Utilities Technician: Trainee through Operator

Performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled maintenance, repair, and construction of City utilities, water and wastewater infrastructure, streets, and other facilities under City obligation. Executes duties based on established plans and in response to changing priorities and emergencies. Operate hand tools and light to heavy equipment in the performance of duties.

Utilities Technician Trainee – Entry Level - Incumbent is expected to assist and obtain foundational knowledge in utility infrastructure maintenance and operations. Trainee receives commercial Driver’s license training and is required to obtain CDL within 12 months from hire date.

Utilities Technician I – Entry Level -Incumbent is expected to assist and learn the foundational knowledge in utility infrastructure maintenance and operations. Commercial Driver’s License or ability to get one within 6 months required

Utilities Technician II – Intermediate Level - Incumbents generally have related experience and perform routine and less complex duties as more experienced is gained.

Operator – Advanced Level - This position is skilled/experienced incumbent and can perform complex duties and repairs and can perform the full array of duties within the role. Proficiently operates and maintains a variety of equipment and trains others on its safe and effective use.  

About the City  

Lafayette has an inescapable small-town feeling that provides a sense of belonging and connection. Whether it’s eclectic Old Town, distinctive neighborhoods, or unique arts and outdoors spaces, the City has a warmth and character all its own, offering a unique vibe and spirit. Lafayette has appeared on numerous national lists of top places to live and safely raise a family.

We are a full-service City, which means services are provided directly to our community such as Police, Fire, Public Works, Economic Development, Parks and Recreation, Library and Community Arts Center. These types of services offer employment opportunities for a wide array of interests. The City’s mission is to recruit, develop and retain a diverse, well-qualified and professional workforce that reflects the unique personality of the community we serve. 

Exceptional City Provided Benefits:

• 100% City-paid Medical, Dental, Vision (up to $28,840 annually for family coverage)
• 401A Retirement Plan (10.2% City, 8% Employee, immediately 100% vested upon hire)
•  Life Insurance (One year’s salary up to $150,000. AD&D coverage in equal amount)
• Tuition Assistance (up to $5000 per year for approved expenses)
• Employee Assistance Program (free counseling, travel assistance, legal aid, etc)
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Bilingual Pay

Additional Benefits:

• Deferred Compensation and Roth Options
• Voluntary Life Insurance/AD&D
• Identity Theft Program
• Recreation Center Pass
• Wellness Punch Card (100 punches per year to use at golf course, waterpark, etc)

Leave:

• First year employees will accrue 80 hours Vacation
• 96 hours Sick Leave
• 24 hours Floating Holiday Leave
• 11.5 paid City holidays.
• Other leave programs are offered to include FMLA, Parental and Bereavement Leave

The following duties are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive: 

• Wastewater Collections & piped Stormwater System Operations and Maintenance: 
  • Assist with/Performs visual and CCTV Inspections of sanitary and storm sewer lines,
  • Assist with/Performs regular/emergency clearing of lines, operation of jet/vacuum truck, line rodding and cleanout, tree root extraction and repair and installation of pipelines as directed,
  • Inspection and operations of lift stations, 
  • Assist/Performs repairs to sewer lines, manholes, lids, and other structures to maintain utilities infrastructure. 
• Water Distribution System Maintenance and Operations:  
  • Assist with/Performs maintenance and operations of water mains, valves, hydrants, manholes, and service lines in accordance with industry standards, best practices and state and federal water regulations.
  • Assist with/Performs the installation and reading of meters, service turn on/offs pressure reducing valves checks, and pressure tests/leak tests. 
  • Operator: Conduct Backflow Prevention program activities and testing as required.
• Snow & Ice Mitigation: Drives tandem and single axle dump trucks equipped with front plow, granular spreader hopper, and/or liquid spray applicator to safely clear snow from city streets and rights-of-way and applying material in an efficient manner along pre-determined plow routes. May perform routine maintenance on equipment. 

• Performs utility locates and report in GIS as discrepancy or changes occur. 

• Maintain a variety of records relating to inspection, prevention, maintenance, and work activities 

• Responds to customer complaints and inquiries; responds to water main breaks and sewer backups and water pressure loss. 

• Perform/assist skilled workers in a variety of light and heavy construction tasks; may be performed in trenches and or confined spaces. May operate more complex equipment in conjunction with training for possible promotion.
• Works irregular hours, weekends, evenings, holidays, and/or emergencies as required to respond to water main breaks, wastewater main backups, storm events and other Public Works emergencies. Appropriately responds to all calls as defined in the Department of Public Works call-out/standby and emergency response policies. 
• Perform related work as required and assigned.

TRAINEE:

KNOWLEDGE / SPECIALTIES:

• Some knowledge of basic mechanics, carpentry, plumbing and other repair techniques; common tools used in construction and maintenance work; basic knowledge of safety practices and procedures.

TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS:  High School diploma or equivalent. Must either have Flagger certification and CDL or have the ability to obtain within 12 months of hire. 

EXPERIENCE:  Basic experience with maintenance, equipment operation, construction, plumbing, or a related field desired.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Problem-Solving: Generally goes to supervisor / lead when issues are encountered
• Continuous Improvement:  None
• Lead & Train Others: None
• Other Skills: Demonstrates ability to positively and appropriately interact with customers and community members; establishes and maintains effective working relationships with supervisors, management and other employees. 

TECHNICIAN I:

KNOWLEDGE / SPECIALTIES:

• Some knowledge of basic mechanics, carpentry, plumbing and other repair techniques; common tools used in construction and maintenance work; basic knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Specialties: Foundational knowledge of the maintenance and repair of Water Distribution, Wastewater Collection, and Stormwater Collection infrastructure as well as valves and hydrants. Basic knowledge of meter systems including reading, maintenance and repair. 

TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS:  High School diploma or equivalent. Flagger certification and CDL, or ability to obtain both within 6 months of hire. In addition: 

• Desired – Proficiency with Backhoe, Grader, Loader, Vactor, and TV Truck; Traffic Control Supervisor (TCS) or Traffic Control Technician (TCT) Certification; Erosion Control Certification; Basic or Advanced Utilities Locating; Basic or Advanced Meter Knowledge; Basic or Advanced Backflow Certification 

EXPERIENCE:  Minimum six months of relevant experience., or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides evidence that the applicant possesses the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

REQUIRED SKILLS: 

• Problem-Solving: Generally goes to supervisor / lead when issues are encountered
• Continuous Improvement: Identifies continuous improvement opportunities and escalates to supervisor or lead
• Lead & Train Others: None
• Other Skills: Demonstrates ability to positively and appropriately interact with customers and community members; establishes and maintains effective working relationships with supervisors, management and other employees. 

TECHNICIAN II:

KNOWLEDGE / SPECIALTIES:

• Knowledge of basic mechanics, carpentry, plumbing and other repair techniques; common tools used in construction and maintenance work; Thorough knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Specialties: Proficient in the maintenance and repair of Water Distribution & Wastewater Collection, and Stormwater Collection infrastructure as well as valves and hydrants. Basic knowledge of meter systems including reading, maintenance, and repair. 

TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS:  Must meet the minimum requirements of a Technician I plus: 

• Required – Colorado Level I Water Distribution Operator and Wastewater Collection Operator, proficiency with Backhoe and Loader; Basic Utilities Locating; Basic Meter Knowledge. 
• Desired – Proficiency with Grader, Vactor, and TV Truck; Traffic Control Supervisor (TCS) or Traffic Control Technician (TCT) Certification; Erosion Control Certification; Advanced Utilities Locating; Advanced Meter Knowledge; Basic or Advanced Backflow Certification; Construction Project Management  

EXPERIENCE:  Two years’ experience required for Maintenance Technician II. Previous outside experience will count toward criteria to advance to higher levels, or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides evidence that the applicant possesses the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Problem-Solving: Solves basic problems independently. Attempts resolution of complex problems and escalates as appropriate. 
• Continuous Improvement: Identifies Continuous Improvement Opportunities and analyzes feasibility and cost/benefit; Coordinates implementation with supervisor / lead.
• Lead & Train Others: Provide guidance to other staff members on task performance; Provides on-the-job training to new staff and for new tasks. 
• Other Skills: Demonstrates ability to positively and appropriately interact with customers and community members; Appropriately responds to contentious situations and can de-escalate conflicts; establishes and maintains effective working relationships with supervisors, management and other employees; Effectively provides direction to vendors and contractors in the performance of their duties.  

 OPERATOR:

KNOWLEDGE / SPECIALTIES: 

• Knowledge of basic mechanics, carpentry, plumbing and other repair techniques; common tools used in construction and maintenance work; Thorough knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Specialties: Proficient in the maintenance and repair of Water Distribution, Wastewater Collection, and Stormwater Collection infrastructure as well as valves and hydrants. Proficient in meter systems including reading, maintenance and repair. Specialized expertise within at least two additional Utilities specialties including Distribution, Collection, Stormwater (Pipes), Meters, Backflow, and/or Locating. 
• Expert in use of multiple complex equipment types and can formally train others on their use

TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS (Must meet the minimum requirements of a Technician II plus): 

• Required – Colorado Level II Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection Operator; Proficiency with Backhoe, Loader Vactor, and TV Truck; Basic Utilities Locating; Basic Meter Knowledge. 
• Desired – Colorado Level III Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection Operator and Colorado ORC Eligible; Proficiency with Grader; Traffic Control Supervisor (TCS) or Traffic Control Technician (TCT) Certification; Erosion Control Certification; Advanced Utilities Locating; Advanced Meter Knowledge; Basic or Advanced Backflow Certification; Construction Project Management; Work Planning  

EXPERIENCE:  Three years’ relevant experience required for Operator. Previous outside experience will count toward criteria to advance to higher levels, or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides evidence that the applicant possesses the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

REQUIRED SKILLS:  

• Problem-Solving: Solves complex problems independently; provide input to others on complex problems. 
• Continuous Improvement: Identifies Continuous Improvement Opportunities, alternatives, and implications; Recommends best course of action to supervisor / lead and leads implementation. 
• Lead & Train Others: Provides direction to staff and crews in the field; Serves as mentor to staff; Conducts formal and on-the-job training for other staff
• Other Skills: Demonstrates ability to positively and appropriately interact with customers and community members in complex situations with multiple parties; Appropriately responds to contentious situations and can de-escalate conflicts; establishes and maintains effective working relationships with supervisors, management and other employees; Effectively provides direction to vendors and contractors in complex task performance and can evaluate their performance. Identifies opportunities for improvements in vendor performance.   

PERFORMANCE & SAFETY: All level candidates must demonstrate acceptable record of Safety and Job Performance. 

Ability to obtain a CDL license within 6 months of hire including a safe driving record. Operators must possess a current CDL license.

Salary : $42,016 - $79,414