UTILITY SYSTEM OPERATOR (Open Until Filled)

Department: Public Utilities

Hiring Rate: $31,604.00

Salary Range: $33,186.00 - $47,406.00

UTILITY SYSTEM OPERATOR

General Statement of Duties

Performs responsible unskilled and semi-skilled work in the installation, operation, replacement, repair and maintenance of wells, water lines, meters, and appurtenances.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class performs a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled work engaged in the maintenance and repair of water lines, meter, hydrants, valves, elevated storage tanks, water pumps, and wells.Work involves making taps to water mains and installing new water meters and meter boxes, installing hydrants, meters, and valves, and maintaining and repairing the water system. Other tasks include meter reading, providing field customer service to check water leaks and high usage complaints, connecting and disconnecting service, and other troubleshooting; locating water lines for other contractors; and related tasks. Employees are subject working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, vibration, moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation, and oils. Employees are also subject to on-call and call-back work.Work is performed under regular supervision and is evaluated through observation and inspection for adherence to instructions and standard trade and safety practices.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Tasks

Connects and disconnects water service; reads meters; inspects service for leaks; flushes hydrants when needed; locates water lines to avoid damage by other contractors or utilities.

Operates tapping machine to make water taps and service connections; sets meter box and meters; replaces water meters.

Lays water pipe; repairs and replaces water lines and related facilities; conducts pressure tests on lines as needed to check for leaks.

Installs, services and tests water meters and meter yokes; exercises valves.

Operates dump trucks, jack hammers, tampers, pipe threading machines, tapping machines, trenchers, air compressors, and boring machines.

Takes distribution samples; checks chlorine levels.

Helps in establishing and conducts hydrant and valve exercising program.

Checks and performs maintenance on wells, pumping stations, elevated storage tanks, and related facilities.

Installs hydrants, meters, valves, clamps, and related pipeline apparatus; sets meter boxes; repairs and replaces fire hydrants; tests meters; flow tests hydrants.

Mows and trims around hydrants, elevated storage tanks and other utility facilities.

Assists with ordering, stocking, and inventorying parts supplies.

Operates and maintains assigns vehicles.

Prepares records of work activities.

Additional Job Duties

Performs other related tasks as required.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities

Some knowledge of the tools, materials and equipment used in the installation, replacement, maintenance and repair of utility lines is preferred; but not required.

Utility System Operator

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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 is preferred; but not required.

Working knowledge of the use of common hand and power tools.

Some knowledge of the safe use and operation and preventive maintenance of common automotive and mechanical equipment is preferred; but not required.

Some knowledge of the application of information technology to utility system maintenance.

Working knowledge of water service policies and procedures.

Skill in collaborative conflict resolution and customer contact.

Skill in the operation of a ligh and medium size construction equipment.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and the public.

Ability to read utility line maps and operation and service manuals, to understand and follow oral and written instructions, and to prepare records of work activities.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.

Must be able to perform very heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally; 50 pounds of force frequently; and 20 pounds constantly.

Must possess the visual acuity to operate mobile equipment such as loaders and dump trucks in a safe manner to fit pipes and other parts, read gauges, and make written records.

Desirable Education and Experience

Graduation from high school and related experience in a plumbing environment; or related experience working in a water distribution system is preferred; but not required.

Special Requirements

Possession of valid North Carolina driver's license.

Possession of Grade C distribution system certification within 12 months of employment.

Must reside in Columbus County due to on-call and call-back work status.

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Columbus County