About the job

Position Title

Water System Maintenance Operator II

Job Description

Under general supervision, operates assigned equipment and vehicles, including dump trucks, front end loaders, compressors and related equipment as a normal and continual assignment, while performing specialized and routine water maintenance work. Operates backhoes on an as needed basis and for training and emergency purposes.

AFSCME positions are offering attractive incentives for those seeking secure and rewarding employment opportunities. A 5% salary boost for fiscal year 2024, followed by an additional guaranteed 4% increase in fiscal year 2025. Join us for secure and rewarding employment opportunities.

Early application submittal is encouraged. The position will remain open until filled and may close anytime without notice.

This position includes a robust benefits package. Learn more about our benefits here: Salt Lake City Benefits.

Typical Duties

• As a member of a specialized crew, repairs and replaces broken pipes, mains, valves and hydrants using hand equipment, pavement breakers, tapping machines, hydraulic and pneumatic boring machines and cutters, welding and cutting torches, walk behind concrete saws, dump trucks, front end loaders, Vactor trucks, backhoes, compressors and related equipment.
• Sets meter yokes, meter boxes and/or related items according to work orders. Taps water mains for new service and kills services where appropriate. Uses heavy equipment to excavate, haul away spoil and install backfill materials. Repairs and rebuilds fire hydrants and valves both in the field and in the shop. Performs duties in job restoration including the preparation for asphalt, concrete, and landscape restoration.
• Communicates with customers as to what the project will consist of, whether their water service will be interrupted or not, an approximate time to complete the job, and the necessary steps to complete the project.
• Operates system valves to shut down supplies or restore service. Uses charts and locators to find appropriate water mains and valves. Uses geophones to locate leaks. In consultation with Senior Water System Maintenance Operator, determines appropriate methods of repair, proper service configurations and pipe sizes.
• Assists with completion of work orders and inventory sheets. Assists with the completion of necessary permits for confined space entry, trenching, shoring and hot work. Procures supplies and equipment from department storehouse. Complies with all departmental safety policies and procedures. Assists with instructing new workers. Assists with job investigations to determine necessary utility location, traffic signing, and coordination with property owners.
• May supervise a crew and operate a backhoe on a daily basis in the absence of a Senior Water System Maintenance Operator. While supervising a crew, with the assistance of a Water Maintenance Supervisor, is responsible for the ordering and placement of traffic control barricades, trenching and shoring devices. Conducts confined space and lock out/tag out evaluations in compliance with all local, state and federal safety regulations. Conducts safety meetings and enforces all on site safety procedures. Has the authority to stop work if safety standards are not met and is responsible for compliance with safety regulations and procedures. May recommend disciplinary action for members of the crew. Coordinates cuts with other utilities in the field. Also operates backhoe for training or emergency purposes.
• As necessary, performs all the duties of Water System Maintenance Operator I and other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Possession of a valid Utah Commercial Drivers License Class "A" and other CDL endorsements as required.
• Three years paid work experience performing water system maintenance and repair either as a water maintenance worker or in water systems construction. Up to one year of paid general maintenance work involving closely related duties may be substituted. Two years as Water System Maintenance Operator I for the Public Utilities Department will meet minimum qualifications requirement when approved by the department.
• Two years paid work experience operating related heavy equipment including backhoes, 10‑wheel dump trucks and front‑end loaders on a documented and continual basis. Knowledge of the hazards and application of safety rules involved in the operation of equipment and the ability to be covered by insurance at standard premium rates.
• Certification required, or ability to obtain within six months from hire, in Confined Space Entry, Trench and Shoring (Competent Person as defined by OSHA), Flagging and Traffic Control Device Placement, and Forklift Operation.
• Demonstrated ability to respond to emergencies including 24‑hr call‑out and standby according to a rotating schedule.
• Demonstrated ability to work well and relate with co‑workers, supervisors and the general public under varying job related circumstances.
• Must comply with UDOT physical requirements.

Desired Qualification

• Certification as a Water Distribution Operator IV.

Working Conditions

• Heavy physical activity. Required to push, pull or lift medium‑to‑heavy weights. Difficult working positions. Must stand, walk or sit uncomfortably for extended periods. Exposure to disagreeable elements such as heat, cold, dampness, fumes, noise, dust or grease. Substantial exposure to health and Occupational hazards.
• Intermittent exposure to stress as a result of human behavior.
• This position may be assigned to shift work, extensive overtime, callouts, standby or rotating shift schedules.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.