Utility Helper

Inframark; Fall River (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Inframark in Fall River is seeking an entry-level Collection System Utility Helper to support operation and maintenance of the sanitary sewer and stormwater systems. You will assist with cleaning, repairs, emergency response, and routine maintenance under supervision.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver's license with opportunity to obtain a CDL-B within 18 months. Overtime and on-call duties for weather events and emergencies are possible.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• CDL B required within 18 months of hire.
• Confined space entry, traffic control, excavation safety, OSHA or related certifications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform general labor and maintenance support for collection systems.
• Assist with sewer cleaning, flushing, jetting, and bypass pumping.
• Support technicians with construction, repairs, and emergency response activities.
• Maintain records and report operational concerns to supervision.
• Participate in emergency response and snow/ice operations as needed.

Skills

Collection systems knowledge

Tools operation

Safety compliance

Communication

Education

High school diploma

CDL B training

Confined space certificate

Traffic control certificate

OSHA certification

Tools

Heavy equipment operation

Maintenance equipment

Safety gear usage

Job description

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

The Collection System Utility Helper performs entry-level utility, labor, maintenance support, operational support, grounds maintenance, and emergency response duties related to the operation and maintenance of the sanitary sewer collection system, stormwater collection system, combined sewer overflow (CSO) facilities, pumping stations, lift stations, flood control facilities, and associated infrastructure and equipment.

The Collection System Utility Helper assists Collection System Technicians and management staff with collection system maintenance activities, emergency response operations, facility upkeep, equipment cleaning, material handling, traffic control, operational support, and general labor duties necessary to support safe, efficient, and compliant collection system operations.

The Collection System Utility Helper may be required to assist with operations, maintenance, emergency response, stormwater operations, combined sewer overflow (CSO) activities, and City of Fall River Community Utility system support activities.

Overtime opportunities, emergency response, weather events, equipment failures, and other operational needs may occur outside of regularly scheduled hours. When such needs arise, employees will be contacted utilizing the applicable overtime list. Overtime and emergency call-in assignments shall be administered in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs general labor, utility, housekeeping, grounds maintenance, operational support, and collection system support duties throughout the collection system and associated facilities.
• Cleans process tanks, galleries, drains, culverts, catch basins, manholes, structures, sewer lines, pumping stations, and process spills or upset conditions as required.
• Assists with sewer cleaning, flushing, jetting, bypass pumping, catch basin cleaning, manhole repair, and related collection system maintenance activities.
• Assists Collection System Technicians with construction activities, sewer repairs, pipe installations, emergency excavations, traffic control, and operational support activities.
• Assists routine lubrication, cleaning, inspections, servicing, and maintenance support activities on collection system equipment and related infrastructure under supervision.
• Maintains roadways, walkways, fencing, gates, buildings, structures, and collection system facilities as necessary.
• Maintains the appearance of grounds and facilities by cutting grass, trimming vegetation, weeding, landscaping, cleaning, painting, and performing general grounds maintenance activities.
• Loads, unloads, transports, and moves tools, equipment, chemicals, supplies, materials, and maintenance components throughout facility locations.
• Digs and refills ditches and holes; breaks, removes, and repairs concrete and asphalt; and collects and disposes of trash, debris, wastewater residuals, and other waste materials.
• Washes, cleans, fuels, and maintains collection system vehicles, equipment, tools, and work areas.
• Reports and documents work performed, operational concerns, maintenance issues, and unsafe conditions to higher-level personnel or management staff.
• Provides guidance, mentoring, and on-the-job training to Utility personnel.
• Will have the opportunity to support emergency response operations including weather events, flooding, sewer overflows, equipment failures, utility interruptions, public emergencies, and other operational incidents.
• Assists City of Fall River Community Utilities department and personnel when operational or maintenance support is required under the Project agreement.
• Will have the opportunity to participate in the City's snow and ice operations, emergency staffing, traffic control, and other Community Utility support activities.
• Ensures all work is performed in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations, safety procedures, environmental standards, and Company policies.
• Follows all confined space entry, trench safety, traffic control, lockout/tagout, excavation safety, fall protection, and other safety procedures.
• Will have the opportunity to respond to emergencies, spills, overflows, alarms, and weather-related events under the direction of higher-level personnel or management staff.
• Will have the opportunity to participate in emergency response activities, including responding during off-hours, weekends, holidays, or call-ins.
• Operates facility vehicles and equipment in a safe manner.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

High school diploma or GED preferred.

Trade school, vocational training, or coursework related to wastewater operations, collection systems, utilities, construction, heavy equipment, or related field preferred.

Experience

Prior experience in collection systems, wastewater utilities, construction, landscaping, grounds maintenance, underground utilities, heavy equipment operation, or manual labor preferred.

Entry-level candidates with the ability to learn collection system operations and utility maintenance activities will be considered.

Licenses & Certifications

Must possess a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Must obtain a CDL B and be promoted to Collection System Technician I within 18 months.

Confined space entry certification, traffic control certification, excavation safety training, OSHA certifications, or related utility certifications preferred.

Additional certifications related to wastewater operations, collection systems, heavy equipment, safety, or utility operations are desirable.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Basic knowledge of collection systems, wastewater utilities, pumps, stormwater systems, tools, and maintenance practices preferred.
• Ability to safely use hand tools, power tools, maintenance equipment, and material handling equipment.
• Ability to learn collection system operations, equipment operation, maintenance procedures, and emergency response activities.
• Ability to safely operate machinery, vehicles, loaders, forklifts, pumps, trailers, and related equipment within training and certification requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret work orders, utility maps, vendor instructions, and technical documentation.
• Basic mathematical, analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain accurate operational and maintenance records.
• Ability to carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to respond effectively during emergencies and changing operational conditions.
• Ability to perform cross-functional duties in support of City and Project operations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, contractors, regulators, vendors, customers, and the public.
• Demonstrates a positive, professional, and cooperative attitude while performing assigned duties.
• Requires wearing appropriate safety equipment and PPE.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, twist, and work in awkward positions for extended periods throughout the work shift.
• Ability to climb ladders, enter manholes, trenches, confined spaces, elevated platforms, and underground utility structures in accordance with safety procedures.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly and heavier weights with assistance or lifting equipment.
• Ability to work with hands extended above shoulders and below waist for extended durations while using tools and equipment.
• Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions and may involve exposure to wastewater, sewage, chemicals, traffic hazards, confined spaces, excavation hazards, noise, grease, dust, moving equipment, and adverse weather conditions.
• Must be able to work under physically demanding conditions for extended periods of time.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Collection System Lead, Collection System Technicians, Collection System Supervisor, Collection System Manager, Senior Operations Manager, Assistant Project Manager, Project Manager, or other designated management personnel.