Utility Field Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

The Utility Field Specialist performs a wide range of routine labor-intensive work in the maintenance and repair of City water, reclaimed, and sewer systems and associated utility Lift stations and facilitates. Employees in this classification function at entry level. Routine tasks are performed with some independence and more difficult work is performed under direct supervision. This position maintains the utility facilities and promotes safe and efficient transporting of water/wastewater/reclaimed throughout the City.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
• Provides routine installation, maintenance and repair service to pumping stations, treatment plants and associated utilities transport systems
• Cleans, and inspects and maintains lift stations, water and wastewater facilities and equipment, e.g., removes grease; lubricates motors and equipment, replaces packing in pumps and valves, replaces wiring and bearings in motors and pumps
• Assists in the installation of water and sewer systems; installs taps, backflows, stop-offs, domestic and reclaimed water meters; performs cold patching of streets after repairs
• Assists in the disassembly, overhaul and repair of transmission lines and peripheral components, e.g., hydrants, gauges, motors, assemblies, values, panels and switches
• Operates equipment though test sequencing to ensure proper operating conditions; monitors gauges and meters to ensure proper operating conditions
• Performs all work in adherence to establish preventative maintenance principals and schedules to detect wear and tear and prevent equipment and operational malfunctions; performs non-scheduled maintenance activities
• Performs the safe and proper operation of trade tools and power equipment; adheres to prescribed safety standards and regulatory requirements
• Maintains daily work reports and preventative maintenance records, ensuring through documentation for identified problem areas
• Performs basic lawn care and landscaping tasks; performs general installation and repairs to irrigation systems; trims trees and hedges
• Coordinates with utility operators on leaks, main breaks, or related critical events; responds to emergency call-in in disasters or other critical events
• Performs related duties as directed when such duties are a logical and appropriate assignment to the position.
• Maintains cleanliness and neatness of vehicle, equipment, and tools.

OTHER DUTIES

• Represents the Department at meetings involving assigned activities
• All employees will have a role in the City's disaster preparation and/or disaster recovery efforts, as may be designated in the City Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing or activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School graduation or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma
• A minimum of one (1) year experience in manual labor preferably in utilities or related operations
• A comparable amount of training, education, or experience can be substituted for the minimum qualifications

ADDITONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Valid Florida Driver's license
• Employee shall obtain certifications for the National Incident Management System ICS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System and IS-700 National Incident Management System, An Introduction within six (6) months of employment. The following courses are designed to provide a --baseline, as they introduce basic NIMS and ICS concepts and provide the foundation for higher-level Emergency Operations Center- (EOC), MACS-, and ICS-related training
• Level 3 FDEP Water Distribution System Operator License, or Class C or higher Water Treatment Plant Operator License, within eighteen (18) months of hire

COMPETENCIES

• General knowledge of the safe and proper use and care of manual and power hand tools and equipment utilized in the utility's preventative maintenance and repair field
• General knowledge of, and ability to utilize materials, methods and equipment used in general maintenance and utility work
• Ability to maintain and prepare concise operating reports
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operation and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and related documentation
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and a variety of instructions in written, oral, diagram or schedule form
• Ability to solve routine mathematical problems related to water distribution operations
• Ability to maintain daily work log and weekly man hour sheet
• Ability to produce acceptable written correspondence
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to meet established deadlines, and follow up on assignments with a minimal amount of direction
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to recognize safety hazards and to take precautionary measures to protect self and others
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management personnel, co-workers, outside agencies and the general public
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Works indoors and works outdoors in various weather conditions
• Works below ground level following safety procedures
• Exposure to noise, dust, fumes, gases, chemicals, toxins, traffic, grease or oils, electrical energy, slippery surfaces, uneven surfaces, in or with moving objects, offensive odors
• Moderate to loud noise level in the work environment
• Regularly exposed to possible bodily injury from electrical shock; falling from exposed places; and moving mechanical parts of equipment, tools and machinery

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must be able to lift, carry, pull, move, and manipulate up to 70 pounds with proper mechanics and equipment
• Must be physically able to operate a vehicle, equipment, various hand and/or power tools, etc.
• Tasks involve the regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling; ascending or descending of ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps and poles
• Tasks involve ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles; maintain body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing, crouching, or navigating narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces; move about on hands and knees or hands and feet; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects; and to reach with hands and arms.
• Sufficient manual dexterity to allow the use of power tools, a keyboard, and writing
• Sufficient visual acuity to read and comprehend departmental reports and documents
• Acceptable hearing (with or without hearing aid)