What are the responsibilities and job description for the Utility Person / Backhoe Relief position at American Water?
Job Description
Job Title: Utility Person / Backhoe Relief
Posting Start Date: 6/23/26
Job Description:
Primary Role
To perform a variety of tasks in the operation and maintenance of water distribution and wastewater collection system facilities including the ability to work as the backhoe operator relief person.
Key Accountabilities
Job Title: Utility Person / Backhoe Relief
Posting Start Date: 6/23/26
Job Description:
Primary Role
To perform a variety of tasks in the operation and maintenance of water distribution and wastewater collection system facilities including the ability to work as the backhoe operator relief person.
Key Accountabilities
- Inspect, operate, maintain, troubleshoot, install and repair water distribution and wastewater collection system facilities; including not limited to; a) water mains, valves, hydrants and service lines; 2) sewer lines, manholes and service laterals; and 3) pumping and flow control facilities.
- Respond to customer service inquiries including service disruptions, service line problems and grinder pump malfunctions. Investigate complaint and determine corrective action per Company procedure.
- Perform new service activity including tap installation and records keeping.
- Monitor plant operations (as needed), water distribution and wastewater collection systems and make adjustments as directed to control their operations.
- Operate and maintain plant process equipment as directed.
- Complete all necessary forms, sketches and field notes and be knowledgeable of using maps and records.
- Maintain all necessary records.
- Maintain tools and work equipment.
- Perform maintenance and light construction duties including repairs and/or improvements to physical plant, custodial duties and related building and grounds activities.
- Perform facility mark-out pursuant to Pennsylvania One-Call.
- Position is subject to 24 hour call-out and overtime.
- Any other duties which are assigned.
- Mechanical ability sufficient to understand the operation of pumps, valves, motors and other mechanical equipment related to operations and maintenance.
- Having working knowledge of distribution/collection systems.
- Communicate in an effective manner both oral and written with Company personnel.
- Read and understand instructions, safety rules, maps, diagrams, etc.
- Skillfully use hand tools or machines needed for your work.
- Capable of lifting and/or carrying 50 lbs. on a frequent basis and up to 100 lbs. maximum. Walking up and down stairs. Ability to wear a respirator.
- General plumbing and electrical skills.
- Pass Department of Transportation’s physical examination.
- Ability to operate equipment used for excavation, installation and repair of components of water and wastewater systems. Part of this role will require ability to cover the Backhoe Operator as a Backhoe Relief Operator
- Ability to operate water and wastewater testing equipment, safety equipment, retrieval equipment, gas monitoring and personal safety equipment, trucks and other mobile equipment.
- High School graduate or state recognized education equivalency certificate.
- Must possess a valid PA drivers’ license.
- Water or sewer operator’s license preferred.
- Class A CDL with backhoe operator relief capabilities
- Monday - Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm
- Ability to work in environmental conditions including contact with wastewater, chemicals, fumes, odors and dust as a result of working with handling potentially hazardous wastewater treatment and laboratory chemicals. Exposure to potentially harmful pathogens and gases in raw unprocessed wastewater creating potential for blood borne/airborne disease. Confined space and electrical hazard conditions. Exposure to inclement weather, mostly of short duration.