Utility Worker I/II/III

This series specification describes three classes which perform varied potable, recycled and waste water service construction and maintenance work; a variety of routine grounds maintenance and landscaping duties; building maintenance and custodial duties; reads, records and reports readings of water meters; cleans and maintains meter locations; basic meter repairs; locks and unlocks meters; and performs related work as required.

Class Characteristics:

Utility Worker I - Learns and performs a variety of entry-level construction-related and technical tasks including the installation, inspection, maintenance, repair and operation of water mains, service lines, fire hydrants, valves, wharf heads, air vacs, blow offs, and pressure regulating stations pumps, and motors used to collect, pump, distribute, treat, and store water. Incumbents read, record, and report usage; installs, repairs, maintains and tests water meters and related components; and responds to customer service inquiries regarding usage and meters. Installs, inspects, maintains and repairs waste water and recycle water pipelines, right of ways, lift stations, wet wells, dry wells, pressurized sewer and recycle water pipelines, pumps, floats and manholes. Because employees in classifications at this level may be in a training capacity, such position does not require significant previous work experience in the applicable field.

Utility Worker II - In addition to all duties of Utility Worker I, under the direction of a supervisor and crew leader, performs a variety of construction related tasks including the installation, maintenance, repair and operation of water mains, service lines, fire hydrants, valves, pumps, and motors used to collect, pump, distribute, treat, and store water, wastewater systems including lift stations, wet wells, dry wells, sewer lines, gravity and pressure sewer pipelines, manholes and reclaimed water lines.

Utility Worker III - In addition to all duties of Utility Worker II, under the direction of a supervisor and crew leader, performs a variety of construction related tasks including the installation, maintenance, repair and operation of water mains, service lines, fire hydrants, valves, pumps, and motors used to collect, pump, distribute, treat, and store water, wastewater systems including lift stations, wet wells, dry wells, sewer lines, gravity and pressure sewer pipelines, manholes and reclaimed water lines. May supervise crew members in the absence of the crew leader.

Utility Worker I:

• Follows established departmental procedures in the inspection of equipment for fuel, lubricants and the operation of safety devices;
• Inspects truck to ensure that proper tools are present;
• In accordance with instructions and standard procedures, requisitions tools, parts and material;
• Loads trucks;
• Drives to the job site;
• Removes blacktop, digs bell hole and trench;
• Installs and glues service lines;
• Cuts risers;
• Installs angle cocks;
• Assembles and installs water meters and meter boxes;
• Backfills trench and bell hole;
• Replaces blacktop with cold mix;
• Picks up, applies and rolls hot mix;
• Repairs leaks in service lines;
• Tests and repairs water meters;
• Performs routine preventive maintenance servicing of vehicles;
• Sets up traffic control and performs traffic flagging duties;
• Installs pressure regulating and backflow prevention devices;
• Performs routine inspection of equipment, tanks, structures, air handling equipment and duct works, checking for damage, oil leaks, excessive noise or abnormal operations;
• Assists mechanics, other employees and vendors in the removal, repair, replacement, testing and servicing of plant and pump station mechanical equipment, vehicles, meters, valves, piping, engines and related parts;
• Loads, unloads and drives dump truck;
• Operates valve turning machine;
• As a learner and worker, uses shovel, tamper, jack hammer, dump truck, sprayer, pipe cutter, and compressor;
• Applies concrete mud to pipe, angles, couplings, saddles, nozzles and flanges;
• Mixes, pours and finishes concrete;
• Places forms for fire hydrants;
• Notifies customers of water service shut downs;
• Turns water meters on and off;
• Cleans drainage ditches and culverts;
• Maintains right-of-ways;
• Flushes fire hydrants;
• Welds steel couplings to steel pipe;
• Exercises valves;
• Installs shoring in trenches;
• Maintains valves, manholes, cleanout/overflow device structures;
• Responds to sewer stoppage and overflow reports when assigned;
• Assists with sewer mainline flushing and CCTV operations;
• Operates a radio read computer and handheld CMT;
• Troubleshoots and repairs radio read meters;
• Maintains handheld readers, hand tools, and power tools that are used to perform job duties.
• Notes damage to meters;
• Checks customer complaints and, as appropriate, resolves user complaints, such as no water, water leaks and high consumption;
• Examines meters for signs of tampering;
• Tags water meters as necessary;
• Reads new routes and route changes;
• May assist in the training of new personnel;
• Operates District vehicles;
• Clears away obstructions such as shrubbery, insects, water, etc. from meters and sewer clean outs;
• Checks meter numbers and new meter installation; answers questions from customers;
• Locks and unlocks meters;
• Notifies supervisor of inoperative meter locks;
• Fends off dogs and other animals as needed;
• Mows lawns with power and hand mowers;
• Rakes and removes leaves and debris;
• Trims trees, hedges and shrubs;
• Edges using hand and power equipment;
• Waters cultivated areas by hand;
• Assists in the installation of irrigation systems;
• Plants trees, shrubs;
• Empties trash and recycling bins;
• Performs routine janitorial duties;
• Sprays herbicides and pesticides;
• Changes light bulbs and ballasts;
• Removes dead trees and plants;
• Washes trucks;
• Performs full range of duties of a custodian, as assigned, in addition to grounds keeping work;
• Operates District equipment;
• Is available for assignment to water and/or wastewater stand-by duty;
• Receives on the job training to perform qualified, specific tasks on de-energized high-voltage circuits, and energized or de-energized low-voltage circuits;
• Maintains lift stations-inspects pumps, alarms, telemetry, and pressure switches (floats and bubblers); checks flow lines, meters and data; repairs pumps; and maintains generators;
• Cleans sewer lines using a combination vehicle; flushes and vacuums wet wells to check the performance of pumps and electrical cables and look for areas of corrosion; inspects and maintains manholes;
• Performs manhole inspections and records conditions in the asset management system;
• Sets up portable pumps to bypass lift stations and manholes during emergencies;
• Monitors and responds to lift station and sanitary overflow prevention alarms;
• Enters confined spaces;
• Supports other departments including wastewater, water operations, meters, fleet, backflow and construction as needed; and
• Performs related work as required.

Utility Worker II:

• Performs moderately difficult operation of light, medium and heavy construction equipment such as backhoes, skip loader, swing cab crane, skid steer, collections combination vehicle;
• Drives Class A/B CDL required vehicles and hauls large equipment and/or materials;
• As a member of a crew or in conformance with crew leader/supervisor, lays out tools, parts and materials in accordance with the demands of the job;
• Understands and follows District Sop’s and engineering standards;
• Installs hydraulic and/or box shoring to specification;
• Detects on-the-job problems and seeks direction;
• Performs semi-skilled and skilled manual tasks with minimal supervision;
• Disassembles, inspects, determines damage, reoccurrence of similar failures and recommends improvements to preventative maintenance schedules, items of work, etc.;
• Develops maps for planned water shutoffs;
• Gives routine on-the-job training to co-workers;
• Advises co-workers on safety procedures;
• Notifies the crew leader/supervisor of safety hazards;
• Takes water samples and determines chlorine residuals;
• May be assigned to carry out scheduled work independently or with a helper;
• Sets up traffic control to meet county standards;
• Performs welding repairs on pipelines and maintains welding equipment, welds repairs or appurtenances to pressurized water mains;
• Performs Hot Taps on live water mains;
• Installs sewer laterals and makes connections at sewer gravity and force mains;
• Sets up and monitors confined space entries;
• Maintains lift stations-inspects pumps, alarms, telemetry, and pressure switches (floats and bubblers); checks flow lines, meters and data; repairs pumps; and maintains generators;
• Cleans sewer lines using a combination vehicle; flushes and vacuums wet wells to check the performance of pumps and electrical cables and look for areas of corrosion; inspects and maintains manholes;
• Performs manhole inspections and records conditions in the asset management system;
• Performs closed-circuit television (CCTV) pipeline checks and inspections;
• Sets up portable pumps to bypass lift stations and manholes during emergencies;
• Monitors and responds to Lift Station and Sanitary overflow prevention alarms;
• Conducts smoke or dye testing in order to detect pipeline leaks;
• Maintains easements and performs weed abatement;
• Creates electronic work orders and inspection reports;
• Performs wastewater sampling to ensure that it meets standards;
• Prepares job sites and performs traffic control;
• Monitors grease disposals at all collection system lines and restaurants in the District;
• Cleans, maintains, and repairs wastewater equipment and cleans wastewater trucks;
• Supports other departments including water operations, system services, fleet, construction, and collections as needed;
• May perform basic maintenance tasks at District facilities and grounds; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Utility Worker III:

• Performs skilled operation of light, medium and heavy construction equipment such as backhoes, skip loader, swing cab crane, skid steer, collections combination vehicle;
• Drives Class A/B CDL required vehicles and hauls large equipment and/or materials;
• As a member of a crew or in conformance with crew leader/supervisor, lays out tools, parts and materials in accordance with the demands of the job;
• Understands and follows District Sop’s and engineering standards;
• Installs hydraulic and/or box shoring to specification;
• Detects on-the-job problems and determines remedies or seeks direction;
• Develops maps for planned water shutoffs;
• Understands how to shut off water mains and dewater for repair work;
• Investigates causes of valve failure and remedies during shutdowns;
• Performs skilled manual tasks with minimal supervision;
• Disassembles, inspects, determines damage, reoccurrence of similar failures and develops improvements to preventative maintenance schedules, items of work, etc.;
• Gives routine on-the-job training to co-workers;
• Enforces safety procedures;
• Notifies the crew leader/supervisor of safety hazards;
• Takes water samples and determines chlorine residuals;
• May be assigned to carry out scheduled work independently or with a helper;
• Sets up traffic control to meet county standards;
• Performs welding repairs on pipelines and maintains welding equipment, welds repairs or appurtenances to pressurized water mains,
• Performs Hot Taps on live water mains,
• Installs sewer laterals and makes connections at sewer gravity and force mains;
• Sets up and monitors confined space entries;
• Maintains lift stations-inspects pumps, alarms, telemetry, and pressure switches (floats and bubblers); checks flow lines, meters and data; repairs pumps; and maintains generators;
• Cleans sewer lines using a combination vehicle; flushes and vacuums wet wells to check the performance of pumps and electrical cables and look for areas of corrosion; inspects and maintains manholes;
• Performs manhole inspections and records conditions in the asset management system;
• Installs and maintains wastewater systems, control valves, valves, hydraulics, pumps, and force mains/gravity systems;
• Basic understanding of Fats, Oil, and Grease (FOG) Program requirements;
• Performs closed-circuit television (CCTV) pipeline checks and inspections;
• Sets up portable pumps to bypass lift stations and manholes during emergencies;
• Monitors and responds to lift station and sanitary overflow prevention alarms;
• Conducts smoke or dye testing in order to detect pipeline leaks;
• Maintains easements and performs weed abatement;
• Creates electronic work orders and inspection reports;
• Performs wastewater sampling to ensure that it meets standards;
• Prepares job sites and performs traffic control;
• Monitors grease disposals at all collection system lines and restaurants in the District;
• Cleans, maintains, and repairs wastewater equipment and cleans wastewater trucks;
• Supports other departments including Water Operations, System Services, Fleet, Construction, and Collections as needed;
• May perform skilled maintenance tasks at District facilities and grounds; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Utility Worker I:

• Basic mathematics and measurements;
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, and the Internet.
• Proper use of hand and portable power tools;
• Basic ability and knowledge of safety practices when working with tools;
• Principals of water metering;
• Basic janitorial methods and tools;
• Common grounds keeping methods and tools;
• Methods of clearing debris from meter vaults right of ways;
• Basic public relations skills to communicate with customers;
• Standard utility construction techniques and principles;
• Basic understanding of electrical systems, mechanics, and assembly;
• Ability to perform all the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to read, interpret, and analyze data;
• Ability to safely and skillfully operate hand tools and use personal protective equipment;
• Ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and respectfully in English both verbally (in person, over the phone, and by radio) and in writing;
• Ability to keep records and prepare reports using a PC and/or tablet;
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative within established guidelines;
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships;
• Perform heavy manual labor;
• Be available for overtime, standby and after-hour emergency calls;
• Take accurate water meter readings and train others to perform this
• Operate radio read computer and hand held CMT;
• Walk for long distances, stoop and bend and see numbers in meters;
• Work independently;
• Operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices;
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions;
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
• Ability to keep records and prepare reports using a PC and/or tablet; and
• Perform related work as required.

Utility Worker II:

• Standard water distribution or wastewater collection system construction, maintenance, service installation and repair practices, procedures and terminology;
• Knowledge of and ability to successfully shut off water mains and dewater for repair work;
• Standard methods and safety practices in trench excavation, shoring;
• Standard traffic control requirements;
• Moderately skilled operation of light and medium construction equipment;
• Ability to maintain, repair, and replace all types of water distribution and wastewater system equipment;
• Ability to read, interpret, and work from sketches, map books, blueprints, and specifications;
• Ability to perform accurate mathematical calculations;
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships internally and externally;
• Ability to navigate and use GIS and Asset Management software; and
• Knowledge of the principles and methods of plumbing and hydraulics.

Utility Worker III:

• Advanced water distribution and wastewater collection system construction, maintenance, service installation and repair practices, procedures and terminology;
• Trenching and shoring and confined space procedures including the use of air and gas monitors;
• Advanced traffic control requirements;
• Ability to safely and skillfully operate hand tools and use personal protective equipment;
• Skilled operation of light and medium construction equipment;
• Ability to maintain, repair, and replace all types of water distribution and wastewater system equipment with minimal direction;
• Ability to read, interpret, and work from sketches, map books, blueprints, and specifications;
• Ability to perform accurate mathematical calculations;
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships internally and externally;
• Ability to navigate and use GIS and asset management software;
• Ability to keep records and prepare reports using a PC and/or tablet;
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative within established guidelines;
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, and the Internet;
• Knowledge of Cal-OSHA and OSHA standards, Safety Data Sheets, the principles of safe storage and usage of chemicals, EPA Regulations, and work safety standards;
• Knowledge of wastewater discharge requirements and Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) Order #2006-0003;
• Ability to independently operate the wastewater SCADA system, troubleshoot problems and failures, recognize dangerous conditions, and respond appropriately;
• Ability to read, interpret, and analyze data including sewer flow trends;
• Knowledge of Cla-Val type control valve repair and maintenance practices;
• Knowledge of backflow devices and cross connection principles;
• Knowledge of preventative maintenance practices and procedures related to water and wastewater systems;
• Knowledge of work safety standards related to traffic control, confined space entry, trenching, and shoring, and welding; and
• Knowledge of water systems, water hydraulics, pressure zone analysis and shutdown and highline processes.

Education, Training and Experience:

Utility Worker I:

• A high school diploma or GED;
• Minimum of one year of related work experience; and
• Certificate or coursework in water/wastewater is strongly desired.

Utility Worker II:

• A high school diploma or GED;
• Minimum of two years of related work experience; and
• Experience in pipeline welding is preferred but not required.

Utility Worker III:

• A high school diploma or GED; and
• Minimum of three years of related work experience in water or wastewater.

Required Water Licenses and Certificates:

Utility Worker I:

• Class C driver’s license.
• Forklift Certification within 6 months of hire.
• Traffic Control Certification within 6 months of hire.
• Water Distribution Certification - SWRCB Grade DI, at hire or within 1 year of hire.

Note: those who do not possess D1 certification at hire will be placed on a 1-year initial probation, instead of the standard 6-month initial probationary period.

• Class A/B or Crane Cert., or Welding Cert., orBackflow Cert., or CSM1, or T1.

Utility Worker II:

• Forklift certification;
• Traffic control certification;
• Water Distribution Operator Grade II (D2) certification or higher; and
• Class A/B commercial driver’s license; or Crane Operator License; or 6G Welding certification; or Backflow Certification; or NASSCO sewer manhole inspection certification or Collection System Maintenance Grade I certification (CSM 1), or Water Treatment Operator Grade I (T1).

Utility Worker III:

• Forklift Certification
• Traffic Control Certification
• Possession of certification as aSWRCBWater Distribution Operator Grade III (D3) or higher orSWRCBWater Distribution Operator Grade II (D2) andCWEA CSM Grade II
• Class A/B commercial driver’s license or Crane Operator License or 6G Welding Certification or Backflow Certification or CWEA CSM Grade II, or Water Treatment Operator Grade II (T2).

Required Wastewater Licenses and Certifications:

Utility Worker I:

• Class A commercial driver’s license or NASSCO Sewer Manhole Inspection Cert., or Crane Cert., or Welding Cert., or Backflow Cert, or D1, or T1.

• Forklift Certification within 6 months of hire.
• Traffic Control Certification within 6 months of hire.
• CWEA CSM Grade I certification at hire or within 1 year of hire.

Note: those who do not possess CSM I certification at hire will be placed on a 1-year initial probation, instead of the standard 6-month initial probationary period.

• Confined space certification at hire or within 6 months of hire.

Utility Worker II:

• Forklift Certification within 6 months of hire;
• Traffic Control Certification within 6 months of hire;
• CWEA Collection System Maintenance Grade II certification (CSM 2) or higher;
• Class A/B commercial driver’s license; and
• NASSCO sewer manhole inspection certification; or Crane Operator License; or 6G Welding Certification; or Backflow Certification or Water Distribution Operator Grade I (D1) certification, or Water Treatment Operator Grade I (T1).

Utility Worker III:

• Forklift Certification within 6 months of hire.
• Traffic Control Certification within 6 months of hire.
• CWEA CSM Grade III certification(CSM3) or higher or CWEA CSM Grade II and SWRCB Water Distribution Operator Grade II (D2).
• Class A/B commercial driver’s license.
• NASSCO manhole, lateral and pipeline, inspection certification.
• Certificate as a "competent person" in confined space entry and rescue.
• Crane Operator License or 6G Welding Certification or Water Distribution Operator Grade II (D2) or Backflow Certification or Water Treatment Operator Grade II (T2).

SALARY RANGES

Utility Worker I:

Range 10: CSM1

Range 11 : CSM1 + Class A/B or NASSCO Sewer Manhole Inspection Cert., or Crane Cert., or Welding Cert., or Backflow Cert, or D1, or T1

Utility Worker II:

Range 14: CSM 2

Range 15: CSM 2 + Class A/B + NASSCO Sewer Manhole Inspection Cert., or Crane Cert., or Welding Cert., or Backflow Cert, or D1, or T1.

Utility Worker III:

Range 18: CSM3 or CSM2 + D2

Range 19: CSM3 or (CSM2 +D2) + Class A/B + NASSCO Sewer Manhole Inspection Cert. + Crane Cert., or Welding Cert., or Backflow Cert., or D2, or T2