Job Details

PURPOSE:

Performs skilled and semi-skilled work in the construction, maintenance, and repair of the water distribution system, and performs other work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Utility Worker I: This is the entry and/or trainee level class in the Utility Worker series. Incumbents provide support that emphasizes the more routine duties where limited actions are performed within established and well-defined parameters. Incumbents work under immediate supervision, and a lead worker or supervisor continuously monitors the employee's job activities. Although some positions may be permanently limited to this level of work, many Utility Worker positions are flexibly staffed, and incumbents at the Utility Worker I level are promoted to Utility Worker II when they have met the requirement for the higher level and have demonstrated proficiency in performing the type of work that is required of a Utility Worker II.

Utility Worker II: This is the journey level class in the Utility Worker series. Incumbents perform the full range of journey level duties that are expected of a Utility Worker, working with greater independence and having more decision-making authority than incumbents at the Utility Worker I level.

The Utility Worker II classification is distinguished from the higher level classification of Senior Utility Worker in that the latter works under direction and primarily serves as a crew leader, directing and monitoring the work of subordinate Utility Workers when they are on job sites.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Utility Worker I: Receives immediate supervision from a supervisor, depending upon the area of assignment.

Utility Worker II: Receives general supervision from a supervisor, depending upon the area of assignment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Employees in these classifications do not supervise subordinate staff. However, a Utility Worker II may indirectly supervise the work of a Utility Worker I, most often on a project or temporary basis.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The duties listed below are only intended as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related and/or a logical assignment to the classification.

ALL POSITIONS

Depending upon assignment, may drive utility trucks, dump trucks, and/or other vehicles; may operate a backhoe; may operate a variety of power tools such as jackhammers, compressors, cutoff saws, pavement saws, etc.; use a variety of computerized devices and computers; use and operate flagging equipment to control traffic in vicinity of work crews; perform grounds maintenance, weed/pest abatement and facilities cleaning duties, some of which require heavy manual labor.

Use and properly care for a variety of specialized hand tools, vehicles, and equipment; deliver parts, materials, tools, and equipment; perform basic repairs as needed.

Provide technical assistance and participate in the training of staff; assist in the implementation of department/division goals and objectives; participate in safety training programs and other related functions.

Operate a cell phone, and/or a two-way radio for dispatching and routine communications.

Gather and compile data for various programs, projects, and reports; prepare reports related to assigned functions; maintain logs, records, and files in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations and City policies and procedures; provide accurate and legible data input for timesheets, workload planning, and other related documents.

Performs as a member of the team; acts ethically and responsibly; supports and demonstrates engagement in diversity, inclusion, and equity and maintains effective working relationships with others; demonstrates professionalism and respect in all workplace interactions.

Arrives to work, meetings, and other work-related functions on time and maintains regular job attendance.

WATER DISTRIBUTION

Perform physical work involved in the installation, maintenance, inspection, and repair of 3/4" to 2" water service lines included in the operation of B-101, D-4, and E-5 tapping machines, power operators, etc.

Repair holes, joints, and splits in main, service, and Lithia water lines; install new meters, change out old meters, replace broken meter stops, and install hand valves.

Assist in meter reading.

Assist with main line pipes, fittings, hydrants, and installations; cut pipes using cut-off or self-traveling saws and snap cutters.

Perform a variety miscellaneous duties including ditch cleaning, identification of service locates, checking valves and hydrants; notifying customers of shutdowns or disconnects; cutting concrete using compressor, jackhammer, and pavement saws.

Respond to questions and provide service information to customers; observe and report water problems.

WAREHOUSING/STOREKEEPING

Assist with the operation and maintenance of a Public Works storekeeping/warehouse facility; assist with receiving, stocking, disbursing, and shipping materials and supplies for the department; comply with state and federal requirements, and City policies and procedures, associated with public agency purchasing.

Organize warehouse and pipe yard facilities to optimize movement and storage of materials; post purchases and adjustments into a computerized inventory control system; conduct periodic stock inventories.

Create inventory reports, tables, and spreadsheets; track low order points; create supply orders and submit for approval; process shipment billings; sell surplus materials to outside agencies as authorized; contact suppliers to determine material availability and costs.

Follow all safety rules and procedures established for work areas.

AUXILIARY JOB FUNCTIONS:

Maintain proficiency by attending training conferences and meetings, reading materials, and meeting with others in areas of responsibility.

Perform other work as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

Education: Possession of a high school diploma or GED.

Experience:

1. Utility Worker I: No experience required, but must obtain required certifications within timeframes listed below under certifications.

2. Utility Worker II: A minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience.

Substitution: Any satisfactory equivalent combination of education, training and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the job proficiently may substitute for the above requirements.

Desired Qualifications: Completion of basic first aid and CPR training is desirable.

Other Requirements: Depending upon the assignment of a position, it may be necessary for the above-required experience to have been in one of the following utility areas: streets, water distribution, wastewater/storm drainage collections, or warehousing/storekeeping.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

BOTH LEVELS

Certificates: Must obtain basic first aid, CPR, Competent Person, and Flagging certifications within six (6) months of appointment.

UTILITY WORKER I

License: Possession of a current Class A or higher driver's license by the time of appointment or within 6 months of employment.

Certificate: Positions in water distribution require possession of a valid Level I Distribution certification issued by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality within one (1) year of appointment.

UTILITY WORKER II

License: Possession of a current Class A or higher commercial driver's license by the time of appointment is required.

Certificate: Positions in water distribution require possession of a valid Level I Distribution certification issued by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality within one (1) year of appointment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

BOTH LEVELS

Knowledge of:

* Methods, means, and materials used to perform work in the assigned position.

* Use and basic maintenance of light and heavy-duty vehicles.

* Methods of trenching, shoring, and other safe working conditions.

* The operation and maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools and power equipment.

* Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.

* Basic office administration and equipment, including computers and calculators.

Ability to:

* Follow written and oral instructions.

* Implement City and department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.

* Perform a wide range of construction and maintenance activities, using standard methods and equipment.

* Organize work, set priorities, and meet multiple deadlines.

* Enter data and retrieve information from various computer systems for necessary duties.

* Operate a personal computer and other electronic equipment, including field entry devices and cellular phones.

* Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

* Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

(1) Mobility: frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, squatting, working in awkward positions; frequent performance of heavy manual labor; occasional sitting, climbing. (2) Lifting: frequent lifting up to 50 pounds; occasional lifting over 100 pounds. (3) Vision: constant use of overall vision; use of vision to identify mechanical problems; occasional use of color vision. (4) Dexterity: occasional grasping, holding, and reaching; occasional use of touch only to perform work. (5) Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking in person; use of hearing to recognize mechanical problems. (6) Emotional/Psychological: frequent coworker contact; occasional working alone.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this classification. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed primarily in an outdoor field environment with exposure to various weather conditions as well as exposure to noise, unpleasant odors, chemicals, and other environmental substances; incumbents may work in or around water, dirt, oil, grease, or fumes, may have to travel to and from various job sites, and may require some exposure to hazardous traffic conditions.

Please apply ONLINE at

A completed City application must be filed online with the Human Resources Department before the deadline shown above and may be supplemented with a resume of work experience. Resumes are NOT accepted in lieu of a completed City application. Resumes received without a completed City application will not receive a response from the Human Resources Department.

Following a review of the applications, a limited number of the most highly qualified applicants may be invited via email to proceed further in the selection process. Those not selected for interview will be notified in email (no phone calls please). The applicant selected must provide, at the time of employment, appropriate documentation of citizenship, as required by the immigration and Naturalization Act of 1986.

Per Oregon Revised Statutes 408.225 and 408.230, the City of Ashland grants preference in hiring and promotion of veterans and disabled veterans as defined by state law. If you are eligible and wish to claim Veterans' preference points, please indicate so on your application. Please note that you need to submit documentation of your eligibility at the time of your application.

A thorough background investigation will be completed on the candidate selected for hire.

The City of Ashland is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, national origin or mental or physical disability unless based on a bonafide occupational qualification.

The City of Ashland will make reasonable accommodations for the disabled. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodation in the application or testing process MUST inform the Human Resources Department of the City of Ashland, in writing, no later than the final filing date as stated on the job bulletin. Applicants needing such accommodations should document the request, including an explanation as to the type and extent of accommodations needed to participate in the selection process.