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Job Description

UTILITY TECHNICIAN

JOB CODE 53010

Effective Date:	10/07A

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to perform a variety of skilled tasks in the installation, maintenance, and repair of the City's water distribution system or the installation, maintenance, repair and inspection of the wastewater collection system's gravity mains, force mains, manholes, pumps and metering stations. Prior completion of the City’s trainee program differentiates this classification from the Utility Technician Trainee classification. Work is performed with direction from a Senior Utility Technician, under the general supervision of a Utility Foreman.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Places sheeting to shore trenches, cuts pipe, and performs a variety of other tasks related to water or sewer main repair, maintenance, replacement and extension;
• Operates power driven machinery such as jack hammers, tampers, and other similar equipment;
• Operates mobile equipment such as dump trucks, crew trucks, boom trucks, small trenching machines, and small tractor-mounted dozers in support of installation and repair work;
• Moves debris, dirt, or other material from one place to another;
• Removes and replaces manhole and valve covers;
• Sets up barricades and other warning devices to channel traffic around construction areas or other hazards;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Water Distribution:

• Locates valves and water meters using quarter section maps or electronic detectors;
• Installs, maintains, and repairs water mains, water service connections, fire hydrants, and valves;
• Cuts, taps, and threads water pipe and makes copper, plastic or other joint connections;
• Opens and closes main valves, manually or with a valve operating machine, for water main extensions or repairs;
• Raises, lowers or relocates water mains, water meters, valves, and fire hydrants to allow clearance for other utilities or improvements;
• Sets meter boxes and water meters and records meter readings and other required meter identification information.

Wastewater Collection:

• Digs and works in trenches of varying depths to perform maintenance and repairs of the wastewater collection system's gravity mains, force mains, manholes, pumps and metering stations;
• Operates various wastewater collection system equipment such as TV equipment, backhoes, rodders, bucket machines, vacuum trucks;
• Performs routine maintenance and cleaning of the wastewater collection system;
• Inspects sewer lines and conducts T.V. inspections;
• Repairs and constructs manholes.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Methods and techniques used in the installation and repair of water or sewer mains.
• Knowledge of construction techniques and general trench safety procedures.
• Working in trenches of varying depths.
• Hazards inherent to water or sewer maintenance work and safety measures to be observed including confined space entry procedures and trench safety regulations, hard hat and vest policies, and other safety issues inherent in the work (e.g., wastewater collection employees work with raw sewage and chemicals in the collection system using only normal protective equipment).
• Equipment and machinery mechanics.

Skill in:

• Use and care of the tools and equipment used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of the water distribution or wastewater collection system.
• Methods and techniques of water or sewer repair, maintenance and installation.

Ability to:

• Work cooperatively with other City employees.
• Work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the elements.
• Read, comprehend, and interpret written material in the English language such as operation manuals and Material Safety Data Sheets.
• Read electronic and non-electronic maps and documents such as quarter sections maps, as-builts, and other documents.
• Learn job-related material primarily through oral instruction and observation in an on- the-job training setting.
• Operate tools such as jackhammers, saws, pipe cutters, leveling instruments, fresh air blowers/extractors, and hazardous gas monitoring equipment.
• Move heavy objects (50 pounds or more) long distances (more than 20 feet).
• Set up and remove barricades, traffic cones or similar objects.
• Dig up ground for ditches or holes using a pick, shovel, spade, or other tools.
• Bend or stoop repeatedly or continually over time to perform installations or repairs.
• Move debris, dirt, or other material from one place to another using a shovel, rake or other tool.
• Clean equipment using appropriate materials.
• Travel across rough, uneven or rocky surfaces at excavation sites.
• Coordinate the movement of more than one limb simultaneously (e.g., using a jack hammer to break pavement).
• Communicate orally with co-workers, contractors, and customers of the public in face-to-face one-to-one settings.
• Observe or monitor objects to determine compliance with prescribed operating or safety standards.
• Measure distance using a tape measure or other electronic measuring devices.
• Work in small, cramped spaces.
• Climb ladders to enter or exit manholes or trenches.
• Work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the elements.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

Additional Requirements:

• Possession of a Grade I Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Water Distribution or Wastewater Collection certification, specific to the assignment, within six months of hire.
• This classification requires the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
• In addition, individuals are required to pass an Arizona Department of Transportation physical exam and possess the appropriate commercial driver's license.
• Pre-employment drug testing is required, and employees will be subject to unannounced alcohol and drug testing as a condition of continued employment.
• Some positions will require the performance of other essential functions depending upon work location or assignment.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Successful completion of the City’s Utility Technician Trainee Program (for the specified division). Other combinations of equivalent training, experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.