What are the responsibilities and job description for the Utilities Maintenance Worker - Full Time position at City of Kearney?
Description
1st application review - 5/12/26
Under general supervision, perform semi-skilled and skilled labor in the maintenance and operation of water distribution and transmission system. Work varies with some leeway for discretion and independent action.
Essential Functions
Install residential and commercial water service. Repair leaks in distribution system including service lines, main breaks, valve and meter repair. Use hydra-hammer to break out concrete and compact soil. Operate boom truck and trencher. Repair and replace valves and fire hydrants. Install in-line stops for emergency repair work. Operate trucks, cranes, sewer truck, and dump trucks, tapping machine, and cutting torch. Perform preventive maintenance on equipment. Service trucks with equipment and parts for jobs. Clean and repairs tools and equipment. Back up sewer and other crews as needed. Serve on-call as needed. Flush fire hydrants to ensure flow rate and proper pressure. Open and close valves to ensure they can be opened as needed. Make reports to record valve and hydrant maintenance. Check for leaks in distribution system. Locate services and raises or lowers service, valve boxes for water and sewer service. Update maps from field notes. Cleans and performs maintenance on sanitary sewer mains and manholes. Assist in winter snow removal operations. Back up other utility crews. Perform minor electrical and mechanical maintenance. Perform custodial work such as cleaning, painting, lawn mowing. Perform overtime as required and perform other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION - RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS:
None
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, officials and the public. (Daily)
Apply the knowledge of materials, equipment and procedures to effectively maintain water systems. (Daily)
Maintain and safely operate equipment. (Daily)
Read meters, gauges, charts, etc. to maintain accurate records. (Daily)
Read utility maps and operating instructions. (Daily)
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Work Type: Heavy, exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Climbing/Balancing: Climb inclines and ladders, uneven surfaces, balance required
Walking: Extensive walking required
Stooping/Bending: Frequently
Stand/Sit: Sit about 20 percent of the time
Reaching: Frequent, overhead as well as horizontal
Vision: Adequate to perform essential job functions
Color Vision: No particular color vision requirement
Hearing: Frequently perceive nature of sounds by ear
Speech: Frequently express ideas by means of spoken words
Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Occasionally operates precision equipment
Manual Dexterity: Frequently operates valves, switches, etc. and frequently operates vehicles and equipment
ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Inside/Outside: Work inside and outside
Cold/Heat: Adverse conditions possible
Wet/Dry: Adverse conditions possible
Noise/Vibrations: Equipment noise
Hazards: Moderate exposure to chemicals and traffic
Fumes/Dust/Odors: Frequent exposure to dust, occasionally exposed to fumes and odors
Infectious Diseases: Low exposure
MENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Ability to read and comprehend technically written material.
Ability to understand and apply mathematical concepts accurately.
Ability to listen to and apply information and instructions.
Ability to organize information for concise written records.
Qualifications
MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Completion of a high school level education or G.E.D.; experience equivalent to one year of manual labor and heavy equipment work. Must posess a valid Nebraska driver’s license. Must currently possess or be able to obtain a valid Nebraska CDL within 6 months of hire.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS:
Thirty (30) minute response time by way of the most direct route from the employee’s permanent residence to the employee’s assigned work site and within posted speed limits.
Supplemental Information
MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND WORK AIDS USED:
Telephone, two-way radio, test equipment, hand and power tools, vehicles, trucks, jackhammer and backhoes.
REMARKS:
The above position description is intended to describe the duties of an employee in general terms and does not necessarily describe all of his/her duties.
Rates effective January 1, 2026 and are subject to change. Benefits are effective on the 1st day of employment.
Health and Dental Insurance: The City of Kearney Health Insurance Plans includes health, prescription, and dental coverage. The City offers two plans (traditional PPO and a high deductible option) Employee spouses’ who have health/dental coverage available through their own employer are not eligible to participate in the City’s health/dental insurance.
Health/Dental (4 Tiers) - Traditional PPO
- Single Coverage $ 92.20 biweekly
- Employee Spouse Coverage $196.62 biweekly
- Employee Dependents Coverage $156.73 biweekly
- Family Coverage $229.57 biweekly
- Single Coverage $ 81.50 biweekly
- Employee Spouse Coverage $174.03 biweekly
- Employee Dependents Coverage $138.56 biweekly
- Family Coverage $203.05 biweekly
HSA City Contribution: Individual - $750
Family - $1,200
Vision Insurance: EyeMed Vision coverage is available. Employee only - $3.32; Employee/Spouse - $6.30; Employee/Dependents - $6.64; Family - $9.76. All rates are bi-weekly payroll deductions.
IdentityForce: Identity Theft Protection available, Employee/Children (children 26 and under) $8.49; Family $14.49 per month.
Retirement: City contributes 6% if the employee contributes 6%.
Life Insurance: The City pays 100% of the cost of employee life insurance of $50,000, spouse coverage $10,000, and dependent children coverage $5,000. Supplemental life insurance available at a discounted group rate.
Cafeteria/Section 125: Can be used for medical and daycare expenses per IRS guidelines.
Deferred Comp: Voluntary deferred compensation program (457 & Roth IRA Plans).
EAP: Employee Assistance Program provides 6 free counseling sessions per issue for employees and dependents.
Long Term Disability: Long term disability insurance provided by the City.
Longevity: Annual payment of $300 after 5 years of continuous years of service with $50 increases every 5 years with a maximum payment of $550.
Vacation: Vacation leave is earned and accrued in bi-weekly increments in the following manner: 80 hrs years 1 - 4; 120 hrs years 5 – 14; 160 hrs years 15 . New employees receive 40 hours of vacation upon hire with biweekly accruals beginning on the sixth month of employment. Vacation leave may accumulate to a maximum of 240 hours.
Medical Leave: Medical leave is accrued at a biweekly rate equal to 12 days a year. New employees receive 40 hours of medical leave upon hire with biweekly accruals beginning on the sixth month of employment. Medical leave may accumulate to a maximum of 1,440 hours.
Parental Leave: 3 weeks paid leave.
Personal Leave: 2 personal days are provided on the first of every calendar year. Employees must be employed on January 1st to receive personal leave days. Unused personal leave does not carry over to the next year.
Holidays: Twelve paid holidays per year.
Military: Active members receive 120 hours of military leave annually. Military leave does not carry over to the next year.
Salary : $300