Utility Technician-Wastewater

City-of-Buda,-Tx; Buda (TX); On-site; USD 32,249 - 40,129; Full time

Job summary

The City of Buda is hiring a Wastewater Utility Technician to support the wastewater collection system and ensure reliable service. Placement within the Utility Technician progression (I–IV) and starting pay depend on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and licenses.

Starting pay range is $23.41–$29.13 per hour. The role involves performing maintenance, repairs, and inspections across wastewater infrastructure, with opportunities for certification incentives and career advancement

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Six (6) months of related work experience.
• Ability to obtain Wastewater Treatment Class D license within first year of employment.

Responsibilities

• Install, inspect, maintain, repair, and operate the wastewater collection system to ensure reliable conveyance and environmental protection.
• Respond to emergency service requests and support department operations.
• Read maps, drawings, and work orders to locate infrastructure and document activities.

Skills

Wastewater operations

On-call readiness

Safety awareness

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Wastewater Collections I license or ability to obtain within 1 year

Job description

The City of Buda is hiring for a Wastewater Utility Technician position. Placement within the Utility Technician career progression (I, II, III, or IV) and starting pay will be based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and licenses.

Starting Pay Range: $23.41–$29.13 per hour

Minimum qualifications for placement include:

• Utility Technician I – Wastewater: High school diploma or GED, six (6) months of related work experience, and a Wastewater Collections I or Wastewater Treatment Class D license or ability to obtain within the first year of employment.
• Utility Technician II – Wastewater: High school diploma or GED, two (2) years of related work experience, and a Wastewater Collections II or Wastewater Treatment Class C license.
• Utility Technician III – Wastewater: High school diploma or GED and either:
  • Five (5) years of related work experience and a Wastewater Collections III or Wastewater Treatment Class B license; or
  • Eight (8) years of related work experience and a Wastewater Collections II or Wastewater Treatment Class C license.
• Utility Technician IV – Wastewater: High school diploma or GED and either:
  • Eight (8) years of related work experience and a Wastewater Treatment Class A license; or
  • Ten (10) years of related work experience and a Wastewater Collections III or Wastewater Treatment Class B license.

Employees are encouraged to obtain licenses and certifications that support wastewater operations. Approved licenses and certifications may qualify employees for specialized assignments, advancement within the Utility Technician career progression, pay adjustments within the established pay range, and certification incentive pay as approved by the City.

Under general supervision, performs skilled work involving the installation, inspection, maintenance, repair, and operation of the City\'s wastewater collection system to ensure the reliable collection and conveyance of wastewater while protecting public health, safety, and the environment. Responsibilities include maintaining wastewater mains, service lines, manholes, lift stations, and related infrastructure; operating construction and maintenance equipment; responding to emergency service requests; and supporting the efficient operation of the Public Works Department. This position participates in the department\'s on-call rotation and is designated as essential personnel during emergency events.

• Inspects, installs, maintains, repairs, and rehabilitates wastewater mains, service lines, cleanouts, manholes, lift stations, and related infrastructure to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the City\'s wastewater collection system.
• Locates, investigates, and repairs wastewater system failures, blockages, leaks, overflows, and other operational issues to restore service and minimize environmental impacts.
• Performs preventive maintenance on wastewater infrastructure, lift stations, valves, and related equipment to maximize system reliability and extend asset life.
• Operates and transports construction equipment, maintenance vehicles, and specialized wastewater equipment, including excavators, backhoes, front-end loaders, vacuum trucks, sewer camera inspection systems, pumps, generators, and other assigned equipment to safely complete maintenance and construction activities.
• Performs routine inspections, cleaning, preventive maintenance, and minor repairs on assigned vehicles, equipment, and tools to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Performs excavation, pipe installation, backfilling, restoration, concrete work, and related construction activities to repair or expand wastewater infrastructure.
• Establishes work zone traffic control using signs, barricades, cones, and other traffic control devices to protect employees and the public during field operations.
• Reads utility maps, construction drawings, work orders, and related documentation to accurately locate infrastructure and complete assigned work.
• Documents completed work, inspections, maintenance activities, equipment usage, and asset information using computerized work order and asset management systems to maintain accurate operational records.
• Communicates professionally with residents, contractors, utility representatives, engineers, and coworkers to coordinate work activities and provide information regarding wastewater services.
• Assists with training, mentoring, and providing technical guidance to less experienced employees as assigned to promote safe work practices and consistent operational standards.
• Participates in the department\'s on-call rotation and responds to emergency calls, weather events, wastewater system failures, and other after-hours incidents to ensure continuity of essential public services.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED required.

Special Qualifications:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to obtain a valid Texas driver’s license within 90 days of employment. Must maintain an acceptable driving record and be insurable under the City’s vehicle insurance policy.
• Employees are encouraged to obtain approved certifications that support Public Works operations. Certifications may qualify employees for specialized duties, pay adjustments within the established pay range, and certification incentive pay as approved by the City.

Additional Information: Possession of a valid Texas Commercial Driver License (CDL) is valued and may enhance an employee\'s ability to perform a broader range of Public Works operations but is not required for this position. Based on operational needs, employees may be requested to obtain and maintain the appropriate CDL to perform specialized assignments or operate designated equipment. Employees who obtain and maintain the appropriate CDL may be eligible for a CDL stipend in accordance with City policy.Knowledge of:

• Wastewater collection system operations, maintenance practices, and construction methods.
• Underground utility installation, repair, and maintenance techniques.
• Safe work practices, including traffic control, trench safety, confined space awareness, lockout/tagout, and personal protective equipment.
• Operation, inspection, and preventive maintenance of heavy equipment, construction equipment, and specialized wastewater equipment.
• Applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing wastewater collection systems.
• Basic computer applications, electronic work order systems, and asset management software.

Skill in:

• Installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing wastewater collection infrastructure.
• Safely operating construction equipment, specialized wastewater equipment, power tools, and hand tools.
• Reading utility maps, construction plans, specifications, and technical documents.
• Identifying operational problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing effective solutions.
• Maintaining accurate maintenance records, work orders, and inspection documentation.
• Communicating effectively with coworkers, contractors, utility representatives, and the public.

Ability to:

• Work independently and collaboratively while exercising sound judgment and attention to detail.
• Prioritize multiple assignments and respond effectively to changing operational needs and emergency situations.
• Follow written and verbal instructions while complying with established safety practices and departmental procedures.
• Learn new equipment, technologies, software applications, and operational procedures.
• Train and mentor less experienced employees as assigned.
• Participate in an on-call rotation and respond to emergency situations outside normal business hours.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, contractors, regulatory agencies, and the public.