Utility Worker I​/II

Salary : $66,817.92 - $80,483.52 Annually
Location : Chula Vista, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number:
Department: Distribution
Opening Date: 01/13/2026

Description
Perform semi-skilled and skilled field work in the construction, operation, and maintenance of potable water pipelines, appurtenances, and services for the Sweetwater Authority (Authority) Engineering and Operations Department.

Department:
Engineering and Operations

Disclaimer: The specific statements shown in each section of this job description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.

Supervision Received/Exercised:

• General supervision is provided by the Distribution Manager or Director of Engineering and Operations.
• Direct supervision is provided by the Field Crew Supervisor.
• Technical and training assistance is provided by the Utility Lead worker, Utility Worker II, and Equipment Operator.
• There are no staff supervisory responsibilities for this position.

Examples of Duties/Responsibilities

• Assist in the installation, maintenance, and repair of potable water distribution systems including:
  Water main repair, replacement, flushing, disinfecting, testing, pipe cutting, and line tapping; service, hydrant, and valve installation, replacement, and exercising.
• Assist in the break up and removal of old concrete and asphalt; load, unload, and haul materials and equipment; clean up job sites; cut and cover trenches; install and remove meter boxes, clean up debris and weeds around meter boxes; build rough forms, mix and pour concrete; lay asphalt, and perform other related activities.
• Locate and mark out existing Authority facilities and appurtenances.
• Control and direct traffic; place and remove cones, barricades and signs; clean up at job sites; perform other related activities.
• Complete a variety of paperwork, including work order and service papers.
• Maintain records and draw intersection maps to show location of utility structures.
• Operate large trucks and construction equipment such as loaders, backhoes, dump trucks, valve operating trucks and trenching machines.
• Perform standby duty as assigned, at intervals of one (1) week period of time to provide emergency service on a twenty-four (24) hour a day basis; respond to emergencies as required on an "on-call" basis within 30 minutes.
• Contact other departments or other agencies regarding utility locations.
• Excavate and cover trenches, and install shoring.
• Use computers to access facility maps and information.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, customers, vendors, Board members, and the public.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Methods, materials, practices, and tools required for pipe, main, service and meter installations and repair.
• Practices and principles of disinfecting water facilities.
• Safety work practices and procedures.
• Occupational, public health, and safety hazards as related to the trade.
• Modern office procedures and practices, equipment, and clerical techniques.
• Computer programs and software, such as Microsoft Office.
• Proper English usage, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Ability to:

• Learn to use, operate, repair, and maintain a variety of construction equipment and tools used in the installation and repair of water facilities and surface improvements.
• Read, understand, and follow oral and written instructions.
• Perform heavy physical labor under varying weather conditions.
• Work under emergency conditions day or night when called any time during a 24-hour period.
• Maintain records accurately and write legibly.
• Operate a computer and related software applications.
• Keyboard proficiently.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Use interpersonal skills effectively as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Education/Training/Experience (positions in this class typically require):
Any combination equivalent to education and experience that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade and some related work experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Licenses/Certifications - Required Conditions of Employment:

• Possess and maintain a valid California Class A Driver License.
• New employees must obtain a Class A Driver License within one (1) year from start date; this requirement will be a "condition" of passing probation. Training will be provided by the Authority within that time period.
• Authority personnel wishing to transfer into the Distribution Department must obtain a Class A Driver License within one (1) year from start date. Training will be provided by the…