Water Distribution Maintenance Worker

• Participate in the construction, maintenance, and emergency repair of the water distribution system; a mandatory stand-by/call-out rotation; and the City’s intercultural competency training and program. 

• Install water mains and meters, services lines, fire hydrants and valves. 

• Repair water mains and meters, service lines, fire hydrants and valves. 

• Operate heavy construction equipment including excavators, backhoe, and end-loader; electronic GPS equipment; automotive and specialized equipment including air compressor, generator, hydraulic valve operator, dump truck, abrasive saw, pump, shoring equipment, tamper, tapping machines, jackhammer, electrical tools, back-hoe, mini excavator, forklift, vehicle mounted crane, vacuum equipment, and other equipment; and road and construction equipment and trucks. 

• Read and test water meters.  

• Perform backflow prevention program implementation and flow testing duties; maintenance activities; and site restoration including compaction, landscaping, and concrete work. 

• Establish and maintain records systems.  

• Advise customers, plumbers, and registered backflow prevention assembly testers on backflow prevention program compliance issues.  

• Reassemble and calibrate water meters and backflow prevention devices.  

• Respond to customer complaints, water quality issues and water pressure concerns, and residents’ questions and service requests. 

• Cross-train with Water Treatment Plant Operators and Maintenance staff per Department COOP.  

• Collect bacteriological samples.  

• Flush, chlorinate and de-chlorinate water mains.  

• Investigate leaks in mains and service lines.  

• Maintain water mains, service lines, fire hydrants and valves; records of valve and hydrant locations; time records; computerized and manual services and repair work records; program documentation; and automotive and specialized equipment including air compressor, generator, hydraulic valve operator, dump truck, abrasive saw, pump, shoring equipment, tamper, tapping machines, jackhammer, electrical tools, back-hoe, mini excavator, fork lift, vehicle mounted crane, vacuum equipment, and other equipment. 

• Inspect water mains, services lines, fire hydrants and valves; water meters; and the construction of water distribution installations and repairs ensuring standard compliance.  

• Review materials and construction procedures adhering to specifications.  

• Take field measurements and compile information for recording utility locations. 

• Edit digital records.  

• Excavate and backfill trenches.  

• Load and unload trucks containing heavy materials.  

• Check tires, oil, lubricants, water levels, lights and fuel in vehicles and equipment.  

• Wash, adjust and perform minor repair and maintenance on vehicles and equipment.  

• Analyze and make recommendations on water project engineering and contractor plans and specifications.  

• Track, report and interpret information. 

• Adjust maintenance schedules.  

• Follow-up on maintenance and repairs.  

• Follow safety protocols, rules, and procedures in accordance with OSHA, Iowa One Call and trenching guidelines.  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Mechanical- Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. 

• Engineering and Technology- Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology which includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. 

• Public Safety and Security- Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions. 

• Critical Thinking - Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem. 

• Deductive Reasoning - Using rules to solve problems. 

• Arm-Hand Steadiness - Keeping your arm or hand steady. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• At least three (3)-consecutive years’ experience in the maintenance or operation of a water or plumbing system or in a related construction field. 

• A minimum of 385 hours’ experience in the operation of heavy construction equipment. 

• Possession of a high school diploma or its equivalent. 

• Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain: 

• Class ‘A’ CDL with airbrake, tanker and combination endorsements.  

• State of Iowa Department of Health certification in testing and repairing backflow prevention devices within 24 months of appointment.  

• Respirator Use in Confined Spaces Certification within one (1) year of hire (as training schedule permits).  

• Trenching/Shoring Certification within one (1) year of hire (as training schedule permits).  

• State of Iowa Department of Natural Resources Grade II Water Distribution Operator License within 36 months of appointment.  

• Forklift Operator Certification within one year of hire (as training schedule permits).   

WORKING CONDITIONS: Duties include work in extreme temperatures, humidity, high noise intensity levels, darkness/poor lighting, areas with moving mechanical parts/hazards, dirt/dust, and odorous situations. Work requires constant use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including hardhat, steel toe boots, eye protection, gloves and other equipment as deemed necessary.