What are the responsibilities and job description for the Utility Worker I - Water position at City of Upland?
Experience the rewards of your hard work—comprehensive benefits, including upcoming COLAs, that support your well-being, growth, and success!
2% increase in base effective 12/7/25
3% increase in base effective 6/21/26
3% increase in base effective 6/20/27
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Positions at the Utility Worker I – Water level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity.
Maintenance and Repairs Technical Understanding Equipment Operation & Training Safety & Compliance Organization & Problem-Solving Mathematical & Recordkeeping Skills Communication & Relationships Technology Proficiency
Examination Process:
2% increase in base effective 12/7/25
3% increase in base effective 6/21/26
3% increase in base effective 6/20/27
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Positions at the Utility Worker I – Water level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity.
- Water Services & Repairs
- Install, renew, and disconnect water services.
- Repair service leaks, mains, laterals, valves, fittings, and hydrants.
- Read, replace, repair, and rebuild water meters.
- Turn on/off main line valves, hydrants, and fire service lines.
- Install tanker meters and exercise valves/hydrants.
- Excavation & Utilities Maintenance
- Perform hydro excavation and safely work around underground utilities.
- Conduct confined space entry as required.
- Install shoring in ditches and repair/replace damaged pipes.
- Concrete & Asphalt Work
- Remove concrete, set forms, pour, and finish concrete for curbs, gutters, sidewalks, hydrants, and meter boxes.
- Perform temporary asphalt repairs and spray emulsion.
- Equipment Operation & Maintenance
- Operate technical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or motorized equipment to maintain utility systems.
- Use various vehicles (e.g., dump trucks, backhoes, loaders) and maintain them.
- Technical Tasks
- Read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, layouts, and blueprints.
- Mark existing water utilities using underground service locators.
- Prepare maps, record measurements, and input data into computer systems.
- Safety & Traffic Control
- Observe safety protocols for trenching, confined spaces, and power equipment.
- Set up traffic control equipment and direct traffic during construction.
- General Maintenance & Landscaping
- Perform landscaping duties at pump and reservoir sites.
- Install and repair fences, gates, and other structures.
- Paint piping, structures, and equipment.
- Reporting & Communication
- Prepare written and oral reports related to activities and incidents.
- Assist other divisions or departments as needed.
- Compliance
- Adhere to City and mandated safety regulations and protocols.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
- One (1) year of experience performing construction and/or maintenance work with a public agency, utility district, or similar organization.
- Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.
- Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months of employment, a valid California Class A or B Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.
- Possession of a valid Grade I (D-1) Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board, to be maintained throughout employment.
Education And Experience
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education
- Equipment Operations
- Methods, techniques, tools, and operational characteristics of light and moderately heavy motorized mechanical equipment.
- Safe driving principles, traffic laws, and rules for truck and heavy equipment operations.
- Safety & Regulations
- Safe work methods and safety regulations for the type of work being performed.
- Proper placement of cones, barricades, and warning devices for traffic control.
- Occupational hazards in sewer, storm drain, and water maintenance, repair, and construction.
- City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
- Policies & Compliance
- Policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations related to assigned programs and functions.
- Water & Street Systems
- Operational characteristics of specialized water distribution system maintenance and repair.
- Materials, methods, practices, and equipment for water distribution systems and street maintenance/repair.
- Customer Service & Communication
- Techniques for providing excellent customer service to the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
- Effective communication using the structure and content of the English language.
- Technology & Tools
- Modern business equipment and communication tools, including relevant computer software for program and task coordination.
- Perform semi-skilled and skilled maintenance, construction, and repair tasks.
- Conduct minor repairs and adjustments to equipment and tools.
- Perform simple cement and masonry work.
- Read, interpret, and apply technical information from manuals, blueprints, and schematics.
- Understand, interpret, and ensure compliance with laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to the work.
- Operate a variety of vehicles and equipment safely and effectively.
- Assist in training others in the safe use of tools and equipment.
- Work safely in challenging environments, including near traffic, in confined spaces, or in trenches.
- Adhere to and promote safety principles and practices.
- Independently organize work, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
- Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within established guidelines.
- Perform accurate mathematical calculations.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation.
- Communicate clearly and concisely in English, both orally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers and others.
- Effectively use computer systems, relevant software applications, and modern business equipment to complete tasks.
- Must possess mobility to do medium to heavy fieldwork, including walking, standing, climbing, bending, lifting, and carrying up to 50 lbs.
- Able to work on uneven or slippery surfaces and enter confined spaces using proper equipment.
- Operate hand and power tools, construction equipment, and motor vehicles safely.
- Use finger dexterity for equipment operation and repairs.
- Perform field inspections and identify hazards, including possible live electrical work.
- Required to wear and use proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Work primarily in the field with exposure to loud noise, extreme weather, road hazards, chemicals, fumes, dust, and other environmental risks.
- May work in confined spaces and around mechanical or electrical hazards.
- Requires interaction with staff and the public, including handling difficult or upset individuals while enforcing policies and procedures.
- May be required to work extended hours and rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays.
Examination Process:
- A competitive records review of applicants' experience and qualifications will be conducted.
- Based on that evaluation, a limited number of applicants whose qualifications best meet the current needs of the City of Upland will be invited to participate in the exam and interview process.
- Qualified candidates will be provided with more details prior to the start of the examination process.