Water and Sewer Worker I

Village of Oak Park; Oak Park (IL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

The Village of Oak Park is seeking an entry-level Water & Sewer Worker to support maintenance and operations of the village’s water and sewer systems. The role requires some heavy equipment operation and a willingness to perform field maintenance tasks, including meter-related work and customer-facing activities.

The position is full-time, with 40 hours per week, and requires a high school diploma or equivalent. A B CDL with air brake endorsement must be obtained within six months of employment.

Qualifications

• Experience: One year of general construction maintenance experience performing field maintenance work.
• Training: High School diploma or equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.
• License/Certificate: Possession of or ability to obtain B CDL with air brake endorsement within six months.

Responsibilities

• Safety: use PPE, shoring, traffic control and IDOT standards.
• Operate equipment: dump trucks, front end loader, backhoe, and other machinery.
• Perform snow removal and ice control duties as required.
• Respond to public inquiries courteously and provide information.
• Locate and mark underground utilities; measure and record locations.

Skills

Safety practices

Construction maintenance

Machinery operation

Heavy manual labor

Interpersonal skills

Clear communication

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

CDL B with air brake endorsement

Job description

Union: SEIU Water & Sewer
Local: 73
FLSA: Non-exempt
Hours: 40.0 per week
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, perform a wide variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks in the construction, repair, cleaning and maintenance of Village water and sewer systems, metering equipment, traffic control devices and all related facilities. Employees in this class are subject to 24-hour call outs.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is an entry level class within the Water & Sewer Worker series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Water & Sewer Worker II by the performance of more routine duties. Employees must be able to operate all heavy equipment. Employees at this level receive instructions or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are expected to exercise proper judgement in selecting work methods and in planning details of the work tasks. Experienced employees at this level may perform as a Lead Worker on designated work assignments.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES – Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential duties and responsibilities
Safety
1. Utilize proper safety work practices related to all work performed, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), shoring, confined spaces and other safety related equipment and procedures; direct and control traffic around work sites utilizing proper work zone traffic control per IDOT standards.
Equipment and Operations
2. Ability to operate construction and maintenance equipment such as dump trucks, front end loader, backhoe, skid steer, vactor, sewer jetter, compressors.
3. Ability to operate jack-hammers, concrete saws, sewer rodder, sewer tv equipment; maintain hand tools and assigned equipment; identify equipment needs for each assigned project.
4. Ability to perform snow removal and ice control duties as required.
Customer Service
5. Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
Sewer System Maintenance
6. Work as part of a sewer maintenance crew; inspect and clear obstructions from storm drains, sewer lines; make sewer line connections; flush and televise sewers.
Water System Maintenance
7. Perform the installation and maintenance of pipe laying and pipeline repairs, repair of water mains, water services, fire hydrants and valves; flush main water line and hydrants as necessary.
8. Ability to exercise, inspect and locate difficulties on valves throughout the water distribution system.
9. Ability to make service connections; tap main lines and boring for service installation; replace customer service lines in accordance with State Plumbing Codes, Illinois EPA Regulations and the Standard Specifications for Water & Sewer Construction in Illinois.
10. Ability to inspect, diagnose, repair and locate mechanical difficulties on a variety of mechanical equipment including water meters, remote meter reading systems.
Locating and Recordkeeping
11. Ability to locate and mark underground utilities.
12. Accurately measure and record location of new underground facilities (water/sewer lines) and meter cards.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of: 1. Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Knowledge of: 2. Methods and techniques general construction, maintenance and repair related to the area of work assigned.
• Knowledge of: 3. Operational characteristics of mechanical equipment and tools used in the area of work assigned.

Ability to:

• Perform unskilled and semi-skilled maintenance, construction and repair work in the area of work assigned.
• Operate a variety of vehicular and stationary mechanical equipment in a safe and effective manner.
• Perform a variety of manual tasks for extended periods of time and in unfavorable weather conditions.
• Perform heavy manual labor.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance.
• Establish and maintain interpersonal skills in the workplace to effectively communicate and interact with others.

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following:

• Walking or standing for extended periods of time
• Operating assigned equipment.

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

• Making observations
• Communicating with others
• Operating assigned equipment and vehicles.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Experience: One year of general construction maintenance experience performing field maintenance work within the area of responsibility. AND Training: High School diploma or equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. License or Certificate: Possession of or ability to obtain appropriate, valid B CDL drivers license, with air brake endorsement within the first six months of employment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Travel from site to site; some exposure to dust and noise; exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy conditions, caused by the weather, some heavy lifting, standing, climbing; may work at heights.

Diversity Equity & Inclusion Statement

The Village of Oak Park commits itself to diversity, equity and inclusion by recognizing that creating a mutually respectful, multicultural and equitable environment does not happen on its own, it must be intentional. This includes providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, military or veteran status or any other characteristics