Utility Maintainer in Training

THE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT COMMISSION; Hockanum (CT); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) is seeking an entry-level Utility Maintainer in Training to learn water and sewer maintenance alongside seasoned staff. You will assist in operating sewer cleaning trucks, installing meters, and servicing hydrants, valves, and related assemblies while following safety procedures.

This role involves field work, data entry, and on-call emergencies. Training will be provided and progression to more advanced maintenance duties is expected as you gain

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent plus some utility construction or related experience.
• Education can include technical high school experience in General Construction and/or Plumbing.

Responsibilities

• Assist in maintaining sewer lines and related facilities; operate equipment and perform manual labor to clean and maintain sewers and manholes.
• Assist with routine service and repair of valves and related assemblies.
• Assist in locating gates and related assemblies and excavate with hand tools and pneumatic equipment.
• Assist in performing routine service and repair of hydrants and related assemblies; inspect and replace parts as needed.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent, plus some utility construction or related experience

Tools

Hand tools

Power equipment

Job description

The Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) provides quality water supply, water pollution control, mapping, and household hazardous waste collection to eight member municipalities: Bloomfield, East Hartford, Hartford, Newington, Rocky Hill, West Hartford, Wethersfield and Windsor. Additionally, the MDC provides drinking water to portions of Farmington, Glastonbury, East Granby and South Windsor, known as the MDC's non-member towns.

JOB SUMMARY

The purpose of this classification is to provide responsible entry level utility maintenance and laboring work which may involve providing emergency response, investigating water and sewer related events, operating sewer cleaning trucks and operating sewer cleaning equipment/vehicles, repairing and installing pipelines using power equipment and tools, servicing and repairing hydrants, valves, meters and related assemblies. The Utility Maintainer in Training is an entry-level position designed to provide foundational training and hands‑on experience in utility maintenance operations. The position assists in a wide range of tasks related to water and sewer infrastructure, including pipeline installation and repair, hydrant and valve maintenance, and sewer line cleaning.

Work involves responsibility for safe operation of utility maintenance equipment/vehicles, which includes all equipment and vehicles that the employee has received proper training and excludes all vehicles requiring a commercial driver's license. Duties may include assisting in operation of rod, jet and combination vacuum trucks and cleaning and maintaining sewer lines and related facilities, the operation of gate trucks and various pneumatic excavation tools and pipe cutting equipment, the installation of water meters with consumption collecting read technologies and the investigation of all types of customer concerns and complaints, assistance in repair to infrastructure including the use of MDC vehicles for delivery of waterworks materials and soil materials from storage locations and worksites, operation of compaction equipment, operation of power tools and small tools and field installation of waterworks materials.

This position also has the responsibility for making routine equipment operating decisions in accordance with established procedures. This work requires that the employee is able to acquire through training the knowledge, skill and ability in meter maintenance, valve maintenance, hydrant maintenance or water and sewer pipe maintenance and repair.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Assist in maintaining sewer lines and related facilities. Operates equipment/vehicles and performs manual labor to clean, clear, pump, and maintain sanitary and storm sewers, catch basins, siphons, flood gates, trunk lines, and manholes, and related facilities. Assists in inspecting sewer lines and investigating depressions and other problems. Assists in cleaning and pumping cellars. Clears rights‑of‑way and assists in conducting scumming and pumping operations at treatment plants, as assigned.
• Performs laboring work in support of gate crews or other maintenance operations, as assigned. Assists with routine service and repair of valves and related assemblies.
• Assists in replacing worn or defective gates, regulators and relief valve parts.
• Assists Investigates leaks and a variety of other problems and conditions in water and sewer systems.
• Assists in locating gates and related assemblies and excavates with hand tools and pneumatic equipment and grades, as necessary. Investigates and‑repairs stuffing box, gland and bonnet leaks. Installs spacers and frames to bring gate boxes and manholes up to grade.
• Assists in removing and replacing or repairing water meters, plumbing or appliances, as determined in the investigation. Works in residences, commercial and industrial premises, and in pits and vaults. Installs and maintains pressure and meter recorders and communication devices.
• Assists in performing routine service and repair of hydrants and related assemblies. Operates, tests, inspects, flushes, and cleans hydrants. Replaces worn or defective hydrant parts. Locates hydrants and related assemblies.
• Assists in investigating leaks, as assigned, and performs emergency shutdown operations during water system failures. Operates a two‑way radio and pickup truck to transport equipment and materials to the job site.
• Installs and joins pipe in trenches using a wide variety of power equipment and tools including cutters, wrenches, saws, tapping machines, caulkers, and burners. Excavates, shores and fills trenches and other working spaces using power equipment and tools and manual labor including the use of jackhammers, air shovels, paving breakers, tampers, shovels, and shoring boxes. Performs general laboring tasks in pipeline repair and installation including masonry, rigging, drilling, grading, and lifting and carrying.
• Participate in training sessions and on‑the‑job learning to develop proficiency in utility maintenance operations. Assists with data entry, work order tracking, and documentation as required and supports administrative tasks such as inventory checks, equipment logs, and safety audits. Observes and learns from experienced Utility Maintainers during field operations and emergency responses.
• Assists with a variety of administrative and customer service functions in support of utility operations, including but not limited to managing electronic communications (email, Everbridge alerts), regulatory reporting, and data entry in SAP and other enterprise applications. Serves as a key point of contact for internal departments, field crews, and external customers, responding to inquiries, service requests, and emergencies via multiple communication channels (phone, email, radio dispatch, SAP, etc.). Assists in coordinating with field operations to ensure timely and accurate dispatching of work orders and service crews. Utilizes District resources and systems to track, document, and resolve customer issues, while maintaining compliance with regulatory and operational standards.
• Performs work in a safe manner and observes all safety procedures. Uses all tools, equipment, vehicles and materials responsibly and performs basic inspection of them prior to use.
• Responds to utility emergencies at any time of day or night, as directed. Serves on‑call for emergencies, as assigned.
• Performs related work as required and may be required to work various shifts during rotations.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the immediate supervision of the Superintendent or other supervisory personnel including crew leaders in Operations and Command Center.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A high school diploma or equivalent plus some utility construction or related experience, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that provides the requisite experience. Education can include technical high school experience in the field of General Construction and/or Plumbing.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must have a valid driver's license.

Must demonstrate progressive competency through rotations, evaluations and training milestones.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the tools, equipment, materials and methods of utility pipeline joining and related labor.
• Knowledge of the work standards, safety procedures, and establishing safe work zones in utility pipeline joining and related labor.
• Knowledge of proper pipe measuring, cutting, assembling, and joining practices.
• Knowledge of proper practices for shutting down of gate valves and hydrants and bringing them back online.
• Skill in the use of the hand tools and power equipment in utility pipeline joining and related labor.
• Ability to perform utility pipeline joining and related heavy, physical labor safely, effectively and efficiently.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and to learn District procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers.

ADA COMPLIANCE

Physical Ability

: Tasks require the ability to exert heavy physical effort that involves lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of significant weight (greater than 50 pounds).

Sensory Requirements

: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate visual and/or auditory cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors

: Essential functions are performed primarily in underground locations, frequently exposed to heavy industrial equipment, noxious substances, raw sewage, activated sludge, biologically contaminated underground facilities, and the like.

The Metropolitan District seeks to ensure the diversity of its workforce through non‑discriminatory employment practices. People of all backgrounds, including people of color, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply

EOE/AA/M/F/D/V