Utility Technician I

Sevier County Government; Sevierville (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Sevier County Government seeks an Utility Technician I to support the Water Department’s distribution network. You will install taps, repair lines, read meters, maintain hydrants and valves, and perform routine pump station work with a focus on safety and efficiency.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, a valid Tennessee driver’s license, and the ability to obtain a distribution license within one year. The job requires after‑hours calls and field work.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or equivalent
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Tennessee driver’s license and the ability to be insured at standard vehicle liability rates
• Possession of or ability to obtain within one year a distribution license
• Ability to pass a physical and drug screen administered through a licensed physician

Responsibilities

• Detects and repairs leaks within the water distribution system to minimize disruptions; replaces and repairs water lines, manholes, pump stations, backflow prevention devices, and related system components.
• Collects and submits daily chlorine samples, weekly bacteria samples, and quarterly haloacetic acid (HAA) and trihalomethane (THM) samples in compliance with Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation regulations.
• Monitors and ensures the proper operation of pumping stations and maintains appropriate water tank levels.
• Installs, repairs, and maintains water meters, fire hydrants, and valves.
• Responds to emergency calls, including after-hours incidents, to address urgent water system issues.
• Operates flushing, cleaning, and line inspection equipment to maintain the water distribution system.
• Performs routine and preventive maintenance on pump stations and conducts necessary repairs.
• Makes water taps and service connections for new customers, ensuring the proper location and avoidance of underground utilities.
• Reads water meters, replaces broken meter boxes, and identifies and repairs faulty transponders or meter heads.
• Operates heavy equipment, including trucks, tractors, air hammers, tapping machines, and other mechanical tools as needed; excavates trenches and backfills for installation and repair projects; uses manual tools, such as shovels and rakes, in confined areas inaccessible to heavy equipment.
• Assists with road repaving by shoveling asphalt, forming and pouring concrete, and completing related tasks.
• Loads and unloads equipment and materials, and assists with servicing vehicles, equipment, and machinery.
• Participates in cleanup activities and reseeds grass following project completion.
• Ensures site safety by adhering to all safety protocols, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), setting up safety barriers and signage, and monitoring work conditions to prevent accidents and injuries.
• Performs other incidental and related duties as required and assigned.

Skills

Water utility basics

Pipe installation

Meter setup

Safety procedures

Troubleshooting

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

SCADA VIEW system

Meter reading equipment

Job description

The Utility Technician I is responsible for assisting with the installation, repair, and maintenance of water lines, tanks, pump stations, and related infrastructure for the Sevier County Water Department. The primary areas of responsibility include making water taps and service connections, repairing and replacing water lines, conducting water quality testing, clearing blockages, and installing, repairing, and flushing fire hydrants. Additional responsibilities include monitoring chlorine levels, operating chlorinators, excavating and backfilling trenches, and installing water meters, fire hydrants, and valves. This position also involves reading meters, maintaining meter boxes and equipment, and ensuring the proper maintenance of tools, machinery, and equipment. Job performance for this position will be evaluated by the Assistant Director of Water Services. Evaluations are based on the quality and timeliness of work assignments, technical knowledge and expertise, adherence to instructions and policies, effectiveness in collaborating with coworkers, and overall contribution to the maintenance and repair of the water utility system.

• Detects and repairs leaks within the water distribution system to minimize disruptions; replaces and repairs water lines, manholes, pump stations, backflow prevention devices, and related system components.
• Collects and submits daily chlorine samples, weekly bacteria samples, and quarterly haloacetic acid (HAA) and trihalomethane (THM) samples in compliance with Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation regulations.
• Monitors and ensures the proper operation of pumping stations and maintains appropriate water tank levels.
• Installs, repairs, and maintains water meters, fire hydrants, and valves.
• Responds to emergency calls, including after-hours incidents, to address urgent water system issues.
• Operates flushing, cleaning, and line inspection equipment to maintain the water distribution system.
• Performs routine and preventive maintenance on pump stations and conducts necessary repairs.
• Makes water taps and service connections for new customers, ensuring the proper location and avoidance of underground utilities.
• Reads water meters, replaces broken meter boxes, and identifies and repairs faulty transponders or meter heads.
• Operates heavy equipment, including trucks, tractors, air hammers, tapping machines, and other mechanical tools as needed; excavates trenches and backfills for installation and repair projects; uses manual tools, such as shovels and rakes, in confined areas inaccessible to heavy equipment.
• Assists with road repaving by shoveling asphalt, forming and pouring concrete, and completing related tasks.
• Loads and unloads equipment and materials, and assists with servicing vehicles, equipment, and machinery.
• Participates in cleanup activities and reseeds grass following project completion.
• Ensures site safety by adhering to all safety protocols, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), setting up safety barriers and signage, and monitoring work conditions to prevent accidents and injuries.
• Performs other incidental and related duties as required and assigned.

Required

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Tennessee driver's license and the ability to be insured at standard vehicle liability rates.
• Possession of or ability to obtain within one year a distribution license.
• Ability to pass a physical and drug screen administered through a licensed physician.

SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

COMPETENCIES

• Extensive knowledge of utility construction, maintenance, and repair, including water line installation, meter and hydrant setup, and service connections.
• Strong understanding of safety procedures for working with heavy equipment, including OSHA regulations.
• Proficient in using the SCADA VIEW system to monitor and manage water distribution.
• Skilled in proper installation, maintenance, and repair techniques for utility projects, including unstopping lines and operating flushing, cleaning, and inspection equipment.
• In-depth knowledge of maintenance and construction hand and power tools, heavy equipment, and public utility operations.
• Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, systems, and equipment including computers and software.
• Ability to apply standard operating procedures and guidelines in a consistent and impartial manner.
• Strong organizational and decision-making skills to ensure completion of assignments in a timely and accurate manner.
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and convincingly both orally and in writing.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedures manuals.
• Proficiency in writing clear and concise reports, correspondences, and procedures.
• Demonstrated capability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Capability to approach others in a polite and tactful manner, maintain composure and react well under pressure, treat others with respect and consideration, follow through on commitments, and uphold the reputation of the organization through ethical business practices and responsible behavior both on and off the job.
• Demonstrated expression of professional judgement when applying guidelines, policies and procedures, and in adapting standard methods to fit facts and conditions.
• Demonstration of a strong work ethic and positive attitude, while maintaining an atmosphere of honesty and integrity.
• Effectiveness in working as part of a team to promote the achievement of individual and group goals.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This is a medium work position requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds occasionally, up to 25 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly.
• Work requires long periods of sitting, finger dexterity, grasping, and reaching andoccasionally requires periods of walking, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting.
• Work requires the ability to access and navigate each department within the various county-owned facilities.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken word.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• Visual acuity at a level to include close, color, depth perception, and peripheral vision as well as the ability to adjust focus is required for viewing computer terminals, analyzing data, reading extensively, and determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work assigned, with or without correction.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Operates in a professional office environment with moderate noise requiring routine use of standard office equipment including computer, phones, etc.
• Occasional work in outdoor weather conditions for client and employee events.
• General hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM; long hours and weekend work expected; travel and reliable transportation are required.