Water Utility Maintenance Worker I-II

Position Description

RECRUITMENT OVERVIEW

The City of Tulare is currently recruiting to fill the position of Water Utility Maintenance Worker I-II.

The City of Tulare is a vibrant and steadily growing community with a population of 70,693 located in the heart of California's Central Valley. The city provides a full range of services to our citizens. The organization, staffed with 403 full-time employees, enjoys a culture of fiscal conservatism, collaboration, teamwork and dedication to public service and our community.

We are currently recruiting to fill one immediate vacancy and an eligible list will also be established to fill future vacancies in this classification for a period of up to six months. This position is scheduled for a salary increase of 5.75% effective July 1, 2025. The new monthly salary rate at that time will be as follows: I: $4,240.66 - $5,154.56 / month I: $4,685.50 - $5,695.25 / month.

To be considered for this position applicants must submit an application with detailed information in each section of the application: Education, Work Experience, Certificates and Licenses, and Skills.

In addition to submitting a detailed application, applicants are required to respond to the supplemental questions associated with the application. Responses to the supplemental questions will be used to help us evaluate applicants’ qualifying knowledge, skills, and abilities. Resumes may be attached but will not be accepted in lieu of a complete, detailed application or in lieu of detailed responses to the supplemental questions.

The dates associated with the recruitment process are outlined in this job posting. For planning purposes, we are including reference to the written exam. Additional details regarding the exam will be sent via email, to qualified applicants after our screening process is complete.

WRITTEN EXAM:

If we determine that you meet the minimum requirements for the position you will be invited to take the written exam (multiple choice format), which is the first phase of our recruitment process.

The exam will be administered the afternoon of: FRIDAY, MAY 9th. The exam will consist of a multiple-choice format with the following content categories:

*Oral Communication

*Reading and Applying General Information

*Knowledge of Tools and Equipment

*Safe Work Practices

For planning purposes, we are including reference to the written exam. Additional details regarding the exam will be sent via email, to qualified applicants after our screening process is completed no later than Friday, May 2 nd at 5 p.m.

INTERVIEW:

Applicants that achieve a minimum passing score of 70% on the written exam will be eligible to participate in the interview phase.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under direct or general supervision, performs a variety of routine to skilled work in the installation, repair, construction, and maintenance of the City's water distribution system and related appurtenances; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives technical and functional direction and training from the Water Utility Maintenance Crew Leader and direct or general supervision from the Water Utility Supervisor. May provide technical and functional direction to lower-level staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Water Utility Maintenance Worker I: This is the entry-level class in the water utility maintenance series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents with basic maintenance experience learn City infrastructure, systems, and facilities, use of tools and equipment, and a wide variety of practices and procedures. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence. This class is alternately-staffed with Water Utility Maintenance Worker II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining the knowledge, skill, experience, licenses, and certifications which meet the qualifications for and demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class.

Water Utility Maintenance Worker II: This is the journey-level class in the water utility maintenance series that performs the full range of duties required to ensure that City infrastructure, systems, and facilities to which assigned are maintained in a safe and effective working condition and provide the highest level of safety for public use. Responsibilities include inspecting and attending to assigned areas in a timely manner, and performing a wide variety of tasks in the maintenance and repair of assigned water distribution facilities and systems. This class is distinguished from Water Utility Maintenance Crew Leader in that the latter is responsible for technical and functional direction over lower-level water utility maintenance staff and is capable of performing the most complex duties assigned to the division.

Examples of Essential Functions

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only) Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Performs a variety of routine to skilled work to inspect, install, maintain, and repair valves, meters, water distribution pipelines and related appurtenances; inspects and tests lines in the distribution system; threads and fits pipes; and performs soldering and torch cutting of pipes.
• Inspects water services for compliance with established codes and/or damaged or worn parts, and makes repairs as necessary; performs preventative maintenance adjustments.
• Performs valve maintenance and leak detection with the use of electronic devices.
• Turns on and off main line valves, hydrants, and fire service lines; pressure tests lines of new construction; exercises valves and hydrants.
• Performs various maintenance duties, including removing and installing meters and making minor meter repairs.
• Reports water service defects and public safety hazards, including providing exception list information and reporting hazards to supervisors.
• Services, replaces, and rebuilds customer water service meters; assists in reading meters; turns water service on or off; performs water service shut-offs for non-payments.
• Uses pavement breaker to begin trenches or make minor excavations, places shoring where required, and makes necessary installations and repairs to distribution pipelines.
• Operates and maintains light, medium, and heavy duty equipment and trucks appropriate for the construction, maintenance, and repair of the City's infrastructure.
• Performs safety and service inspections of assigned trucks and equipment; steam cleans, washes, and fuels equipment; assists in lubrication and maintenance of equipment.
• Installs street barricades and cones and controls traffic around work sites to ensure safe conditions for the general public and City workers.
• Locates and marks underground utilities.
• Collects water samples; tests water for chlorine content; chlorinates lines for bacteria.
• Performs a variety of routine carpentry, painting, masonry, and electrical work; forms, pours, and finishes concrete; erects chain link and wooden fences; paints vaults, pump houses, piping, curbs, building interiors and exteriors, gates, and other structures; cleans and maintains grounds.
• Assists in special projects as assigned, including preventative maintenance and basic repair at well sites.
• May assist with installing backflow devices.
• Reads and interprets maps, blueprints, sketches, and diagrams in the performance of the work.
• Observes safe work methods and makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required; draws maps and records measurements.
• Operates a variety of hand and power tools and equipment related to work assignment as instructed.
• Maintains work areas in a clean and orderly condition, including securing equipment at the close of the workday.
• Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions.
• Issues water waste tags; answers inquiries from citizens regarding work performed; responds to complaints and answers questions from public or escalates to supervisor, as necessary.
• Responds to operations, maintenance, and repair emergency situations as required.
• Maintains accurate records of work performed; completes reports as necessary.
• May assist other maintenance crews in emergency or relief situations.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Maintenance principles, practices, tools, and materials for maintaining and repairing water distribution systems, including water hydraulics, valves, pipe materials, and water service components.
• The operation and minor maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and power equipment.
• Basic traffic control procedures and traffic sign regulations.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Shop arithmetic.
• Safety equipment and practices related to the work, including the handling of hazardous chemicals and confined space entry.
• Safe driving rules and practices.
• Basic computer software related to work.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.

Ability to:

• Perform construction, modification, maintenance, and repair work on water distribution systems, facilities, and equipment such as found in the City.
• Operate specialized maintenance and repair equipment related to water main cleaning.
• Set up and operate traffic area construction zones, including cones, barricades, and flagging.
• Locate underground utilities by use of blueprints and electronic locating equipment in accordance with Underground Service Alert (USA) regulations.
• Troubleshoot maintenance problems and determine materials and supplies required for repair.
• Make accurate arithmetic calculations.
• Read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Safely and effectively use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, power tools, and equipment required for the work.
• Perform work in a confined space following required confined space entry procedures.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.
• Follow department policies and procedures related to assigned duties.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Communicate effectively in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Qualifications / Requirements

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Water Utility Maintenance Worker I and II: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.

Water Utility Maintenance Worker I: One (1) year of experience of general construction or mechanical equipment maintenance work which involved the use of hand and power tools and the operation of light trucks.

Water Utility Maintenance Worker II: In addition to the above, one (1) year of experience equivalent to Water Utility Maintenance Worker I at the City of Tulare.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATES:

Water Utility Maintenance Worker I/II: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license.

Water Utility Maintenance Worker I: Within eighteen (18) months of the date of entry into the position, must obtain a Grade I Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California Water Resources Control Board.

Water Utility Maintenance Worker II: Possession of a Grade II Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California Water Resources Control Board.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, to work in confined spaces, around machines, and to climb and descend ladders, and to operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 75 pounds and heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical, and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives, and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

• Members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). In accordance with the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), the City of Tulare will offer the following retirement benefit (2.0% at 62) to new PERS members beginning January 1, 2013 with three (3) years final compensation. Existing PERS members with no break in service will receive the 2.5% at 55 formula with single highest year.
• City pays a portion of the employee and dependent coverage costs of group medical, dental and vision insurance. An opt-out plan is also available.
• Life insurance - $20,000 coverage.
• 10 working days vacation per year. Additional days based on years of service.
• 12 days sick leave per year.
• 15 holidays annually: 12 city observed holidays, plus birthday credit and 2 in-lieu holidays.
• Flexible benefit program - IRS Section 125 Plan.
• Deferred compensation plan - 457 Plans available.
• City sponsored employee health care clinic - Services include: general medical care and health and wellness coaching. No deductibles, co-pays, or out-of-pocket expenses.

Closing Date/Time: 4/27/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

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• City of Tulare

• 559-684-4204

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