Utilities Technician I

West Columbia, City of (SC); South Carolina; On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of West Columbia is seeking a hands-on Maintenance Worker to support the water distribution and wastewater collection systems. You will perform repairs, install meters, detect leaks, and assist with traffic control to safeguard the public.

You must be able to work in varied weather, lift heavy objects, and operate equipment such as backhoes, pumps, and air compressors. A high school diploma and a valid SC driver’s license are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; able to perform physical labor in varying weather.
• Valid SC driver’s license; CDL desirable.
• Experience with basic maintenance of water and sewer systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Maintain water distribution and wastewater collection systems, including repairs to lines, valves, hydrants, and related components.
• Leak detection, meter installation, and preventive maintenance of infrastructure.
• Assist in traffic control to ensure public and crew safety during work.
• Operate tools and equipment such as backhoes, pumps, and air compressors with safety in mind.
• Collaborate with supervisors and engage with residents and businesses professionally.

Skills

Physical labor

Safety compliance

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Backhoe

Dump truck

Water machine

Tapping machine

Sewer machine

Pumps

Jack hammer

Air compressor

Shovel

Saws

Job description

General Statement of Job

Under supervision, is responsible for assisting in various maintenance activities related to the water distribution and wastewater collection systems. This position plays a crucial role in ensuring the reliable delivery of potable water to residents and businesses, and in minimizing water loss through prompt and effective repairs. Reports to the Water / Sewer Superintendent.

Position Hours

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with some overtime, weekend, and on-call hours expected.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Works directly with other staff members to maintain the water distribution and wastewater collection systems. Work includes, but is not limited to:
  • Repairs to water and wastewater service lines, valves, hydrants, and other related components.
  • Repairs to water distribution and wastewater collection piping.
  • Performs leak detection and pinpoint source of leaks.
  • Using high pressure hoses to clear wastewater collection lines.
  • Conducts preventive maintenance on water lines and related infrastructure.
  • Install and repair new water meters.
  • Assists in placing and operating traffic control to ensure the safety of the public and crew.
• With direction, obtains supplies and repair materials needed for the job.
• Utilizes a variety of tools, equipment and machinery such as backhoe, dump truck, water machine, tapping machine, sewer machine, pumps, jack hammer, air compressor, shovel, hammer, saw, etc.
• Interacts with supervisors, City Hall, residents, and businesses in a professional and courteous manner.
• Adheres to all safety regulations and procedures, including OSHA standards and municipal safety policies.
• Complete and maintain all safety training and certifications.
• Works in various weather conditions and potentially hazardous environments to restore service.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Training and Experience

High school diploma or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities. Must be able to perform physical labor in various weather conditions. Must possess a valid SC driver's license. Possession of Commercial Driver's License is desirable.

Minimum Qualifications or Standards Required

Physical Requirements

Must be physically able to operate a variety of types of motor vehicles and equipment including backhoe, dump truck, water machine, tapping machine, pump, jack hammer, shovel, saws, etc. Must be physically able to exert up to fifty pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Physical demands are in excess of sedentary work. Must be able to lift and/or carry weights of approximately one hundred pounds. Must be able to reach, stoop, climb, crawl, and crouch.

Data Conception

Requires the ability to compare and or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.

Interpersonal Communication

Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes the giving of assignments and instructions to assistants. Includes the receiving of information and instructions from supervisor.

Language Ability

Requires the ability to read various documents and reports. Requires the ability to communicate and interact with others with poise, voice control, and confidence.

Intelligence

Has the ability to apply rational systems such as water and sewer systems, personnel, etc., in order to solve problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form.

Verbal Aptitude

Requires the ability to record and deliver information and to follow verbal and written instructions.

Numerical Aptitude

Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; and determine time and weight.

Form/Spatial Aptitude

Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.

Motor Coordination

Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using various types of equipment. Requires the ability to operate motor vehicles.

Manual Dexterity

Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, control knobs, switches, etc. Must have moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Color Discrimination

Does not require the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.

Interpersonal Temperament

Requires the ability to deal with people beyond receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under minimal stress when confronted with an emergency.

Physical Communication

Requires the ability to talk and/or hear (talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear.)

Performance Indicators

Knowledge of Job

Has basic knowledge of water and sewer systems as they pertain to specific duties of the position. Is knowledgeable of techniques and methods used in repairing water and wastewater piping as well as installing water and sewer lines and making water and sewer taps. Demonstrates good working knowledge of the standard tools and practices used in general labor operations. Is knowledgeable of the safe operation and maintenance of small equipment. Has knowledge of the occupational hazards involved in the work performed as well as the necessary safety precautions. Is able to understand and follow written and oral instructions. Is skilled in the use and operation of common hand tools and light equipment. Is knowledgeable of the maintenance requirements of basic hand tools and machinery. Is able to read blueprints and maps. Knows the general policies, rules, regulations and procedures established by the City. Is able to maintain control of assigned activities through the effective management of subordinates. Is able to use judgement and discretion in carrying out assigned activities. Is able to communicate effectively with a wide variety of groups. Has the verbal ability to prepare effective and accurate required record. Has the ability to work under adverse conditions relative to heat, cold, toxic agents, noise, vibrations, disease, machinery, electrical currents. Has good technical skills.

Quality of Work

Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts with all City departments and divisions, co-workers and the general public.

Quantity of Work

Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under "Specific Duties and Responsibilities".

Dependability

Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and for meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, City policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attendance

Attends work regularly and adheres to City policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm

Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment

Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Cooperation

Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with City policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons and departments within the City.

Relationships with Others

Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and staff for mutual and City benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all City employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the general public so as to maintain good will toward the City and to project a good City image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain goodwill within the City. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image within the City. Interacts effectively with higher management, City Administrator, professionals and the general public.

Coordination of Work

Plans and organizes daily work routine as provided by supervisor. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.

Safety and Housekeeping

Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the City and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.

The city of West Columbia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The city does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability.

DISCLAIMER: This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.