Nature of Work
The Water & Sewer Utility Worker I is responsible for performing manual and semi-skilled work involving manual tools and smaller power-operated tools in a wide variety of laboring activities.
Under the general supervision of a crew leader, an employee in this position performs equipment operations and laboring tasks necessary to the construction, operation, and maintenance of public water and sewer.
An employee in this position is considered essential and may be required to report to work during adverse weather in which the county declares a delay or closure.
Examples of Duties
(The following examples illustrate the work performed in the positions in the class.
Positions may require some or all of these examples depending on the organization of work within the department.
The list is not inclusive.
A position may require related duties not listed, if necessary, to accomplish the work of the department.
)
Uses an air hammer to break paved surfaces and dig trenches with pick and shovel for the installation or maintenance of pipes.
Backfills excavation upon completion of work and compacts loose earth with a tamping machine.
Operates a jet cleaner to clean out sewer lines.
Installs and maintain water or sewer mainlines and service.
Flushes fire hydrants.
Loads and unloads sand, stone, gravel, timbers, heavy mechanical equipment, pipes, valves, and other equipment used in the installation and repair of water or sewer structures.
Uses a chainsaw and other tools to remove trees, tree limbs, and other debris from water and sewer utility right-of-ways.
Digs ditches, manholes, and backfills; repairs ditches, road surfaces, sidewalks, and grounds after digging.
Assists operating and maintenance personnel in the operation, maintenance, and repair of mechanical and electrical equipment cleans and maintains tools and equipment, and performs routine and unskilled tasks in the operation of a storeroom and equipment repair facility.
Raises, lowers, and repairs meters.
Read water meters, and assist in meter installation and repair.
Turns the water on for new tenants and turns the water off when a pipe is broken, a meter needs repair, or when a house is vacated.
Performs general laboring tasks of a water and sewer laborer.
May direct traffic around workers and equipment, and may deal directly with the public at the work site.
On-call 24-hour for emergencies, flextime, or scheduled rotation of duties to cover a 6-7 day workweek, including weekends; second shift operation may be required
Minimum Qualification Requirements
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Working knowledge of the care and use of standard hand tools used in the construction and maintenance of water and sewer installations
Skill in operating air tools, jet cleaners, and other light equipment related to the installation and repair of water and sewer structures to maintain and repair mechanical and electrical equipment
Ability to perform strenuous work in varying weather conditions for prolonged periods of time and work while in kneeling, sitting, or prone positions depending upon assignment
Ability to understand and follow specific oral and written instructions, work with others, and interact with the public in a courteous manner
EDUCATION:
Graduation from high school, vocational-technical school, or possession of a GED Certificate.
EXPERIENCE:
One (1) year experience in general laboring work which included the use of manual and power-operated tools.
LICENSE:
Possession of a valid Class “D” or Class “C” non-commercial driver’s license with no more than three (3) points acceptable for job entry.
The employee must obtain a valid Class “A” CDL license with “O” and air brake endorsement with no more than three (3) points within six (6) months of the date of hire.
SAFETY:
Must comply with all Federal (OSHA), State of Maryland (MOSH), safety regulations, and applicable Harford County safety policies, procedures, or manual as required for this position.
Notes
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
The selected candidate who does not obtain a valid Class “A” CDL license with “O” and air brake endorsement with no more than three (3) points within six (6) months of the date of hire will be terminated from employment.
On 24-hour call for emergencies, flextime, or scheduled rotation of duties to cover a 6-7 day work week, including weekends.
Positions in this class may be required to cover a second-shift operation.
The employee will work the First Shift for the first 6 months of training and then may be transferred to the 2nd or weekend shift.
First Shift operations: 5-8 hour days (Monday-Friday 7:00 A.
M.
- 3:00 P.
M.
)
Second shift operations 5-8 hour days (2:00 P.
M.
– 10:00 P.
M.
)
Weekend operations: 4-10 hour days (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday)