Utility Service Worker - Senior

THIS RECRUITMENT IS A PROMOTIONAL RECRUITMENT OPEN TO PERMANENT PLACER COUNTY EMPLOYEES ONLY.

The Department of Public Works and Facilities has a current vacancy for one Senior Utility Services Worker. This position is critical to the Utilities Division and directs the daily operations of the Underground Projects crew. This crew executes complex and difficult projects that require excavation or trenchless pipe repair. In addition, this position acts as the front line supervisor and technical lead for the crews that install, rehabilitate, and repair / replace water and wastewater collection and water distribution systems. Duties include oversight of assigned staff, ensuring work is done in a safe and efficient manner, training for new hires, and being a technical resource in areas related to pipeline repairs for sanitary sewer and water systems. Position also requires response to customer service calls, alarms from monitoring stations, and pipeline failures requiring immediate repair during work hours as well as after hours.

To perform highly complex and difficult duties requiring independent judgement in the installation, maintenance, repair and replacement of wastewater collection and water distribution systems and in the maintenance of wastewater and water treatment and related facilities; and to exercise technical and functional supervision over maintenance and technical personnel.

This is the advanced journey level class in the Utility Service Worker series.  Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed, complexity of duties assigned, independence of action taken, by the amount of time spent performing lead or specialized duties and by the nature of the public contact made.  Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series including performance of complex and difficult work in sewer and water line maintenance and repair, motor and pump maintenance and repair and exercise of technical and functional supervision over maintenance and technical personnel.  Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned area of responsibility.

Receives direction from a Supervising Utility Service Worker.

Exercises technical and functional supervision over maintenance and technical personnel.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Train and lead subordinate personnel.
• Locate, inspect and repair manholes; locate, test for and repair leaks in sewer and water lines; inspect sewer and water lines manually or by television, as appropriate; and inspect and repair manholes; and operate high pressure sewer line cleaning equipment to free plugged mains.
• Dig ditches and make excavations; backfill trenches and excavations; cut, thread, assemble and lay pipe; tap main lines and make new service connections. 
• Clean sludge drying beds and haul sludge; clear and maintain drainage ditches; and perform maintenance on sewer ponds and at landfill site. 
• Inspect, maintain, rebuild and repair pumps and electric motors, controls and alarms.
• Operate light and moderately heavy equipment such as dump trucks, boom trucks and backhoes; transport equipment and supplies to work sites; and load and unload equipment and supplies.
• Perform various building trades skills such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, masonry and welding in support of Utility Services functions.
• Perform traffic control including setting up and removal of signs and cones and flagging. 
• Keep and submit appropriate records.
• May read and repair water meters; may patch road pavement; and may operate and repair snow removal equipment.
• When assigned to wastewater treatment plant, maintain and repair all plant mechanical, electrical and electronic systems; install and repair all piping and valves; interpret manuals, schematics, plant diagrams and drawings; and provide technical supervision to maintenance and technical personnel regarding equipment and facility maintenance within plant.
• When assigned to shop maintenance, perform preventive maintenance and repair on vehicles, heavy equipment and other specialized equipment used by Utility Services.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

It is the applicant's responsibility to identify in their application materials how they meet the Minimum Qualifications listed below.

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Two years of responsible experience performing duties similar to those of a Utility Service Worker with Placer County.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

License or Certificate:

• Possession of a certificate of training in the use of self-contained breathing apparatus, to be obtained within three months of employment.
• Possession of Certificate in Wastewater Collection System Maintenance, Grade III, as issued by the California Water Environment Association is desirable.
• Possession of a valid Class A or B driver's license with air brake and tanker  endorsements may be required depending upon the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

Knowledge of:

• Practices and procedures as related to utility maintenance functions.
• Methods, tools, materials and equipment used in the construction and maintenance of sewage collection and water distribution, including pipeline sizing and installation and pump and motor operation.
• Tools, materials, equipment and methods used in building trades activities.
• Vehicle codes and safety practices relevant to operating light and moderately heavy vehicles and equipment.
• Principles and practices of work safety.

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand operations and observe safety rules.  Intermittently analyze problem equipment and systems; identify and locate equipment and tools; interpret work orders; remember equipment and tool location; remember street/road names and general geographic areas; and explain systems and equipment issues to others.
• Intermittently, sit while driving or completing forms or reports; stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, twist and reach when inspecting or repairing, digging or clearing and using  various tools and equipment; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling and fine manipulation; distinguish colors used in coding electrical wires; hear pump and motor operation and alarms; regularly lift very heavy weight.
• Train, assign, review and evaluate work of assigned personnel.
• Operate various motorized light and moderately heavy equipment.
• Operate electric or electronic equipment related to utility maintenance functions, such as television cameras and various meters.
• Use various power, air and hand tools.
• Obtain information through interviews and dialogue; and deal fairly and courteously with the public.
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine proper course of action.
• Safely and effectively perform duties and operate equipment in regular traffic areas.
• Work unusual and prolonged work schedules; work multiple shifts during emergencies, seasonally-caused circumstances or special projects in varying climatic and temperature conditions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula.  Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

All applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be required to respond to an online Conviction History Questionnaire, which will be sent as a link on their notification that minimum qualifications have been met.  Failure to respond to this questionnaire within (3) three calendar days of the minimum qualification notification will result in disqualification from the examination.

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination, which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation, sign a constitutional oath and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S.  For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation and/or be bonded.

All new permanent employees, with the exception of sworn law enforcement and management, shall be required to join the employee organization or pay an 'Agency Fee' as a condition of employment.

The eligible list(s) resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification.  For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment and retaliation is prohibited and that all employees and applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of sex, sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws or ordinance. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  It is advisable that applicants inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view benefits for General bargaining unit