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 blood borne pathogens. Employees are also subject to on-call and call-back work. Work is performed under regular supervision of the Distribution and Collection System Superintendent and is evaluated through observation and inspection for adherence to instructions and standard trade and safety practices. Work requires considerable public contact with customers.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Tasks

• Uses electronic locating devices to locate underground, city-owned water and sewer utility lines.
• Marks underground lines using spray paint to clearly designate their location

Operates tapping machine to make water and sewer taps and service connections.

• Lays water and sewer pipe; adjusts pipe to proper grade and depth with laser; repairs and replaces sewer and water lines and related facilities.
• Installs, services and tests water meters and meter yokes.
• Assists with operation of camera to video sewer lines.
• Inspects sewer lift stations for proper operations; take flow readings; performs preventive maintenance and minor repair.
• Operates backhoe, 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; repairs and replaces fire hydrants
• Unstops sewer lines with pressure machines, rodding machines or hand tools.
• Makes records of work activities.
• Takes inventory of meters, valves, couplings, fittings, paint, pipe and other necessary items in the water and sewer department.

Additional Job Duties

Performs other related tasks as required.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Working knowledge of the tools, materials and equipment used in the installation, replacement, maintenance and repair of utility lines.
2. Working knowledge of equipment used to locate underground utility lines
3. Working knowledge of a variety of maintenance and manual methods and tasks involved in the installation, maintenance, repair and replacement of utility lines and appurtenances.
4. Working knowledge of the use of common hand and power tools.
5. Working knowledge of the safe use and operation and preventive maintenance of common automotive and mechanical equipment.
6. Some knowledge of the municipal water and sewer service policies and procedures.
7. Skill in the operation of a backhoe and other construction equipment.
8. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and the public.
9. Ability to read utility line maps and operation and service manuals and to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
10. Ability to prepare records of work activities.
11. Ability to communicate well orally and in writing.

12. Working knowledge of computer-based work order system, SCADA, timesheets and various other programs.

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 mobile equipment such as the backhoe and dump truck in a safe manner to fit pipes and other parts, read gauges, and make written records.

Desirable Education and Experience

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to ability to read and write and considerable experience in related construction or utility maintenance work. Prefer utility construction or maintenance and heavy equipment operation experience.

Special Requirements

• Possession of valid North Carolina driver's license.
• Must have Grade I Collection or Grade C Distribution certification.
• Must have a minimum of 2 years of experience in Water and Sewer