Utility Technician III

The Charlotte Observer Publishing Company; Carrboro, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 57,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

457 plan contribution

Health, Dental, Vision, Life insurance

Long-term Disability

Paid Holidays

Vacation/Sick/Personal/Bereavement/Par

Recovery Leave

Educational Reimbursement

Bonuses for Certifications/Education

Cell Phone Stipend

Job summary

Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA) in Carrboro, NC is seeking a Utility Technician III to support water distribution and sewer collection operations. You will work on maintenance of water, sewer, and reclaimed water lines, assist with meters, and help respond to after-hours emergencies.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, two years of related experience, and a valid NC driver's license with CDL ability.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or GED plus specialized schooling in water/sewer systems.
• Two years of experience on water and sewer systems.
• Valid NC driver's license with ability to obtain/maintain CDL.
• Ability to obtain Sewer Collection System Grade II or Water Distribution System Grade B certifications; active preferred.
• Experience using Microsoft Office and Cityworks or similar system.
• Strong communication with customers, public and staff.

Responsibilities

• Supports maintenance of water, sewer, and reclaimed water lines within OWASA system.
• Assigned to a crew covering Sewer Maintenance and Easements or Valve and Hydrant Maintenance.
• Inspect, maintain, repair, and operate valve and hydrant infrastructure.
• Locate, repair, install and replace water services and sampling stations.
• Assist customers with issues and service meters, meters boxes and setters.
• Perform cleaning, inspection, and preventative maintenance of wastewater collection system.
• Contribute to construction of new/ replacement water and sewer infrastructure.
• Respond to rotating after-hour emergencies as needed.
• Ensure personal and public safety at all times.
• Operate tools and heavy equipment (Dump truck, backhoe, excavator, loader, etc.).
• Lead team in absence of Crew Supervisor.

Skills

Communication with customers

Team leadership

Ability to operate heavy equipment

Outdoor work in all weather

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Cityworks or similar work order system

Job description

Utility Technician III

Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA)

OWASA is searching for an experienced individual to join our Water Distribution and Sewer Collection team as a Utility Technician III.

Key Responsibilities

• Supports leading the maintenance of the water, sewer, and reclaimed water lines within OWASA's system.
• Position will be assigned to a specific crewcoveringeither: Sewer Maintenance and Easements - Repairs collection system infrastructure and maintains easements and off-road assets.
• Valve and Hydrant Maintenance - Inspects, maintains, repairs, and operates valve and Hydrant infrastructure.
• Water Maintenance and Services - Locate and repair water mains, Installs, repairs, and replaces water services and sampling stations.
• Customer Service and Meters - Assist customers with issues, and operates, maintains, repairs, and replaces water meters, meter setters, and meter boxes.
• Sewer Preventative Maintenance - Performs cleaning, inspection, and preventative maintenance of the wastewater collection system.
• Construction - Performs new installation and replacement of aging water and sewer infrastructure including water and sewer mains, large meters, and special projects.
• Responds to rotating on-call after hour emergencies as needed.
• Responsible for the safety of themselves and the public.
• Uses a variety of hand tools and operates heavy equipment (Dump truck, backhoe, excavator, loader, tamp, saw, tapping machine, etc.).
• Leads the team members in the absence of the Crew Supervisor.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or GED, plus specialized schooling in water and sewer systems.
• Two years of experience working with water and sewer systems.
• Valid North Carolina driver's license required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
• Ability to complete employer paid certification in Sewer Collection System Grade II or Water Distribution System Grade B - prefer certifications to already be active.
• Experience using Microsoft Office suite and knowledge of Cityworks or similar work order management system.
• Ability to effectively communicate information with customers, public and other employees.
• Able to exert up to 100 pounds, walk/stand to a significant degree, work outdoors in all weather conditions, and respond to rotating after-hour situations as necessary.

Pay and Benefits

Salary Range is $56,596 - $84,894 5% Employer 457 plan contribution Retirement health savings account Employer paid Health, Dental, Vision, Life insurance, Long-term Disability 12 Paid Holidays Vacation, Sick, Personal, Bereavement, Parental Leave, and Recovery Leave Annual CDL Bonus Monthly Cell Phone Stipend Educational Reimbursement Bonus Pay for Additional Certifications and/or Education Ability to transfer unused sick leave from previous NC Local Government or State agency employer Much, much more!

Team members are our most important resource.

OWASA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diverse experiences.

Weprovide competitive pay and benefits in a safe, rewarding work environment.

This recruitment will close October 8, 2026.