Utility System Operator

Hiring range is negotiable between $42,495 and $55,235 depending on a candidate's qualifications and experience

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Serves as crew leader in the absence of the water distribution or sewer collection supervisor.  
• Operates various types of heavy equipment, including backhoes, front-end loaders, dump trucks, flatbed trucks, excavators, Jet-Vacs, tractors, etc. during the performance of daily responsibilities.  
• Ensures machinery and equipment are properly maintained; completes daily checks and preventative maintenance requirements, and schedules maintenance and repairs accordingly to ensure equipment remains in good working order.
• Uses various pneumatic, gas or electric power tools, including compressors, jack-hammers, tapping machines, boring machines, tamps, concrete saws, drills, etc. to perform daily responsibilities.    
• Uses various hand tools to perform daily tasks, including shovels, rakes, hoes, etc.  
• Performs water distribution and sewer collection infrastructure maintenance, repair and replacement, including clearing, repairing and installing pipe; installing taps; exercising and replacing valves and hydrants; clearing outfalls; repairing and replacing meters; building and/or raising manholes, etc.  
• Performs various landscaping duties to dress up jobsites, including leveling soil, seeding grass, spreading straw, etc.  
• Ensures all safety procedures and protocols are in place and used effectively at all jobsites and work zones, including placement of safety signs, cones, flaggers, etc.  
• Locates and marks City water and sewer lines for various construction projects.
• Serves as lead worker on service calls and small repair projects when supervisor is not on site.  
• Works various shifts to operate equipment in support of natural disasters or major weather events.  
• Performs “on-call” duties on a rotational basis as needed.
• Prepares daily logs and other reports to track performance and completed tasks; uses computer and related software to input data.
• Assists other departments and agencies as needed
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of the tools, materials and methods used to maintain and repair water distribution and sewer collection infrastructure and associated appurtenances.
• Knowledge of the operational and preventative maintenance requirements for light and heavy duty construction equipment and vehicles assigned to perform primary duties.  
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and proper safety precautions associated with working around raw sewage, operating heavy construction equipment, working around traffic and performing daily responsibilities.    
• Knowledge of the municipal water and sewer service policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the traffic laws and regulations governing equipment operation. 
• Knowledge of street locations and the geographic layout of the City.
• Skill in the fundamental use of computers and basic administrative software applications. 
• Skill operating and maintaining light and heavy duty construction equipment, and using basic hand tools.  
• Ability to lead a work crew and oversee a jobsite through task completion, ensuring quality job performance and work.  
• Ability to understand and follow specific instructions, both oral and written.
• Ability to read and interpret utility line maps and service manuals.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other co-workers, supervisors, and the general public. 
• Ability to respond with courtesy to citizens.
• Ability to keep accurate detailed records.
• Ability to train, assign, and coach the performance of team members.                               

• High School Graduation or GED equivalent.
• Five (5) years of utility maintenance, construction or related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

• Possession of a valid North Carolina Class C Driver’s License.
• Possession of or able to obtain within one year of employment a NC Collection System Operator Level I certificate and/or Distribution System Operator Level C certificate.

• Performs light to medium work that involves walking or standing virtually all of the time and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or considerable skill, adeptness and speed in the use of the fingers, hands or limbs in tasks involving close tolerances or limits of accuracy.

• Involves routine and frequent exposure to:
  • Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.
  • Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.
  • Extreme noise levels, Animals/wildlife.
  • Vibration; Fumes and/or noxious odors.
• Traffic; Moving machinery.