Utility Services Technician

Position Details

Position Information

Requisition Number S3751P Home Org Name Utility Services Division Name VP, Facilities Management Position Title Utility Services Technician Job Class Code AC21; AC22; AC23 Appointment Status Full-time Part-time FTE 1 Limited Term No Limited Term Length Job Summary

Facilities Management at Auburn University is seeking a dedicated Utility Systems Technician to assist in installing, operating, and maintaining water, gas, storm water, and sewer systems. You'll play a vital role in underground utility locating, mapping, inspections, and minor repairs. Your responsibilities will also include installing and maintaining utility meters, ensuring accurate data gathering, and supporting emergency response efforts.

Join us in ensuring the reliability and sustainability of Auburn's utility infrastructure-apply now!

Why Should YOU Choose Auburn University?

• Auburn University was named a "Best in Alabama" employer by Forbes! Our employee longevity speaks for itself, with employees staying an average of ten years.

• Competitive state benefits including retirement plan vesting at 10 years of service, generous leave accrual, and parental leave opportunity.

• Auburn University tuition assistance for yourself and your dependents. Employees can take 15 hours of classes for free, and dependents receive a 50% tuition waiver.

It's a Lifestyle: The Auburn/Opelika area is a page right out of Southern Living magazine with an idyllic small-town feel, perfecting a unique balance between a close-knit community and driving consistent growth and development. Paralleling the exponential growth of Auburn University, the Auburn/Opelika area boasts services and amenities that cater to any interest. We're proud of our top school systems, city services, award-winning restaurants, and the infectious spirit of life in a college town. You can find us nestled halfway between the beach and the mountains in a lower-cost-of-living area, two hours outside of Atlanta or Birmingham. If you're new to Auburn, we'd love to introduce you. If you're already acquainted with Auburn, we'll keep it simple: it's time to come home!

Our Commitment: Auburn University is committed to a diverse and inclusive campus environment. Visit auburn.edu/inclusion to learn more about our commitment to expanding equity and inclusion for all.

Essential Functions

Utility Locating and GPS Collection

• Uses standard electronic devices and references utility maps to locate underground utilities.

• Provides color-coded markings on the ground to define utility location.

• Communicates with excavator site personnel to provide additional information.

• Refers complex or difficult utility locates to higher-level technicians or supervisor.

• Collects GPS data, pictures, and documents installations of the utility infrastructure.

• Communicates with project managers and contractor superintendents to discuss utility requirements, schedule, and status of work.

Preventative Maintenance

• Conducts preventative maintenance activities on domestic water, gas, and sewer systems.

• Locates, inspects, and tests system equipment (valves, hydrants, meter boxes, etc.)

• Operates valves, makes minor repairs, cleans, lubricates, paints, and adjusts as necessary.

• Uses work management system to manage maintenance activities and document findings.

• Reports significant findings and issues to supervisor for correction.

• Assigns and completes work order without direct supervision or guidance.

Planned and Unplanned Outages

• Supports domestic water and gas system outages by operating valves to isolate, drain, and vent sections of the system.

• Works with higher-level technicians and supervisors to determine the specific valves to operate and in what order.

• Supports restoration of the utility systems by operating valves to fill and pressurize sections that were isolated during the outage.

• Communicates the status of the system with those involved in the outage.

• Understands proper methods to open and close valves and may use portable power-driven valve operator to perform this task.

Emergencies or Abnormal Conditions

• Quickly responds to reported emergencies, issues, or abnormal conditions in the domestic water, gas, sanitary, and storm sewer systems (leaks, overflows, back-ups, etc.)

• Inspects the site, evaluates the situation, and reports back to supervisor or higher-level technician.

• Recommends a course of action to make the situation safe and acts on the approved plan.

• Coordinates resources for repair as necessary and provides status updates on correction.

Metering

• Supports the utility metering and billing process.

• Reads meters and records consumption accurately and consistently.

• Troubleshoots and resolves minor issues. Complex issues are referred to higher-level technicians.

System Inspection and Condition Assessment

• Assists with system inspections to determine condition and configuration.

• Opens and inspects manholes, vaults, utility boxes, and other access points.

• Assists higher level technicians with the use of various sewer camera devices.

• Supports contractor inspectors with access to manholes and pipes as needed.

• Collaborates with others on system design improvements or modifications.

Project Support

• Supports the installation of new utilities, utility tie-ins, and utility demolition on campus.

• Works with project managers and contractors to help resolve unexpected conflicts and questions when encountering unknown utilities during excavation.

• Inspects and documents damage caused by excavation, boring, or other methods.

• Helps develop repair plans with supervisor and higher-level technicians and monitors the repair process.

• Adheres to all construction and excavation site safety policies and procedures.

• These are the essential functions for a Technician Level I. Tech II and Tech III personnel are expected to be able to handle these same essential functions with increased complexity and independence.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Level I

• High school diploma or equivalent plus 2 years of experience OR
• Associate's degree

Level II

• High school diploma or equivalent plus 9 years of experience OR
• Associate's degree plus 5 years of experience OR
• Bachelor's degree plus 1 year of experience

Level III

• High school diploma or equivalent plus 12 years of experience OR
• Associate's degree plus 8 years of experience OR
• Bachelor's degree plus 4 years of experience.

Scope of Experience: Experience in installation, maintenance, and operation of utility systems. Advanced levels require the use of electronic line locating devices and GPS equipment; design and operation on natural gas, domestic water systems, and proper isolation techniques; water and gas metering systems including automatic meter reading and programing systems.

Scope of Education: Degree in technical field

Minimum Skills, License, and Certifications

Minimum Skills and Abilities

• Broad knowledge of mechanical principles and basic skills.

• Knowledge of the installation, maintenance, repair, and proper operation of a wide array of routine water supply, water distribution, plumbing, gas, and drainage systems.

• Knowledge of preventative maintenance procedures and practices.

• Ability to read and interpret maps in order to plan work and safely operate the utility systems.

• Ability to safely operate machinery and vehicles, use basic hand tools, and use and evaluate information from measuring and test equipment.

• Ability to adhere to all safe work practices and standard practices.

• These are the expected skills and knowledge for Technician Level I. Tech II and Tech III personnel are expected to have more advanced skills and knowledge.

Minimum Technology Skills Minimum License and Certifications

Tech I

• Valid Driver's License

Tech II

• Valid Driver's License

• Staking University Locate Certification of Locate Competence (Four Modules): 1. The Basics 2. Creating the Circuit 3. Analyze 4. Near Myths

Tech III

• Valid Driver's License

• Staking University Locate Certification of Locate Competence (Four Modules): 1. The Basics 2. Creating the Circuit 3. Analyze 4. Near Myths

• National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO): Pipeline Assessment

• National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO): Manhole Assessment Certification Program)

Desired Qualifications

Desired Qualifications

Posting Detail Information

Salary Range $17.07/hour - $34.23/hour Job Category Facilities/Skills Trades Working Hours if Non-Traditional City position is located in: Auburn State position is located: AL List any hazardous conditions or physical demands required by this position Posting Date 07/03/2024 Closing Date EEO Statement

Auburn University is committed to an inclusive and diverse campus environment. Women, underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.

AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by applicable law.

Special Instructions to Applicants Quick Link for Internal Postings https://www.auemployment.com/postings/46209

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

Optional Documents

• Resume

• Cover Letter

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Please select how you first became aware of this opportunity. Your response helps us determine how we can more effectively reach our candidates.

• LinkedIn

• AcademicKeys

• The Chronicle of Higher Education

• DiversityJobs

• HigherEdJobs

• HERC (Higher Education Recruitment Consortium)

• Indeed

• RecruitMilitary

• The Tuskegee News

• Professional organization or journal

• Veterans Assistance Services

• Disability Assistance Services

• State Employment Service

• Social Media

• AU Job Bulletin

• Notified by an Auburn employee

• College or university Career Services

• I went to the AU Employment Website directly (www.auemployment.com)

• Other

• Please select the answer that best describes your current employment relationship with Auburn University:

• Current full-time Auburn or AUM employee within probationary period

• Current full-time Auburn or AUM employee outside of probationary period

• Current part-time Auburn or AUM employee

• Not an Auburn or AUM employee