Water Distribution Maintainer

Purpose of the Position

This position is responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of all assets associated with the pumping, treatment, and distribution of potable water. This position supports the utility in operating efficiently and effectively while maintaining a high level of customer service and staying compliant with our governing agencies (WDNR, EPA, WPSC).

The City of Wausau Water Department maintains over 250 miles of water mains, over 16,000 service connections, more than 1,700 fire hydrants, 10 booster stations, and 7 water storage tanks totaling 5,750,000 gallons of water storage.

Quick Facts about this Position

• Starting hourly rate of $23.04 or higher, depending on related qualifications

• Standard hours are 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

• Any work in excess of 8 hours per day is considered overtime (paid at 1 1/2 times regular rate of pay)

• Receive $230 for each week designated on-call

• Paid CDL training provided

• Excellent benefits include starting vacation accrual of 15 days per year, 3 personal holidays upon hire, generous sick leave accrual, and 10 paid holidays.

• Enrollment in the Wisconsin Retirement System!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Make taps in water lines with tapping machines, install taps and copper service lines.

• Install new, repair, or replace sections of water mains, fire hydrants, service laterals, curb boxes and water main operating valves.

• Repair and replace concrete sidewalks, curbs and gutters and landscaping after water main or service installation and/or repair.

• Thaw frozen hydrants, mains and services using hand tools, electric welder, or water jetting equipment.

• Operate large backhoe and other heavy equipment for trenching, filling ditches, and similar work around gas, power, fiber optic lines and other utilities, where fine tolerance is required and where serious hazards to the operator or other employees may exist.

• Operate large end loader for loading trucks and performing similar work.

• Install, remove, or replace water meters. Turn on or off water service as requested. Perform inspections for leaks and cross-connections.

• Install and repair remote meter reading equipment including installation of radio reader and cables. Perform necessary checks to verify proper function of equipment. Accurately document work performed.

• Investigate customer water complaints and take necessary corrective action.

• Test meters in the shop and field test larger meters per WPSC requirements. Accurately record and document information.

• Repair, clean, and rebuild meters as required.

• Read meters as assigned.

• Read and interpret maps and navigate GIS system.

• Locate water service and main leaks using Acoustic or computerized leak detection devices.

• This position may assist the Department of Public Works with duties as necessary and assigned.

• Locate underground utility lines in accordance with Diggers Hotline using electronic locating equipment.

• Foster a productive and collaborative work environment by coordinating work efforts with other City departments and employees.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this position and may also be performed by other unit members.

• Possess knowledge of WDNR Water Well Codes and has the ability to perform field inspections.

• Obtain knowledge of Cross Connections and Cross Connection Control Devices and have the ability to become certified for inspections and repair.

• May perform tasks of the Senior Water Distribution Maintainer during his/her absence.

• Assist with operations and maintenance at the Water Treatment Plant, Wells and Booster Stations.

• Performs other tasks and projects as assigned by the Water Superintendent or his/her designee.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; and

• Experience in any of the following: construction maintenance and repair, utility construction or repair, trade experience, plumbing, mechanical, or electrical field or facility maintenance and repair; and

• Valid Driver's License; and

• Ability to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) issued by the State of Wisconsin within 12 months of hire, and to be maintained throughout employment.

A combination of experience and training that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

Water main construction or repair experience.

Possession of a valid Class B Wisconsin Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Able to read and interpret maps, ability to use a Tablet or PC to navigate GIS Systems.

• Ability to problem solve, communicate effectively, and maintain effective working relationships.

• Knowledge of or ability to learn safe and efficient operation of conventional and specialized large and small vehicles and construction equipment typically used in a municipal public works department. Ability to do manual labor such as shoveling.

• Knowledge of or ability to learn and apply the proper methods, tools, materials, and equipment used for the repair and maintenance of water distribution systems, street pavements and sewer structures.

• Availability to be on 24-hour call and respond to emergencies. Must be able to report to job within a reasonable time in such instances.

• Must be able to frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

Physical and Working Environment

Employee performs standard activities requiring physical effort. The duties of the job include physical activities such as stooping, kneeling, standing, walking, lifting (lift and carry objects weighing 60 pounds or less, and push or pull objects weighing up to 100 pounds), fingering, grasping, talking, hearing/listening (perceiving sounds in order to understand signals such as spoken directions, warning alarms, or requests for information), seeing/observing, bending/twisting (of the neck, back, or torso in order to reach, lift, tend machines, move materials, etc.), reaching (extending the hands or arms in any direction in order to push, pull, or grasp an object or control), feeling (using the sense of touch in fingers, hands, or other body parts to sense the position or quality of objects) and climbing (ascending or descending steps, stairs, ladders, scaffolding, or machines). Specific vision abilities required include close, distance, and peripheral vision; depth perception; the ability to adjust focus; and distinguish objects clearly at 20 inches or less with glasses, if needed.

The employee may be exposed to disagreeable elements of high and low outdoor temperatures. The employee may be exposed to repetitive activities; intense or continuous noise; dirty environment; improper illumination; chemical hazards, and air contamination. The use of personal protection equipment (PPE) may be required, as there is significant exposure to hazards and conditions where there is a possible danger to life, health, or bodily injury, which may include mechanical, electrical, air contamination, and heights. May be required to work in a physically confined worksite with cramped, small, or restricted workplace making it difficult to stand, sit, or walk.

Additional Information

IMPORTANT! All applications must completely filled out and have a Resume attached in the "Attachments" section of the application. Applications that are not complete and do not have the required attachment will not be considered.

When completing References section, include 3 professional references with current and valid email addresses. References will not be contacted unless a conditional offer of employment is extended and accepted.

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS:

The City of Wausau will make arrangements to furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary and reasonable to afford an individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in the recruitment process. Please notify the Human Resources Department or phone (715) 261-6630 to request special accommodations prior to the application deadline.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS:

Wisconsin Statutes, Sections 19.36 (7), 64.09 (5), and 64.11 (7) require public employers to treat the following items as a public record: Each applicant's application, records, recommendations and qualifications except as provided in Section 19.36 (7), Wis. Stats. that allows the identity of an applicant to remain confidential if the applicant requests in writing that the City not provide access to this information.

If you choose not to have this information become a public record, you must make such a request in writing to the Human Resources Department. If you become a finalist for the position, your identity may be disclosed as required by law.

ADDITIONAL NOTICES:

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/posters/fmla

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/posters/employee-polygraph-protection-act

The City of Wausau is an Equal Opportunity Employer.