Utility Technician I

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Utility Technician I to join our team at American States Utility Services. As a key member of our operations team, you will be responsible for performing activities related to water and wastewater system maintenance, including water quality and supply.

Key Responsibilities

• Inspect, install, repair, replace, test, and certify water mains, water services, water meters, fire hydrants, backflow protection devices, and other related water system assets.
• Inspect, install, repair, and replace sewer lines, lateral cleanouts, manholes, collection mains; operate video equipment on sewer lines to determine system deficiencies and other related wastewater system assets.
• Inspect sewer lift stations; ensure SCADA alarms are communicating properly; conduct visual inspections of wet wells and pump cycling and float conditions.
• Respond to Service Orders related to line locations. Mark water and wastewater infrastructure, as well as subsidiary owned electric lines near pump stations and their respective emergency generator assemblies.
• Perform customer support activity. Interact with the public in a professional manner.
• Notify customers of scheduled and emergency outages.
• Develop skills and become proficient at interpreting technical and operational documents, manuals, blueprints, system maps, construction specs, and standards.
• Read meters manually and/or using automated equipment.
• Respond quickly and accurately to service requests.
• May operate heavy machinery, including dump truck, Vactor truck, bush-hog, and right-of-way clearing equipment, as well as other related equipment, in performing skilled and semiskilled duties for water and wastewater system maintenance.
• Perform basic preventive maintenance of heavy machinery; greasing, fluid level checks, pre-trip inspections, etc.
• May be required to analyze and evaluate pump equipment operation, troubleshoot malfunctions, and monitor water supply and wastewater operations.
• May be required to execute System Flushing Program, Cross-connection Program, Spill Response Program, and Preventative Maintenance Program, as directed.
• Timely complete work orders, forms, records, and other associated paperwork both manually and digitally.
• May be required to operate leak detection equipment and analyze data to complete assigned duties.
• May perform routine sampling of both water and wastewater supply and wastewater systems.

Requirements

• Must possess knowledge and comprehension of safety practices for general construction and handling of all materials used in water and wastewater system operations, to include liquid and gaseous chemicals, as well as hazardous solids, confined space entry, competent excavation, electrical safety, etc., while being under close supervision.
• Ascertains general knowledge of water and wastewater system operations, control settings, and plant/lift station operations.
• Communication skills including demonstrated fluency with reading, writing, and speaking the English language.
• Basic math skills required.
• Must possess strong customer service skills.
• Must be able to effectively communicate with customers in order to cogently resolve any issues or concerns. Interact with the public in a professional manner.
• Microsoft Office skills preferred.

Education and Certifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must obtain state required water and/or wastewater training permits within 90 days if applicable.
• Must possess and keep current a valid Driver's License issued by the state where employed.
• Must be able to obtain applicable Commercial Driver's Permit issued by the state where employed within six months and applicable Commercial Driver's License within one year of hire date and keep current thereafter.
• Must take and pass Federal OSHA, US Army Corps of Engineers, and/or State Mandated Safety training, with annual refresher courses, as required by the associated regulations for this position. Such training will be provided by the Company and compliance is mandatory.

Physical Requirements

• Working in confined spaces.
• Working in areas exposed to noise and chemicals.
• Working in extreme weather conditions.
• Lifting and carrying loads up to 50 lbs.
• Climbing inspection ladders.
• Performing work up to the limits of elevated water storage tanks.
• Standing, sitting, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, reaching, handling, grasping, fine dexterity, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, bending, twisting, climbing, balancing, vision including color determination, hearing, foot & hand controls.

Benefits

Our Company supports our employees with rich benefit programs and resources to help them thrive today and prepare for tomorrow. Benefit options include medical, dental, and vision plans with the Company currently paying 85% of the monthly premium for employees and their eligible dependents. We also offer paid vacation and sick time and twelve Company paid holidays per year. To help our employees plan for the future, we offer both a 401(k) retirement plan as well as a Defined Contribution Profit Sharing retirement plan. Additional benefits include life, AD&D, and LTD insurance as well as health savings account and flexible spending plans.

Compensation Information

The compensation range provided is in compliance with state specific laws. Multiple factors are used to determine the actual starting rate of pay for all of our positions, including specific skills, years of experience, education, certification(s), and other job-related factors.

U.S. Citizenship Requirement

U.S. Citizenship is required pursuant to our contract with the federal government.

Background Check

The responsibilities of this position will involve access to information that may be considered confidential, private, and sensitive. Therefore, the individual filling this position will be required to both allow and pass a background check.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with special needs to perform the essential functions.