Public Works Technician I - Mains & Hydrants

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Under general supervision, assists in the planning and completion of public works water main installation and replacement construction projects.  Performs water system shutdown and energize of distribution mains.  Inspects and assists contractors during installation of new and rehab of water lines.  Assists and operates equipment used in the maintenance and repair of water utility lines and snow removal.  Proportionately spends a high percentage of time performing field locates for water utility lines in advance of construction or digging. Subject to on-call 24hr scheduled time slot in summer, spring, and fall and in winter months is subject to consistent 24hr on-call standby for the entirety of snow season.

Scope of Responsibility:
 
The Public Works Technician I may serve as crew lead and provide work direction to others.
 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBLITIES:

1. Reviews City Engineers' and contractors' project plans and specifications for public works projects such as water main installation and rehab. 
   1. Compares project plans with existing department plans; 
   2. Takes field measurements to secure infrastructure data.
2. Inspects projects in progress and completed projects to ensure compliance with specifications and standards. 
   1. Checks job sites throughout project and may observe installation and testing of certain components to ensure compliance to project specifications and City standards; 
   2. Maintains records of inspections performed as required.
3. Ability to read and comprehend city infrastructure project plans and existing department plans to allow for the identifications and location of city water utilities prior to construction or digging by private entities.
   1. Operation of advanced locating equipment;
   2. High level of competency and responsibility in performing accurate locates to safeguard public water utilities;
   3. Use of advanced level computer based utility software programs.
4.  Documents and oversees the gate valve exercising program.
   1. Assigns areas in which exercising of gate valves is needed;
   2. Maintains a record of exercising zones completed along with documentation of items in need of repair and problem areas. 
5. Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
   1. Frequently  interacts with others in the work unit, the public, vendors or across departments to exchange detailed and/or technical information;
   2. Interaction with the public, vendors or across departments occasionally includes negotiations involving convincing the other party to do something to achieve a basic work related objective;
   3. Interacts with the public, contractors and utility representatives, and Engineering department staff  to respond to general inquiries, provide information such as locate information on sewer and water ties; records of as-built plans, etc.; and/or to refer individual(s) to supervisor or other appropriate personnel to resolve issues.
6. Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
   1. Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;
   2. Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;
   3. When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner.
7.  Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The job requires an Associate's degree in civil engineering technology or a closely related field and three or more years of previous experience in construction inspection; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.  A valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with appropriate endorsements is also required.
 
Knowledge, skills and abilities include: 

• Knowledge of the proper and safe operation, servicing and maintenance of material moving equipment;
• Knowledge of City's existing infrastructure;
• Knowledge of construction methods and materials;
• Skill in performing mathematical computations such as algebra and trigonometry;
• Skill in performing technical engineering procedures such as drafting and designing;
• Skill in operating locating computer software and basic Microsoft Office programs;
• Ability to interpret plans, take measurements, and create accurate drawings;
• Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms, and have good public relations skills;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Most work is performed in a field environment involving working inside and outside of vehicles.  Seasonal conditions can include excessive heat or cold.  Conditions can include working in wet, muddy, slippery or dusty and windy conditions. At these times there may be intermittent exposure to very disagreeable working conditions.  Some assignments involve exposure to odors, such as from solid waste or untreated sewage.  There is often exposure to traffic and moving equipment.  There is considerable attention to detail when handling equipment in tight quarters or around people.
Climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, repetitive motions.
 
Very Heavy Work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
 
Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.  All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
 
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required.  To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.
 
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.  The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.