Public Works Technician Trainee - Water

Starting Hourly Rate: $19.15

To learn, develop and apply technical skills used for street maintenance, utility work, and collecting solid waste, including operating light to heavy equipment. Trainee will learn and master the following skills required to perform as a Level I Public Works Technician – Infrastructure Systems (IS).

• Use electronic mapping and routine applications to navigate routes or job sites.
• Take apart and rebuild mechanical system components using the correct tools and/or machinery.
• Exercise independent problem solving, including troubleshooting, diagnosing, and determining a defined course of action for effective repairs.
• Attend, participate in, and complete various safety courses.
• Obtain a CDL-A with N endorsement (within 9 months of hire).
• Learn MISS DIG procedures and interpret markings.
• Use City works work order management software to track work activities.
• Train to safely operate light to heavy equipment and tools to maintain and repair streets, including filling potholes, plowing, salting, sanding, milling and base preparation, paving, sweeping, grading, and crack sealing.
• Learn to install, repair, and maintain water mains, water services, hydrants, valves, and curb boxes.
• Learn to install, repair, and maintain sanitary sewer and stormwater collection systems.
• Train to collect solid waste, including trash, recycling, and compost.

• Perform accident and storm damage clean-up.
• Safely and properly use various hand tools, power tools, and test instruments.
• Perform minor equipment and tool maintenance and repair.
• Monitor utility system flow to ensure that water and sewage systems are functioning properly.
• Perform other related work as assigned.

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. Equivalent
• Driver’s License

• Must demonstrate proficiency in map reading/navigation, mechanical aptitude, communications and customer relations, safe work practices, MISS DIG, equipment and material knowledge, technology/computer operations, and daily reporting.

* Candidate is required to obtain a CDL-A with N endorsement within 9 months of hire. The City will pay for the CDL training. Employee will be completing the CDL training during the 9 month trainee program, and this will be a condition of employment to move to full-time regular employment.

• Previous experience in road maintenance, underground utility construction, or solid waste collection.
• Basic knowledge of mechanical practices, simple tools, and equipment including preventative maintenance.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

The trainee will be required to drive, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, grasp, feel, talk, hear, see, and perform repetitive motions. The work requires the ability to operate hand and foot controls on machinery and equipment.

The trainee will be required to wear personal protective equipment, which may include a hard hat, safety glasses, safety boots, harness, etc.

The trainee may be exposed to hazardous physical conditions (including but not limited to confined spaces, heights, mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibration, noise levels above 85 decibels, etc.), poor atmospheric conditions (including fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, respiratory health hazards), inadequate lighting, and intense noise. The work will require seasonal exposure to extreme weather conditions, including snow and ice. The trainee may be required to work with various chemicals and may be exposed to domestic and wild animals.

Work may involve working in or near road work or construction zones, ascending and descending ladders to access work areas, entering and exiting from confined spaces, and performing routine heavy lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs. Occasionally lifting up to 100 lbs. The trainee may be required to walk on rough, uneven terrain, as well as wet and slippery surfaces.

The work requires the ability to distinguish colors and hear audible alarms. The trainee may be required to use a respirator, participate in a respiratory protection program, and undergo audiometric testing. Trainee may be exposed to blood borne pathogens.

The work often involves routine moderate lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs., such as compost bags.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.