City of Newton – Water Maintenance Craftsperson

Statement of Duties: 

Position provides skilled manual labor functions for the Public Works Department in the construction and maintenance of either water or sewer systems and related main service lines, and ensuring for the safe and efficient operation of vehicles and machinery.

Supervision: 
Employee works under the general supervision of the Working Foreman. Employee is familiar with the work routine and uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments independently, with specific instruction. Any questionable cases are referred to the supervisor for clarification or interpretation. Work is reviewed only to an extent sufficient to keep the supervisor aware of progress, and to insure that completed work and methods used are technically accurate and that instructions are being followed. 
Employee does not have access to confidential information. 
Employee does not exercise any supervisory responsibilities.

Job Environment:
Position responsibilities require the use of judgment and initiative to interpret the numerous standardized practices, procedures, codes, or general instructions governing the work. Employee is expected to locate, select, and apply the most pertinent practice, procedure, regulation, or guideline for a given situation. 
Errors can result in personal injury/loss, delay or loss of service, damage to equipment, or injury to others. 
The employee has frequent contact with the public and city employees, contact is in person to respond to inquiries and provide information and assistance as required.

Essential Functions: 

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to, or extension of, the position. 

• Lays and connects service pipes with street mains and meters.
• Responsible for the tapping of water mains to make connections. Work will include the testing for leaks, locating and repairing same, installation of service materials of various types from the main to the water meter plumbing, and main line repair work including gate valve operation.
• Installs, replaces and repairs fire hydrants and sprinkler systems.
• Ensures that all safety precautions are followed while performing work.
• Participates in snow and ice removal operations and other emergencies declared by the City.
• Performs similar or related duties as required by the supervisor.

Qualifications:

Physical and Mental Requirements 
Employee works on loud to very loud construction sites and is exposed to outdoor weather conditions, fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, and risk of electric shock more than 213rd of the time; toxic or caustic chemicals, extremes of heat and cold. Employee is required to talk, listen, use hands, and reach with hands and arms more than 213rd of the time; stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl up to 213rd of the time. Employee frequently lifts up to 60 lbs., occasionally lifts up to or more than 100 lbs. Normal vision is required for this position. Equipment operated includes trucks in excess of 26,001 lbs, light truck, heavy equipment, light equipment, pneumatic tools, power tools, and hand tools.

Education and Experience

A candidate for this position should have a High School Diploma or equivalent, and one to three (1-3) years of experience in operating heavy trucks and equipment, and DPW construction work, and possess a Commercial Drivers License (CDL), Class A CDL preferred.

Special Requirements 
A candidate for this position should have a Confined Space Entry Certification.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

Knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic and power train systems; construction and landscaping methods and materials; occupational safety precautions.

Skill in performing duties safely and efficiently; driving trucks, operating tools and equipment.

Ability to operate heavy trucks; detect mechanical problems, maintain vehicle and equipment and perform minor repairs; read and follow oral and written instructions; perform strenuous physical work over an extended period of time and to lift, carry and place heavy objects.