Sewer Maintenance Worker

City of Dubuque, IA; Dubuque (IA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Dubuque, IA is seeking a Sewer Maintenance Worker to operate medium and heavy equipment and oversee maintenance tasks for public works and park facilities. The role includes snow and ice control duties and cross-training opportunities across departments.

The position requires a Class A CDL within six months, a HS diploma or GED, and relevant experience. Work conditions include varied shifts and outdoor environments year-round, with non-exempt status.

Qualifications

• One year of experience operating light, medium and heavy duty equipment.
• Experience with asphalt and concrete maintenance is preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Class A CDL within 6 months.
• High school diploma or GED is required.
• At least 6 months of data entry or computer usage experience.

Responsibilities

• Operates rollers, backhoes/loaders, sewer jet/vac vehicles and other equipment in maintenance tasks.
• Repairs or replaces curbs, concrete, asphalt streets and related structures.
• Transporting materials and tools to job sites as needed.
• Responds professionally to questions and requests from internal and external customers.
• Performs trenching, sewer inspection tasks and maintenance on storm/sewer systems.

Skills

Equipment operation

Safety procedures

Customer service

Teamwork and cross-training

Manual dexterity

Education

High School Diploma or GED

CDL with air brakes, combo, tanker endorsements

Job description

Please note: In addition to base pay listed on the job posting, this position may qualify for a Market Adjustment Supplement Pay of up to $5.85 per hour, depending on qualifications.

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Under general direction and reporting to the Field Operations Manager, the Sewer Maintenance Worker operates medium and heavy equipment and performs and supervises performance of a variety of skilled and semi-skilled tasks in the maintenance, construction and operation of public works and park facilities; and performs other duties as assigned.

Job Duties

JOB DUTIES:

• Operates roller, backhoe/loader, excavator, skid loader, sewer jet/vac vehicle, pumps, hydraulic impact hammer, self-propelled street sweeper, front end loader, snowplow, snow go, jet flusher, sewer television truck, aerial bucket, anti-icing unit, and other equipment and vehicles in various maintenance and construction tasks
• Repairs or replaces curbs, sections of concrete and asphalt streets, walls, and steps.
• Carrying resources on jobsites to include concrete forms, tools, and other resources.
• Responds to internal and external questions and requests in a professional and courteous manner.
• Excavates and back fills trenches with hand tools; cleans and inspects sanitary and storm sewers; cleans ditches and drainage systems; loads and unloads trucks containing heavy materials; shovels asphalt/rock, sand, gravel and spreads and rakes asphalt; and operates miscellaneous manual and power tools including jack hammer, air compressor, pick, shovel, sledgehammer, grinder, drill and pipe wrench.
• Repairs or replaces storm intakes, catch basins, culverts, manholes, and water boxes.
• Repairs or replaces Street, Stop, Wayfinding signs and meter poles.
• Prepares and places barricades for projects and safety purposes.
• Cut and trim grass, weeds, and trees from right of way.
• Performs general grounds maintenance, basic painting, repair and maintenance assignments.
• Takes initiative to cross train self and others in various areas to strengthen knowledge base and provide support to other departments or divisions.
• Performs extensive snow and ice control operational duties - individually, as a team member, or as a team leader.
• Assists other departments with various duties as necessary.
• Checks tires, oil, lubricants, water levels, lights and fuel in vehicles and equipment; washes, adjusts, and performs minor repair and maintenance on vehicles and equipment; and maintains time and other records.
• Consistently ensures and reinforces the proper use and compliance of safety protocols, both on and off job sites, for self and others.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Operation and Control – Using equipment or systems, including rollers, backhoe/loaders, sewer jet/vac vehicles, pumps, hydraulic impact hammers, street sweepers, front-end loaders, snowplows, jet flushers, sewer rodder equipment, sewer television trucks, aerial buckets, anti-icing units, and related vehicles and machinery. Ability to operate tools such as jackhammers, air compressors, picks, shovels, grinders, drills, sledgehammers, and pipe wrenches.

Operation Monitoring – Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to ensure machinery and equipment are functioning properly during sewer system maintenance, snow/ice operations, and construction activities.

Control Precision – Quickly and accurately adjusting the controls of machines, trucks, or other heavy equipment used in sewer maintenance, street repair, and snow/ice operations.

Multi-Limb Coordination – Using arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down when operating large maintenance vehicles and equipment or performing manual labor tasks such as trenching, shoveling, lifting, and raking materials.

Depth Perception – Determining the distance between objects, assessing spatial relationships, and safely navigating, excavating, or operating vehicles and equipment in tight spaces, trenches, and rights-of-way.

Reaction Time – Quickly moving hands, fingers, or feet in response to audio, visual, or situational cues when operating vehicles, responding to emergencies, or adjusting equipment controls.

Arm-Hand Steadiness – Keeping arms and hands steady while performing tasks such as operating tools, positioning equipment attachments, using hand tools for repairs, or performing manual labor in confined or uneven environments.

Safety Awareness – Applying and reinforcing proper safety protocols on job sites, including compliance with PPE requirements, confined-space procedures, traffic control placement, equipment safety steps, and hazard recognition. Consistently ensures safe work practices for self and others.

Manual Labor Proficiency – Ability to excavate and backfill trenches, clean and inspect sewers, load/unload heavy materials, shovel and spread asphalt, rock, sand, or gravel, and repair or replace concrete, curbs, storm intakes, catch basins, culverts, manholes, and related infrastructure.

Customer Service – Ability to respond to internal and external questions and requests in a professional, courteous manner. Includes communicating clearly, documenting interactions, and representing the City with professionalism.

Teamwork & Cross-Training – Ability to work effectively as a team member or team leader, assist other departments, and take initiative to cross-train self and others to strengthen knowledge base and support operations across divisions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least one year of experience operating light, medium, and heavy duty equipment
• At least one year of experience in either asphalt and concrete maintenance and repairs
• High School Diploma OR GED
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Class A Commercial Driver’s License with air brakes, combination, and tanker endorsements within 6 months
• At least 6 months’ experience with data entry, computer usage, or relevant experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience in Public Works’ Snow and/or Ice Control Operations.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification for respiratory use in confined spaces within one year of starting date.
• At least one year of professional experience in asphalt or concrete.
• Welding and fabricating experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Position requires sitting, standing, walking on uneven surfaces, climbing, reaching, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, grasping and repetitive motions in the performance of daily duties; both near and far vision (with or without corrective device) while performing maintenance inspection of equipment; ability to lift, drag, and push vehicles, motors, engines, and other equipment and supplies weighing up to sixty (60) pounds; acceptable hearing (with or without corrective device); safely work with power and noise-producing tools and equipment; and ability to drive a motorized vehicle.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Sewer Maintenance Worker works in all weather conditions, including wet, hot and cold, indoors and outdoors. Depending on necessity, the Sewer Maintenance Worker will be expected to work a range of shifts: regular, evening and weekend shift work. Work includes working outdoors, confined spaces, responding to weather related emergency operations and being on call at various times throughout the year including holidays and weekends as assigned.

FLSA STATUS:

Non-exempt

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT:

Employee shall establish their principal place of residence within fifty (50) miles of their place of employment as soon as practicable after appointment, but within two years of appointment.