Senior Utility Worker

While this position is scheduled to close on 08/10/2026, it may close earlier if a sufficient number of qualified applications is received. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for full consideration.

Under general direction of the Utility Field Supervisor and Superintendent, leads, oversees and participates in the more complex and difficult work of employees responsible for performing semi-skilled and skilled work in the construction, maintenance and repair of city utility lines. Undertakes a variety of maintenance activities pertaining to utilities operations and services; and performs a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned areas of responsibility. Performs other duties as assigned. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is the advanced journey level class in the Utility Worker series.  Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed and the complexity of duties assigned.  Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within the series including, providing lead work in the operations and services of the Utilities department. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned area of responsibility.

The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.

• Lead, plan, train and review the work of employees responsible for performing semi-skilled and skilled work in the construction, maintenance and repair of city utility lines.
• Plan, direct and participate in the repair and maintenance of water and sewer mains and service lines, including repairing leaks, rodding sewer lines, repairing valves, and making water and sewer taps; repair and maintain manholes; locate water and sewer lines.
• Train assigned employees in their areas of work including proper equipment operations methods, procedures and techniques.
• Supervise the use, care and operation of various light and heavy equipment including welder, backhoe, air hammer, pipe cutters, tapping machine, dump truck, water pump, concrete saw, ventilation blower, smoke blower, air compressor, jet sewer machine, various hand tools and safety equipment.
• Verify the work of assigned employees for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques and compliance with applicable standards and specifications.
• Respond to citizen inquiries and complaints; respond to requests from contractors and provide assistance in locating utility lines; provide emergency response to line breaks and other related utility line maintenance problems; investigate complaints related to water or sewer leaks and stoppages.
• Break and repair concrete and asphalt surfaces; excavate and replace concrete, asphalt and blacktop surfaces; dig ditches, backfill trenches and holes; install utility pipes; CCTV sewer and service lines when required.
• Maintain assigned vehicles, tools and equipment needed for maintenance and repair; make minor repairs; report major repair needs to supervisor; set-up traffic flow signs and barricades; vacuum out scum pit; haul sludge from wastewater plant; chlorinate water lines; install new water service line to resident; clean debris from sewer manholes; collects samples, analyze, and interpret results as needed.
• Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
• Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
• Estimate time, materials and equipment required for jobs assigned; requisition materials as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services and activities of a utility line maintenance program.
• Principles of lead supervision and training.
• Methods and techniques of general construction, maintenance, and repair related to the area of work assigned.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Basic principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Sewer and water line installation and repair techniques.
• Operations, services and activities of the city.
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Safe handling of traffic in a construction zone.
• Operational characteristics of general construction, maintenance and utility repair equipment and tools.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Basic computer software operations.

Ability to:

• Lead, organize and review the work of employees.
• Independently perform the most difficult utility line maintenance activities.
• Perform a variety of manual tasks for extended periods of time and in unfavorable weather conditions.
• Operate a variety of general construction, maintenance and utility repair equipment in a safe and effective manner.
• Perform heavy manual labor.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Interpret, explain, and enforce departmental policies and procedures.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education, Training and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED

• Three (3) years of increasingly responsible utility line maintenance experience. 

Licenses and Certificates:

• Possession of  valid Texas Commercial Driver's License.
• Possession of an appropriate valid Class II Wastewater Collection and Class C Water Distribution License issued by the State of Texas.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands: 

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk and stand; talk and hear. Manual dexterity to use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and perform repetitive movements of hands or wrists; operate a motor vehicle. The employee is frequently required to lift up to 90 pounds unaided. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands: 

While performing the duties of this class, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses math and mathematical reasoning; performs highly detailed work; deals with multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work, including frequent contact with customers and/or the public and dissatisfied/abusive individuals.

Work Environment: 

The employee works in various outdoor/field environments subject to high noise level and exposure to extreme weather conditions. Certain positions within the classification may require availability to work flexible schedules or irregular hours.

Salary : $65,711 - $91,996