Utility Maintenance Mechanic

Bald Head Island; North Carolina; On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to maintaining essential utilities in the community. This role involves hands-on work in installing and repairing water and sewer lines, ensuring the reliability of essential services. You'll operate various construction equipment, engage in preventive maintenance, and contribute to the safety and efficiency of our water systems. If you enjoy working outdoors and have a knack for teamwork, this is the perfect opportunity for you to make a tangible impact in your community while developing your skills in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in construction-related utility work and heavy equipment operation.
• Ability to read utility line maps and follow instructions.

Responsibilities

• Install and repair water and sewer lines and related facilities.
• Perform preventive maintenance on sewer pumps and lift stations.
• Operate construction equipment safely and efficiently.

Skills

Utility line installation

Customer service

Heavy equipment operation

Plumbing maintenance

Mechanical repairs

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Backhoe

Dump truck

Air compressor

Tapping machine

Jet machine

Job description

Performs responsible unskilled and semi-skilled work in the installation, replacement, repair and preventive maintenance of water and sewer lines, pumping stations, and appurtenances.

An employee in this class performs a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled work as a member of a crew engaged in the construction, installation and repair of water and sewer lines, pumping stations, and appurtenances. Work involves reading meters, completing work orders, the operation of construction equipment in the installation, replacement and repair of water and sewer pipes to specific grade and depth, and back filling and compacting the site. Work also includes making taps to water and sewer mains, installing hydrants, meters, and valves, and making repairs to the water and sewer system. Other tasks include performing preventive maintenance and repair to water and sewer pumping stations, and related tasks. Employees are subject working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, vibration, moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation, and oils. Work is also subject to the final standards of OSHA on blood borne pathogens. Employees are also subject to on-call and call-back work. Work is performed under regular supervision and is evaluated through observation and inspection for adherence to instructions and standard trade and safety practices.

Duties and Responsibilities

- Operates tapping machine to make water and sewer taps and service connections; sets meter boxes and installs meters.
- Reads water meters, connects and disconnects water service, repairs leaking meters.
- Lays water and sewer pipe; repairs and replaces sewer and water lines and related facilities.
- Participates in performing inspections and preventive maintenance and repair to sewer pumps and lift stations; follows regular inspection schedule; checks pumps and motors; packs and replaces seals; applies de-greasing, odor control, and other chemicals; changes out parts.
- Installs, services and tests water meters and meter yokes.
- Operates the sewer rodder and/or jet machine to unstop sewer lines.
- Cleans and inspects wastewater collection system; assists with operation of video camera to identify problem areas including inflow and infiltration problems.
- Operates truck to pump out port-a-johns; maintains and repairs port-a-johns; pumps out residential tanks and lift stations when needed.
- Participates in hydrant and valve exercising and maintenance programs; locates existing lines and valves to update maps or mark for other contractors.
- Operates backhoe, front end loader, dump trucks, air hammers, tampers, pipe threading machines, tapping machines, trenchers, air compressors, and boring machines.
- Installs hydrants, meters, valves, clamps, and related pipeline apparatus; sets meter boxes; repairs and replaces fire hydrants; flushes hydrants and exercises valves.
- Sprays herbicide in lagoon to control algae and grasses. Completes work order forms.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Working knowledge of the tools, materials and equipment used in the installation, replacement, maintenance and repair of utility lines.
- Working knowledge of a variety of maintenance and manual methods and tasks involved in the installation, maintenance, repair and replacement of utility lines, pumping stations and appurtenances.
- Working knowledge of plumbing, mechanical and electrical maintenance and minor repairs. Working knowledge of the use of common hand and power tools.
- Working knowledge of the safe use and operation and preventive maintenance of common automotive and mechanical equipment.
- Working knowledge of the utility customer service policies and procedures of the organization. Skill in customer service excellence and teamwork.
- Some knowledge of the municipal water and sewer service policies and procedures. Skill in the operation of light and medium size construction equipment.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and the public.
- Ability to read utility line maps and operation and service manuals and to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
- Ability to complete simple reports.

Physical Requirements
- Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
- Must be able to perform very heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally; 50 pounds of force frequently; and 20 pounds constantly.
- Must possess the visual acuity to operate mobile equipment such as loaders and dump trucks in a safe manner to fit pipes and other parts, read gauges, and make written records.

Desirable Education and ExperienceGraduation from high school and experience in construction-related utility work including heavy equipment operation experience; or experience in pump and motor mechanical maintenance and repair; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements
- Possession of valid North Carolina driver's license.
- Ability to obtain grade C water distribution operator and/or grade I wastewater collection system operator within 12. months of hiring.
- May require aquatic herbicide applicator's license.