Utility Worker I/II/III

Utility Worker Positions

This series specification describes three classes which perform varied potable, recycled and waste water service construction and maintenance work; a variety of routine grounds maintenance and landscaping duties; building maintenance and custodial duties; reads, records and reports readings of water meters; cleans and maintains meter locations; basic meter repairs; locks and unlocks meters; and performs related work as required.

Utility Worker I

Learns and performs a variety of entry-level construction-related and technical tasks including the installation, inspection, maintenance, repair and operation of water mains, service lines, fire hydrants, valves, wharf heads, air vacs, blow offs, and pressure regulating stations pumps, and motors used to collect, pump, distribute, treat, and store water. Incumbents read, record, and report usage; installs, repairs, maintains and tests water meters and related components; and responds to customer service inquiries regarding usage and meters. Installs, inspects, maintains and repairs waste water and recycle water pipelines, right of ways, lift stations, wet wells, dry wells, pressurized sewer and recycle water pipelines, pumps, floats and manholes. Because employees in classifications at this level may be in a training capacity, such position does not require significant previous work experience in the applicable field.

Utility Worker II

In addition to all duties of Utility Worker I, under the direction of a supervisor and crew leader, performs a variety of construction related tasks including the installation, maintenance, repair and operation of water mains, service lines, fire hydrants, valves, pumps, and motors used to collect, pump, distribute, treat, and store water, wastewater systems including lift stations, wet wells, dry wells, sewer lines, gravity and pressure sewer pipelines, manholes and reclaimed water lines.

Utility Worker III

In addition to all duties of Utility Worker II, under the direction of a supervisor and crew leader, performs a variety of construction related tasks including the installation, maintenance, repair and operation of water mains, service lines, fire hydrants, valves, pumps, and motors used to collect, pump, distribute, treat, and store water, wastewater systems including lift stations, wet wells, dry wells, sewer lines, gravity and pressure sewer pipelines, manholes and reclaimed water lines. May supervise crew members in the absence of the crew leader.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Utility Worker I:

• Basic mathematics and measurements
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, and the Internet.
• Proper use of hand and portable power tools
• Basic ability and knowledge of safety practices when working with tools
• Principals of water metering
• Basic janitorial methods and tools
• Common grounds keeping methods and tools
• Methods of clearing debris from meter vaults right of ways
• Basic public relations skills to communicate with customers
• Standard utility construction techniques and principles
• Basic understanding of electrical systems, mechanics, and assembly
• Ability to perform all the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to read, interpret, and analyze data
• Ability to safely and skillfully operate hand tools and use personal protective equipment
• Ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and respectfully in English both verbally (in person, over the phone, and by radio) and in writing
• Ability to keep records and prepare reports using a PC and/or tablet
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative within established guidelines
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships
• Perform heavy manual labor
• Be available for overtime, standby and after-hour emergency calls
• Take accurate water meter readings and train others to perform this
• Operate radio read computer and hand held CMT
• Walk for long distances, stoop and bend and see numbers in meters
• Work independently
• Operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Ability to keep records and prepare reports using a PC and/or tablet; and
• Perform related work as required.

Utility Worker II:

• Standard water distribution or wastewater collection system construction, maintenance, service installation and repair practices, procedures and terminology
• Knowledge of and ability to successfully shut off water mains and dewater for repair work
• Standard methods and safety practices in trench excavation, shoring
• Standard traffic control requirements
• Moderately skilled operation of light and medium construction equipment
• Ability to maintain, repair, and replace all types of water distribution and wastewater system equipment
• Ability to read, interpret, and work from sketches, map books, blueprints, and specifications
• Ability to perform accurate mathematical calculations
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships internally and externally
• Ability to navigate and use GIS and Asset Management software; and
• Knowledge of the principles and methods of plumbing and hydraulics.

Utility Worker III:

• Advanced water distribution and wastewater collection system construction, maintenance, service installation and repair practices, procedures and terminology
• Trenching and shoring and confined space procedures including the use of air and gas monitors
• Advanced traffic control requirements
• Ability to safely and skillfully operate hand tools and use personal protective equipment
• Skilled operation of light and medium construction equipment
• Ability to maintain, repair, and replace all types of water distribution and wastewater system equipment with minimal direction
• Ability to read, interpret, and work from sketches, map books, blueprints, and specifications
• Ability to perform accurate mathematical calculations
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships internally and externally
• Ability to navigate and use GIS and asset management software
• Ability to keep records and prepare reports using a PC and/or tablet
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative within established guidelines
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, and the Internet
• Knowledge of Cal-OSHA and OSHA standards, Safety Data Sheets, the principles of safe storage and usage of chemicals, EPA Regulations, and work safety standards
• Knowledge of wastewater discharge requirements and Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) Order #2006-0003
• Ability to independently operate the wastewater SCADA system, troubleshoot problems and failures, recognize dangerous conditions, and respond appropriately
• Ability to read, interpret, and analyze data including sewer flow trends
• Knowledge of Cla-Val type control valve repair and maintenance practices
• Knowledge of backflow devices and cross connection principles
• Knowledge of preventative maintenance practices and procedures related to water and wastewater systems
• Knowledge of work safety standards related to traffic control, confined space entry, trenching, and shoring, and welding; and
• Knowledge of water systems, water hydraulics, pressure zone analysis and shutdown and highline processes.

Education, Training and Experience

Utility Worker I:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Minimum of one year of related work experience; and
• Certificate or coursework in water/wastewater is strongly desired.

Utility Worker II:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Minimum of two years of related work experience; and
• Experience in pipeline welding is preferred but not required.

Utility Worker III:

• A high school diploma or GED; and
• Minimum of three years of related work experience in water or wastewater.