Utility Worker

City of Astoria; Astoria (OR); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Astoria is seeking a Utility Worker to join the Public Works Operations team. The role covers construction, maintenance and repair of water, sewer and street infrastructure under supervision, with opportunities to advance to a Senior Utility Worker.

From meters to pavement, you will perform hands-on tasks, operate equipment, and ensure safety and quality in all projects. A valid driver's license and CDL-class A within 12 months are required or pursued.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED, or two years related experience and/or training.
• Experience with hand tools, power tools, and operation of light and heavy construction equipment is required.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and safe driving record.
• Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug screen.
• Within 12 months, obtain Class A CDL with air brakes; residency within 30 minutes of City limits.

Responsibilities

• Installs, maintains, repairs and replaces water meters and hydrants.
• Lays, inspects and repairs sewer lines, drainage, catch basins and inlets.
• Maintains City streets, sidewalks and rights‑of‑ways.
• Reads and updates water meter records.
• Operates light and heavy construction equipment safely.

Skills

General construction practices

Hand and power tools usage

Safety precautions

Read and follow instructions

Communication skills

Heavy manual labor capability

Education

High school diploma or GED

Two years related experience and/or training

Valid driver’s license

CDL-A with air brakes within 12 months

Tools

Light and heavy construction equipment operation

Basic computer skills

Job description

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Public Works Department is one of the largest department within the City of Astoria. Major areas of responsibility include: Water Treatment and Distribution: Wastewater Collection and Treatment; Street Maintenance; Engineering Services; Sanitation; Fleet Maintenance for all City Vehicles; Forestry Management; City Facility Maintenance; Railroad Maintenance; and Mapping with Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

SUMMARY

The Utility Worker position works in the Operations division and performs a variety of semiskilled and skilled tasks in the construction, maintenance and repair of public works facilities and infrastructure. An employee in this class works under the supervision and guidance of the Field Operations Manager and more experienced Utility Workers as a member of a crew on street, water and sewer projects and may work independently on selected jobs. The Utility Worker II position differs from Utility Worker I by requiring a more advanced level of knowledge, skills, and abilities in public works, along with possession of either a Water Distribution I or Wastewater Collection I certification. Utility Workers II can advance to Senior Utility Worker once they meet the qualifications.

PAY

Candidates may be hired as a Utility Worker I or II depending on their experience and certifications. In addition to base pay, Utility Workers are eligible for on-call pay, stability/longevity pay and overtime pay.

Utility Worker I: $26.12 - 31.75 per hour

Utility Worker II: $28.95 - 35.20 per hour

SCHEDULE

The regular schedule for this position is full-time, Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM. Subject to 24-hour call out, 7 days a week in emergencies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Installs, maintains, repairs and replaces water meters, fire hydrants, service lines, mains and other appurtenances.
• Lays, cleans, inspects and repairs sewer lines and laterals, drainage culverts, catch basins and inlets.
• Cleans, maintains and repairs City streets, sidewalks and rights-of ways involving pavement patching, concrete forming/finishing, grading, brush cutting/mowing, sanding and plowing to achieve and maintain safe and quality surfaces and appearance.
• Follows direction in lying out and painting pavement markings including curbs and parking spaces.
• Installs, repairs and replaces street and regulatory signs as well as barricades.
• May operate light and heavy construction equipment including dump trucks, bulldozers, backhoes, loaders, forklifts, street sweepers, vactors, tractor mowers and various power tools in safe and appropriate manner.
• Reads and updates water meter records.
• Performs routine maintenance on City buildings and equipment.
• Represent the City in a positive and professional manner. Maintain cooperative working relationships with City staff, other organizations and the general public.
• Maintains punctual, regular and predictable attendance.
• Works collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation.
• Respectfully takes direction from supervisors.
• Follows all safety rules and procedures established for various work areas.
• Follows policies, procedures, and guidelines as described in the City of Astoria Personnel Manual and other documentation related to this positions.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Some knowledge of general construction practices/procedures and safety precautions; basic hydraulic principles such as flow, pressure and gallons per minute; electrical principles/technology;
• Highly proficient at using hand and power tools including performance of general equipment maintenance and repair.
• Perform heavy manual labor in sometimes adverse weather conditions;
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions;
• Ability to learn all facets of water, sewer and streets;
• Ability to communicate verbally on phone and radio system.
• Excellent communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively and remain calm and courteous under pressure.
• Basic proficiency in using computers, tablets and software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health of employee or others. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with hand tools, power tools, and the operation of light and heavy construction equipment is required.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and safe driving record;
• Ability to pass a background check including checks of Criminal, Social Security Trace, Sex Offender Registry and Motor Vehicle records; and
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen.

This position requires, within twelve months of hire, the following certificates and licenses:

• A minimum Class A Commercial Driver's License with air brakes endorsement (training provided)
• Residency within 30 minutes of City Limits.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Participation in On-Call rotation - approximately 6 different weeks through the year. On-Call pay provided during assigned weeks.
• Subject to 24-hour call out, 7 days a week in emergencies
• Must have reliable phone service.
• Must be able to use a respirator as determined by a professionally licensed health care professional (PLHCP) while performing various work tasks.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 90 pounds. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to work near moving mechanical parts; unsanitary conditions and confined spaces; work in high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outdoor weather conditions and vibration. The employee is frequently exposed to risk of electrical shock. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather). The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud.

This position is represented by a Collective Bargaining Agreement.