Public Utility Worker at City of Gresham Gresham, OR

Neier Inc.; Gresham (OR); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Neier Inc. is seeking a Green Stormwater Maintenance Operator in Gresham, Oregon to perform vital maintenance on stormwater infrastructure projects. This role requires skills in operating various tools and equipment while ensuring public safety.

The position involves outdoor work under diverse weather conditions and includes responsibilities like maintaining stormwater assets, performing inspections, and managing emergency situations. Candidates must have a valid driver’s license and a commitment to safety.

Qualifications

• General knowledge of equipment and procedures for maintenance and construction.
• Ability to perform heavy manual tasks and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record required.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine maintenance on stormwater infrastructure assets.
• Inspect and clean stormwater systems including mainlines and manholes.
• Operate power equipment safely and efficiently.

Skills

Physical labor

Construction background

Problem-solving

Team player

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Excavators

Vacuum truck

Power tools

Job description

Position Description

Green Stormwater Maintenance Operator performs routine maintenance on Gresham’s green stormwater infrastructure (detention ponds, bioswales, stormwater planters, etc.) using a variety of hand tools, power tools, and heavy equipment. The operator is also responsible for maintenance of the over 240 miles of storm pipe and 9,600 inlets within Gresham city limits.

Responsibilities

• Routine vegetation maintenance of green stormwater infrastructure assets using hand tools such as rakes, shovels, clippers, and pruning saws; power tools such as string trimmers, hedge trimmers, chain saws, leaf blowers, and mowers.
• Ensure assets are functioning as designed to protect water quality and prevent flooding by clearing blockages, removing sediment, and repairing asset structures.
• Perform data entry of infrastructure cleaning and findings into the asset management system.
• Inspect, clean, and remove debris from stormwater collection systems including mainlines, laterals, manholes, and vegetated facilities; use confined space entry equipment as needed.
• Develop traffic control plans and utilize flaggers for on‑site safety.
• Use GIS and TV reports to locate and mark out stormwater collection mains and laterals; use flagger and traffic control devices when required.
• Operate a variety of power equipment and ensure public safety by preventing blockages and flooding.
• Use vacuum truck to clean structures and hydro‑excavate; use excavators, backhoes, and loaders for sediment removal from detention ponds and swales.
• Develop traffic control plans and utilize flaggers as needed for construction repairs.
• Obtain pesticide applicator license; identify invasive species and apply herbicides to control problematic growth.
• Attend job‑related trainings, read and respond to email messages, attend meetings, purchase supplies, participate in monthly shop cleanup activities, track and enter time and attendance for work completed, and work after hours or overtime as needed.

Tools and Equipment Used

Motorized vehicles and equipment, including dump truck, vacuum truck, pickup truck, utility truck, excavator, tamper, plate compactor, saws, pumps, string trimmers, hedge trimmers, chain saws, leaf blowers, mowers, compressors, generators, common hand and power tools, shovels, wrenches, detection devices, ditch witch, hand‑held radio, cell phones, iPad/tablet, computers, and other maintenance‑related tools and equipment.

On Call – After Hours Work

Rotating responsibility to carry the on‑call phone and respond to emergency locates, sinkholes, high water/flooding, etc.

Qualities We Are Looking For

• Enjoys physical labor and working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Has construction and/or landscaping background.
• Effective team player who values partnerships and forms relationships to accomplish work.
• Strategic problem‑solver who enjoys a challenge.
• Quick thinker who navigates obstacles with a positive, can‑do attitude.
• Self‑motivated with a solid work ethic and a natural inclination to identify efficiencies in work processes while maintaining accuracy.
• Safety‑minded person who embodies integrity.
• Friendly personality to interact with Gresham residents and visitors.
• Passion for service to the Gresham community.

Work Schedule and Environment

The typical work schedule will be four 10‑hour days per week either Monday through Thursday or Tuesday through Friday. Work is predominantly performed outdoors in varying weather conditions and involves manual labor. This position will require being on‑call on occasion to include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• General knowledge of equipment, facilities, materials, methods and procedures used in maintenance, construction and repair activities.
• Basic knowledge of computer operation and the ability to utilize computer for record keeping, reports, and operation of maintenance programs.
• Skill in operation of some of the listed tools and equipment.
• Ability to perform heavy manual tasks for extended periods of time.
• Ability to complete daily activities according to work schedule.
• Ability to walk and stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to work outside in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to work and use tools and equipment safely and to wear task‑appropriate personal protective equipment; safely operate City vehicles and rolling stock.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to establish effective positive and cooperative working relationships with coworkers, other employees, and contract service providers.
• Work in environments requiring the use of a respirator.
• Conduct work far off the ground in tall heights using a bucket truck.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record.
• 18 years of age or older.
• One year of full‑time, professional related experience such as performing underground excavation for wastewater, stormwater, and/or water, installing underground utilities, landscaping, vegetation maintenance work, and other related duties.
• Must possess the physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Required Certifications And Licenses

• Oregon Department of Agriculture pesticide applicator license within 12 months of hire.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification within 12 months of hire.
• OSHA Confined Space certification within 12 months of hire.
• OSHA Competent Person certification within 12 months of hire.
• ODOT flagger certification within 12 months of hire.
• Oregon or Washington Commercial Driver License (CDL) Class A with air brakes and tanker endorsements within 6 months of hire.

Veteran’s Preference

The City of Gresham provides qualifying veterans and disabled veterans with preference in employment in accordance with state law. Any candidate wishing to have their qualifying veteran’s preference applied to the process must submit a qualifying document (DD Form 214 or 215) at the time of application providing proof of eligibility that includes discharge status. Disabled veterans must also submit a copy of their Veteran’s disability preference letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at the time of application, unless the information is included in the DD Form 214 or 215.

Our Commitment

The City of Gresham is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants without unlawful regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, familial status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, Oregon, or local law.