Utility Worker I

City-of-Garden-City,-Ks; Garden City (KS); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Garden City, KS is seeking a dedicated Utility Worker to support the water distribution system. The role includes construction, installation, maintenance, and repairs of water infrastructure, as well as meter work and backflow device certification.

Occasional after-hours emergencies and on-call duties are required. Valid KS driver's license and potential CDL eligibility are essential, with certification pathways outlined in the job description.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• One year of experience in a building, craft trades or job requiring mechanical skills.
• Valid Kansas driver’s license with a good driving record.
• Must obtain Class I Drinking Water Certification within 6 months; must obtain Class I Drinking Water Certification within one year.
• Eligible to obtain KS Class B CDL license with Air Brake endorsement within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Assists in the construction, installation, repairs, and maintenance of the water system, including towers, mains, valves, hydrants, meters, and enclosures.
• Replaces or repairs water meters and conducts special meter readings; checks for leaks.
• Flushes water lines and hydrants; maintains meter enclosures for safety and efficiency.
• Performs maintenance on department grounds and facilities.
• Responds to emergency calls during off-duty hours; on-call rotating duties.
• May train under a Utility Worker II and may run locates for utility companies and contractors.
• May be assigned to shop and warehouse for tools, inventory, and purchases.
• May test, repair, and certify city backflow devices.
• Operates City service truck in performance of duties.

Skills

Construction basics

Safety practices

Hand tools

Reading instructions

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

This position is responsible for work activities involving the construction, installation, maintenance and repairs of the City Water Distribution System. Operates department vehicles and may be trained to operate backhoe, trencher, front-end loader, valve turner, spoils vacuum, and compacter. Works under supervision of the Superintendent, or Crew leader/Foreman as assigned.

• Assists in the construction, installation, repairs, and/or maintenance of the water system; to include, but not limited to, water towers, water lines, mains, valves, fire hydrants, meters, meter enclosures, taps, and all equipment necessary to disperse water.
• Replaces or repairs water meters and conducts special meter readings. Checks for leaks.
• Flushes water lines and hydrants as required. Changes broken and unsafe lids, maintains meter can enclosures for safety purposes and efficiency in operation.
• Performs maintenance activities to department grounds and facilities.
• Maintains all personal and department equipment in a good condition and uses good safety practices and procedures when working.
• Responds to emergency calls during off duty hours and assigned on-call duties on a rotating basis.
• May be assigned to run locates for utility companies, contractors and builders as required by State Law.
• May be assigned to shop and warehouse to maintain tools, equipment, inventory purchases, and control.
• May train under a Utility Worker II.
• May be assigned to test, repair, and certify city backflow devices.
• Operates City service truck in performance of duties.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Some knowledge of methods and materials used in construction and maintenance activities. Some knowledge of chemicals, chemical usage, and storage. Skill in the use of hand tools and equipment. Ability to understand verbal and written instructions. Ability to follow safety practices and procedures. Ability to communicate with City employees and the general public.

Education, Certification and Experience:

High school diploma or GED. Employee shall test to obtain Class I Drinking Water Certification within 6 months of meeting eligibility requirements. The employee shall have successfully obtained Class I Drinking Water Certification within one year of the first examination. One year of experience in a building, craft trades or job requiring mechanical skills. Requires a valid Kansas driver’s license with a good driving record. Employee must be eligible to obtain KS Class B CDL license with Air Brake endorsement within 6 months of employment.

Environment:

Work is performed in all types of weather. Majority of work is performed outside. Works in extreme, moderate, and temperate cold and heat, snow, ice, hail, sleet, rain, high, & gusting winds, and dust outdoors. Possible exposure to chemicals, i.e., chlorine gas, etc.. Indoor work is performed in a controlled environment in the shop area. Surfaces: Asphalt, concrete, sand, gravel, rock, water, slippery grass, and mud outdoors. Concrete, wood, and tile surfaces indoors.

Physical Characteristics:

Ability to lift up to 100 lbs., pull, push, reach, twist, kneel, balance, stand, sit, stoop, squat, bend, walk, computer operation, write, operate equipment, paint, drive, see, hear, load, unload, grip, hold, climb and sweep.