Water Utility Maintenance Worker

City-of-Apache-Junction,-A; Apache Junction (AZ); On-site; USD 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Apache Junction is seeking an equipment operator for water district duties including hydrant maintenance, meter reading and water main work. The role involves flow testing, well maintenance and service installations, with attention to safety and customer service.

Requires a high school diploma or GED and at least 1 year of outdoor maintenance experience, plus respirator certification prior to appointment. Outdoor work in varied weather is common.

Qualifications

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED.
• 1 year paid full-time outdoor construction/maintenance experience with operation of heavy/light trucks and equipment.
• Respirator Certification is required prior to appointment.

Responsibilities

• Read meters, perform meter change outs and turn water services on/off.
• Respond to customer inquiries about water quality and high usage; investigate leaks.
• Assist with valve maintenance using GPS coordinates for GIS mapping.
• Install, maintain, repair and replace water mains, services and hydrants; blue stake lines.
• Perform flow tests, water sampling and hydrant flushing.
• Ensure safety, set up barricades and control traffic around work sites.
• Operate trucks and power/tools; perform equipment maintenance.
• May support senior staff in water main work and hydrant repairs.

Skills

Customer service

Safety procedures

Communication

Teamwork

Following instructions

Education

High school diploma or GED

Respirator Certification

Tools

Service line remote locator

Backhoe

Pressure washer

Air compressor

Job description

(Anticipated Hiring Range: $22.07 - $23.18/hour)

Positions assigned in this class perform construction, maintenance and repair duties in the Water District. Provides hydrant maintenance, replacement and repair, water main repair and replacement, flow testing, well maintenance and installation of new services. Performs meter reading and recording customer billing. Investigates unusual amounts of water usage for leaks, malfunctioning equipment and improper/illegal use.

The following are intended to describe core work functions of this classification. While the level and broad nature of essentials duties may not change, specific work tasks may vary over time depending on the city's needs.

• Read meters; performs meter change outs; turn water services off and on; replace damaged meter curbs, clean meter boxes, perform well, tank and pump maintenance.
• Respond to customer service inquiries related to water quality and high usage; take water samples; investigate for water leaks; recommend corrective actions.
• Assist with valve maintenance program with the use of GPS coordinates for the Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping.
• Install, maintain, repair and replace water mains, service lines and hydrants, meters, blue stake all water lines.
• Complete flow tests, water sampling and hydrant flushing.
• Clean up debris from water line areas; manage plant growth in and near service lines, wells and hydrants; inspect and clear obstructions as needed; perform work in emergency situations.
• Operate equipment such as pick-up trucks and power tools, hand tools or other equipment necessary; clean and maintain equipment.
• Utilize proper safety precautions; install barricades and cones prior to the performance of repair activities; assist in directing and controlling traffic around work sites; adhere to safety requirements for open trench work and digging near power lines.
• May perform variety of tasks related to, inventory, computer work, construction, maintenance and repair duties in the Water District.
• May assist senior personnel in installing, maintaining, repairing and replacing water mains, service lines and hydrants with hydrant replacement and repair, water main repair and replacement, flow testing, well maintenance and installation of new services.
• May be assigned to the Water Treatment Plant.

Education and Experience

Must possess a high school diploma or GED, and one (1) year paid fulltime experience performing outdoor construction or maintenance with operation of heavy/light work trucks and equipment.

Prior to appointment, must possess:

• Respirator Certification

Knowledge

• City, District and Department procedures, policies and guidelines; City Code; Arizona Revised Statutes; Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) laws, regulations and standards.
• Blue Staking policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Safety procedures, standards and protocol.
• General tools and equipment used in installation, maintenance and repair activities including but not limited to service line remote locator, high pressure vacuum and backhoe, pressure washer and air compressor.

Skills

• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with coworkers and other individuals in contact during the course of work; communicating clearly and concisely; following instructions.
• Creating and maintaining a safe work environment.
• Maintaining composure while working with irate or difficult customers; providing high-quality customer service.
• Following strict safety standards, guidelines and procedures when operating equipment.

Pre-employment Requirements

Candidates who are selected for appointment may be required to be fingerprinted, if 18 or older; successfully complete a background investigation, employment verification and may be subject to a drug/alcohol test, medical, polygraph and/or psychological evaluation. Candidates who are appointed will be required to possess a valid driver’s license to operate a vehicle in Arizona or meet the transportation needs of the position.

License/Certification

• Arizona Grade I Water Distribution System Operator Certificate
• Arizona Grade I Water Treatment Operator Certificate

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Majority of work to be performed outdoors in varied temperatures. Work includes walking and operation of a vehicle and construction related equipment. Requires moderate exertion and lifting carrying objects between 20 and 50 pounds, repeated bending, stooping and reaching above the head daily. Performs construction and maintenance functions requiring visual and manual dexterity and precision measurements and continuous repetitive arm, hand and eye movement. May be exposed to high voltage. May be required to work on call, overtime or extended hours during emergency conditions.