Utility Service Worker

This classification has been designated as a non-classified, non-merit system, at-will position.

This recruitment will be used to fill two full-time, project-funded, at-will positions for the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project. As part of the Smart City Initiative, the City of Mesa implemented AMI in our gas system. The AMI project workload is anticipated to last four years. This recruitment will also establish a list which may be used to fill future vacancies (project-funded/at-will and/or classified).

The Energy Resources Department is excited to offer a hiring bonus for individuals newly hired as a Utility Service Worker. New Utility Service Workers may be eligible for a $4,200 incentive at the conclusion of Initial City Probation. To receive the bonus, a Utility Service Worker must work for one year in the original hire assignment and receive a successful performance evaluation.

First review of applications will be Monday, January 22, 2024; and weekly thereafter as needed.

The Utility Service Worker is a trainee class in which the incumbent learns to perform specialized utility service work which involves maintaining, installing, and field repairing of gas; investigating customer gas complaints and damaged gas service lines, mains, and meters; and to properly identify gas abnormal operating conditions through a structured, on-the-job training program. Initially an incumbent in this class observes a Utility Service Specialist and/or Utility Service Field Supervisor performing daily activities and assists in performing entry-level customer service work. Assigned tasks increase in scope and difficulty as the incumbent demonstrates the ability to perform the full range of Utility Service Worker duties. This class performs related duties as required.

As training progresses, the Utility Service Worker is expected to exercise good judgment in responding to routine and emergency gas requests involving considerable public contact exposure. Work is performed under adverse weather conditions and the hazardous conditions associated with natural gas. Incumbents are required to use appropriate safety equipment and follow safety procedures in performing assignments and must be willing to work overtime as required. This class is supervised by a Utility Service Field Supervisor through observation of work in progress and discussion regarding work habits, skill level, and related work behaviors. Classified employees in this class can progress to the Utility Service Specialist class by non-competitive, criteria-based promotion after successful completion of required coursework, on-the-job training, and achievement of satisfactory performance appraisals. This class is FLSA nonexempt. The project-funded classification is designated as a non-classified, non-merit system, at-will position.

Please refer to the link below for the full job description and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions.

Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.

Minimum Qualifications Required. Graduation from high school or GED. Two years of work experience in the maintenance, installation, or repair of natural gas utility; OR one year of work experience in the maintenance, installation, or repair of any of the following: natural gas utility; natural gas service lines or systems; plumbing or pipe fitting fields; or an apparatus used in the delivery of natural gas (example: Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) equipment or vehicles); AND one year of general field construction work experience which includes using tools/equipment or performing manual labor tasks.

Special Requirements. Must possess a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) certification within three months of hire or promotion date to respond to gas emergencies. Must meet the qualifications to wear a tight-fitting respirator by passing a medical evaluation in accordance with Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.134 by hire or promotion date and must maintain certification. Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License by hire or promotion date. Must be able to successfully complete City of Mesa’s operator qualification requirements within six months of hire date and must retain qualification throughout employment in order to work on the City of Mesa’s natural gas system. Must reside no more than 18 miles from the assigned utility service reporting station (example: West side, East side, or Magma) within one year of hire date.

Substance Abuse Testing. This class is subject to Department of Transportation (DOT) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) drug and alcohol testing as outlined in 49 CFR Part 199.

Preferred/Desirable Qualifications. Supplemental courses in the utility construction and/or utility technology fields is preferred. Some (6 months – 1 year) experience using computers is desirable.