Water Utility Mechanic

An employee in this classification installs, maintains, repairs and operates the County’s water treatment, distribution and meter system, and performs related work as required.  Member of Snow and Ice Storm Management Team for Buildings and Grounds.  Work is performed under general supervision is evaluated on the basis of ensuring equipment operates within given time schedules and overall effectiveness of system performance.

• Assists in gathering and preparing materials for daily assignments.
• Calibrates and maintains water treatment / distribution system equipment; collects water samples for analysis; prepares related records and logs.
• Adjusts chemical feed levels to maintain proper operations; adjusts pumps to maintain an adequate water supply.
• Inspects all pumps, wells and equipment for proper and safe working condition; performs preventive and corrective equipment maintenance as required.
• Adjusts, cleans, maintains, repairs and/or replaces pumps, valves, filters, etc., to maintain proper operations.
• Monitors water distribution system and storage tank levels.
• Flushes fire hydrants and tests water pressure as necessary; maintains and repairs hydrants as needed.
• Maintains accurate technical records, charts and logs as required; enters operational and laboratory data into computer.
• Checks meters / service lines for leaks; conducts water pressure, flow and accuracy tests for the department and customers as requested.
• Maintains, repairs or replaces water meters and meter boxes as necessary; cleans meter boxes as needed.
• Installs, maintains and repairs water lines; installs water taps; locates water lines for utility workers.
• Uses hand-held recorder to read meters for billing purposes; submits data in a timely manner.
• Investigates high consumption readings; conducts follow-up readings as necessary.
• Performs water cut-ons and cut-offs as directed.
• Maintains grounds at well / pump sites.
• Assists contractors with maintenance, repair and installation work as necessary.
• Responds to emergency facility / field situations as required.
• Assists in stocking supplies.
• Performs all duties in compliance with plans, specifications, codes, regulations, and standards of quality and safety.
• Prepares reports as required by the department, County and regulatory agencies.
• Maintains assigned tools, equipment and vehicles.
• Provides professional and timely customer service; receives and responds to public inquiries, requests for assistance and complaints.
• Attends training, meetings, etc., as necessary to enhance job knowledge and skills.
• Operates a vehicle, back hoe, trencher, forklift, generator, etc.; operates a telephone, computer, telephone; uses clerical and computer supplies, plumbing tools, testing equipment, hand tools, replacement parts, line locator.
• Interacts and communicates with the immediate supervisor, co-workers, other County employees, utility company representatives, customers and the general public.
• Insures safety and accessibility to all county owned buildings for employees returning to work and for those offices which operate on a 24-hour basis.  This involves clearing sidewalks, steps, entrances and parking lots for the following buildings:  Health Services, DSS, DOA, Braxton, Library, Courthouse/Finance/Jail, Sheriffs, Gymnasium, Operations, Solid Waste, EMS, Animal Shelter and Powell/Melvin.  Roads to be cleared are as follows:  McLeod Street, McKay Street, Smith Circle and large parking lot that serves the Library and Courthouse overflow parking.
• Performs routine office work as required, including answering the telephone, assisting customers, copying documents, sending and receiving faxes, etc.
• Requests line locates by utility companies as needed.
• Performs related duties as required.

• Knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the Water Department as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Water Utility Mechanic.  
• Knowledge of the organization of the Department and of related departments and agencies. 
• Knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. 
• Knowledge of water / sewer utilities services and related methods of construction, operation and maintenance. 
• Knowledge in mechanical and plumbing maintenance and repair work.  
• Knowledge of the machinery, materials and supplies required for daily maintenance and operations.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment with safety.        
• Ability to troubleshoot and analyze system performance and take necessary steps to ensure the provision of reliable, safe and uninterrupted water services for customers. 
• Knowledge of applicable occupational hazards and safety precautions.  
• Ability to work effectively despite occasional exposure to heat / cold, odors, toxic agents / hazardous materials, noise, wetness, humidity, electric currents, machinery hazards, dusts, vibrations, working in confined spaces, traversing uneven terrain, etc. 
• Ability to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations. 
• Ability to offer assistance to co-workers and employees of other departments as required.  
• Ability to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision.   
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities. 
• Ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.  
• Ability to read and interpret technical materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job.  
• Ability to assemble information and make routine reports and records in a concise, clear and effective manner.  
• Knowledge of the terminology used within the department.  
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with personnel of other departments, professionals and members of the public through contact and cooperation. 
• Ability to maintain positive customer-focused relationships with co-workers, supervisors, agencies, the general public, and all other internal and external customers.  
• Knowledge of proper English usage, vocabulary, spelling and basic mathematics. 
• Knowledge of modern office practices and technology, including the use of computers for records management.

Requires a vocational school diploma supplemented by one to two years of experience in public utilities maintenance and operations, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Special Requirements

• Valid North Carolina CDL driver’s license.        
• Class “C” Water Well and Distribution certifications: It will be required to get those certifications within 12 months of employment.