Performs limited equipment operation and responsible unskilled and semi-skilled work in the installation, replacement, repair, and maintenance of water and sewer lines and appurtenances within the Utilities Division of the City’s Public Works Department.

An employee in this class operates limited equipment and trucks and performs a variety of work as a member of a team or crew engaged in the construction, installation, maintenance, and repair of water and sewer lines. Work involves the installation, replacement, and repair of water and sewer pipes to specific grade and depth, and backfilling and compacting the site. Work also includes making taps to water and sewer mains, installing hydrants, meters, and valves, and making repairs to the water and sewer system. Judgment and initiative are required in the performance of duties. The employee is subject to various environmental conditions, including working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as noise, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals, oils, vibrations, and close quarters. Work may also subject the employee to the final standards of OSHA on bloodborne pathogens. Work is performed under general supervision and is reviewed for accuracy, safety, and adherence to established standards. Work may require the employee to serve on-call and respond to call-back work.

Essential Duties and Tasks

• Assists with making water and sewer taps and service connections.
• Repair and maintenance work on water and sewer pipes; repair water leaks, unblock sewer lines, etc.
• Installs hydrants, meters, valves, clamps, and related pipeline apparatus; sets meter boxes; repairs and replaces fire hydrants.
• Unstops sewer lines with pressure machines, vacuum machines, rodding machines, or hand tools.
• Assists with laying water and sewer pipe; adjusts pipe to proper grade and depth and replaces sewer and water lines and related facilities.
• Installs, services, and tests water meters and meter yokes.
• Paints valve box tops and manhole lids for easy location.
• Vegetation management operations on water and sewer right-of-way and outfalls; mowing and trimming grass using weed eater and bush hog; trimming tree limbs using chain saw, pole saw, etc.
• Operates construction equipment such as jackhammers, pipe saws, tampers, pipe threading machines, tapping machines, trenchers, air compressors, boring machines, and other related light and medium equipment.
• Performs general preventive maintenance on equipment; cleans and washes equipment.
• Reports any unsafe conditions of equipment and other necessary repairs to supervisor.
• Performs related duties as required.

• Some knowledge of the tools, materials, and equipment used in the installation, replacement, maintenance, and repair of utility lines.
• Some knowledge of a variety of maintenance and manual methods and tasks involved in the installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of utility lines and appurtenances.
• Some knowledge of the use of common hand and power tools used in utility maintenance and repair work.
• Some knowledge of the organization’s water and sewer service policies and procedures.
• Some knowledge of the occupational hazards and proper safety precautions involved in the operation of heavy equipment.
• Some knowledge of the traffic laws and regulations for equipment operation.
• Ability to read utility line maps and operation and service manuals.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to operate light to medium equipment with skill and safety.
• Ability to exert heavy physical effort.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with other employees, supervisors, and the general public.
• Ability to respond courteously to the public.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and performing repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform medium-heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or 50 pounds of force frequently and/or 20 pounds constantly.
• Must possess the visual acuity to operate equipment, to perform unskilled and semi-skilled tasks, and to distinguish details as well as for safety issues; to perform mechanical and trade skills; to operate equipment in a safe manner; and to determine thoroughness of work completed.

Desirable Education and Experience

Graduation from high school, or GED, and knowledge of utility maintenance work, including small- to medium-sized equipment operation experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirement

• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.
• Class B North Carolina Commercial Driver's License preferred.
• Ability to obtain NC Grade C-Distribution and Grade I Collections Operator Certification.
• May require certifications in OSHA or other safety-related items.