Utility Technician - OPEN ENTRY EXAM ANNOUNCEMENT

Position: Utility Technician

Department: Public Utilities

Examination Date: Monday, March 24, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.

Examination Location: Knox County Career Center (side door #27 - by the River Room Café) - 306 Martinsburg Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050.

APPLICATIONS: Civil Service employment applications are available on the City's website at www.mountvernonohio.org under the Careers tab. Applications can also be obtained in person in the Safety Service Office, located on the second floor of City Hall at 40 Public Square, Mount Vernon, OH 43050. Please ensure that your application is fully completed, including your signature, and submitted with your resume, military records (if applicable), and any other relevant documents. All materials must be submitted together within the designated application period.

Deadline: Completed applications will be accepted through the end of business on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. Applications can be submitted via email to Sarah Wisenbarger, HR Generalist, at swisenbarger@mountvernonohio.org. Alternatively, applications may be dropped off in person at the Civil Service Office, located on the second floor of City Hall. If the office door is closed, applicants may slide their materials under the door or submit them directly to the Office of Human Resources.

Additional Credit: Applicants who are residents of the State of Ohio, and who have been honorably discharged from active duty in the armed forces of the United States, are eligible to receive an additional credit of 20%. (Ohio National Guard service is accepted for this additional credit with verification of active-duty participation.) Any military reserve member (in good standing) can also receive a 15% credit with proper verification. A passing score of 70% is required to receive any additional credit.

Objective: The objective is to ensure the efficient operation of the City’s water distribution and wastewater collection systems, in compliance with the Ohio Administrative Code, the Ohio Revised Code, the Ohio EPA, and all applicable federal or state regulations. This responsibility includes maintaining and repairing all main pipelines, service pipelines, valves, hydrants, and related equipment to ensure continuous, effective system performance and regulatory compliance.

Minimum Education, Certifications, and Experience Requirements:

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Must possess a valid Ohio Driver’s License and be able to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) within twelve (12) months of the hire date.
• Advancement through obtaining Ohio EPA (OEPA) certification is expected.

Essential Functions:

• Installation and repair of the water and wastewater utilities, such as water mains, meter pits and manholes, valves, hydrants and sewer mains.
• Performs preventive maintenance on the water distribution and wastewater collection systems according to the established programs.
• Operates and maintain power tools such as jack hammers, tampers, saws or other similarly sized equipment.
• Operates and maintains larger equipment such as dump trucks, crew trucks, backhoe and vacuum truck to complete installation and repair work.
• Locates valves, water lines, manholes and sewer lines using maps, electronic detectors, and GIS.
• Responds to emergency situations in the distribution and collection systems, during and outside of normal working hours.
• Assists in installing, maintaining, and repairing mechanical, electrical, electronic, and other equipment used in the distribution and collection systems.
• Locates and reads water meters on an assigned route and records readings on a hand-held microcomputer.
• Mounts and installs consumer water meters using hand and small power tools.
• Inspect and trouble shoot water meters to detect leaks, causes of malfunction, or inaccuracy using hand tools and testing equipment.
• Makes minor repairs and adjustments to meters; reports any unusual hazard or condition associated with the meter installation to the Meter Crew Chief.
• Maintains turf and landscaping areas on city property by operating turf maintenance equipment such as lawn mowers, handsaws, clippers, shovels, chain saws, tree trimmers, and hoes.
• Cleans and maintains department vehicles and equipment by changing oil, filters, light bulbs, belts, etc.
• Sets up and operates city camera equipment in sanitary sewer and storm water systems to complete assessment of pipes, manholes and other structures to aid in determining maintenance, repair and rehabilitation needs.
• Produce accurate inspection reports to assist the engineering department as to location or changes to location of lines, manholes, taps and other system components.
• Completes the necessary job reports through the city’s OpenGov program.
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.
• May require the performance of other essential functions depending upon work location or assignment.

Non-Essential Job Functions:

• Performs additional related tasks as assigned or required to support the overall operations of the Distribution, Collections, and Meters Department within Public Utilities. This may include assisting with special projects, participating in training or professional development activities, providing support during emergency situations, and handling general maintenance duties as needed. A flexible approach to taking on various responsibilities is essential to ensure the continued efficiency and effectiveness of the department’s operations.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Basic knowledge and understanding of industry terminology and mathematical concepts.
• Basic knowledge of the maintenance and operation of motorized equipment.
• Basic knowledge of the use and upkeep of hand and powers tools.
• Basic knowledge of materials, methods, and practices followed in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution and wastewater collection systems.
• Basic knowledge of distribution and collections systems of the City of Mount Vernon.
• Basic understanding of hazardous materials associated with sewer maintenance work and safety measures to be observed including, OSHA Confined Space Entry procedures and trench safety regulations.
• Basic understanding of safety practices in the operation of electrical and mechanical equipment.
• Basic understanding of water distribution systems and wastewater collection systems.
• Basic knowledge and understanding of safety equipment.

Skilled in:

• Skilled in safely operating various hand and power tools, motorized vehicles, and heavy equipment.
• Skilled in performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Skilled in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Skilled in troubleshooting and diagnosing issues with water distribution and wastewater collection systems.
• Skilled in maintaining accurate records of maintenance, repairs, and inspections for compliance and future reference.
• Skilled in working collaboratively with team members to ensure efficient operation and timely completion of tasks.

Ability to:

• Use mirrors to back equipment.
• Perceive auditory signals such as various tones, beeps, etc.
• Arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules.
• Quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or vehicle to exact position.
• Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
• Communicate effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down.
• See details at a distance as well as at close range. Judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
• Work cooperatively with other City employees.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others and comply with OSHA regulations.
• Satisfactorily pass a pre-employment and random drug screen.

Difficulty of Work:

• Must be able to work both independently and as part of a team, often in high-pressure situations. The individual will be expected to manage tasks with minimal supervision while maintaining focus and productivity. Additionally, the role involves meeting deadlines and handling multiple tasks simultaneously, requiring strong time management and the ability to adapt to changing priorities. The work may also be performed in various settings, sometimes in challenging or stressful conditions, requiring resilience and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Supervisory Responsibility: This position does not have supervisory responsibility. However, situational awareness in regards to the safety and well-being of self, co-workers, and any other person present is required.

Workplace Relationships: The role involves regular contact with co-workers, the public, and contractors. All interactions will be conducted in a direct, respectful, and professional manner.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

Physical Requirements: This position involves manual labor, including but not limited to hand shoveling for extended periods (up to 8 hours), lifting items weighing over 50 lbs., and standing for prolonged durations (up to 8 hours).

Physical Activity: The role requires manual dexterity, lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, and walking.

Visual Activity: The position necessitates visual awareness and the ability to recognize hazards in environments involving heavy equipment and motor vehicles.

Work Environment: The job may be performed in various environmental conditions, including but not limited to hot, cold, damp, wet, humid, dry, noisy, greasy, or dirty settings. Work may occur both indoors and outdoors, including underground environments, with exposure to sudden temperature changes and air-conditioned spaces.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $27.04 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $27