Utility Technician

Description

This position directly performs utility location request response to fulfill the South Carolina 811 obligations of the Columbia Water; and performs related work as assigned. The incumbent works within a general outline of work to be performed, and work is reviewed regularly by supervisor.

The work is considered light-to-medium in nature and involves walking or standing virtually all of the time and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a recurring basis, or considerable skill, adeptness and speed in the use of fingers, hands or limbs in tasks involving close tolerances or limits of accuracy. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, fingering, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

Work environment may involve exposure to bright / dim light, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, dusts and pollen, extreme noise levels, vibration, fumes and/or noxious odors, traffic, moving machinery, electrical shock, confined spaces, disease/pathogens, toxic / caustic chemicals, dangerous gases; and is dynamic that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.

Essential Job Functions

• Locates utility assets using various locating devices;
• Reads maps and plans to determine search areas;
• Utilizes drawing databases and reads record drawings as required;
• Maintains accurate records of work completed;
• Communicates with contractors and staff to discuss daily locates;
• Receives and responds to inquiries, complaints and requests for assistance in areas of responsibility;
• Performs general clerical work as required, including but not limited to preparing reports and records, completing forms, copying and filing documents, answering the telephone, etc.;
• Attends meetings, training, seminars, etc., as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• High school diploma or GED;
• Four (4) years of relevant prior experience;
• Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic algebra involving variables and formulas and/or basic geometry involving plane and solid figures, circumferences, areas and volumes, and/or computing discounts and interest rates;
• Ability to gather, organize, analyze, examine or evaluate data or information and may prescribe action based on such data or information;
• Ability to speak or signal to people to convey or exchange information of a general nature;
• Ability to handle or use machines, tools or equipment requiring moderate instruction and experience, such as line locating devices;
• Ability to perform skilled work involving rules/systems with almost constant problem-solving;
• Ability to read technical instructions, procedures, manuals and charts to solve practical problems; composing routine reports and specialized reports, forms and business letters with proper format; speaking compound sentences using normal grammar and word form;
• Ability to perform clerical, manual or technical tasks prescribed by standard practices but which may require computation, the use of several procedures, and the use of independent judgments with obvious choices; requires normal attention for accurate results.