Utility Worker Apprentice – Utilities

The City of Bend has an exciting opportunity for one (1), regular full-time Utility Worker Apprentice in the Collections and Line Maintenance Division of the Utility Department. This opportunity is an hourly, non-exempt (overtime eligible) position and is represented by the City of Bend Employee Association (COBEA). 

To be considered for this position, applicants must have a complete application that includes all of the following items:

• The online application via NeoGov (access also available on City of Bend website under Human Resources/Job Openings)
• Attached formal Cover Letter (required)
• Attached formal Resume (required)
• Attached valid Credentials, Certifications and Licensing (if applicable)

Applicants must provide certification that they are a veteran or disabled veteran to receive Veteran’s Preference.

Applications must be received by Friday, June 2, 2023 (6/2/2023) at 12:00 pm (noon) PDT to be considered. 

Summary

This Entry Level position performs a variety of manual labor and semi-skilled tasks in support of construction, maintenance, and operational functions of the Utility Department. This Entry Level position is expected to increase their knowledge and skill in all facets of careers in water treatment, water distribution, stormwater and sewer collection system maintenance, through a combination of classroom and on-the-job training to provide progressively skilled labor.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Entry Level is distinguished from Journey Level by the following. Entry Level is typically used as a training class; work is generally routine, daily detailed instruction is given and work is performed under direct supervision or guidance. Incumbent typically has less than two years of experience and may be an operator in training. Journey Level knows and applies fundamental concepts, practices and procedures of a particular field of specialization; performs work that is varied with minimal supervision. Performs tasks that may be somewhat difficult in nature and require moderate levels of evaluation and decision making.  Incumbents at the Journey Level hold basic level certifications per area of assignment.

Supervision Exercised and Received

This position has no lead or supervisory responsibilities. This position will receive varying degrees of direct supervision depending on the incumbent’s competency on a particular assignment. When introduced to new assignments or areas an apprentice will receive direct supervision or guidance by a Supervisor, Lead, Utility Worker, or assigned designee that takes the form of providing specific instructions on all assignments and procedures, with work being reviewed for completeness and accuracy. Other levels of direct supervision or guidance will be applied by the Supervisor, Lead, or assigned designee to gauge the competency level and to further develop the apprentice. This direct supervision may take the form of assigning tasks where the apprentice works independently for a period of time, instruction and guidance is provided as needed depending on current competency level, and verification of completion and quality occur when the task(s) are completed.

Functions, Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification.  Shown are duties intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Assists in, performs, and learns to dig holes and trenches; shore excavations; back-fills trenches and holes with hand tools for pipe repair and installation; places and removes barricades; flags traffic.
• Assists in the activities of water, wastewater, and stormwater data collection and asset condition reporting. Operates a pickup truck, passenger vehicle or smaller automotive equipment, and may transport fellow employees, tools, debris and other work related items.
• Assists in, performs and learns to complete utility locates and water turn ons/offs.
• Assists in, performs, and learns to repair leaks in water mains and services; repair valves, tap mains, and cut pipe; repairs and maintains fire hydrants; and replaces water meters.
• Assists in, performs and learns to replace meter boxes; cleans and maintains reservoir areas and facilities.
• Assists in, performs and learns to maintain and repair wastewater collection and stormwater systems, including piping, catch basins, stormwater bio filters, lift stations, and water quality equipment.
• Assists Utility Workers or assigned designee in performing the manual tasks related to their work and learns to use a variety of hand and power tools.
• Assists in, performs and learns to perform miscellaneous duties around storage yards and buildings; patrols and cleans area, loads and unloads trucks; stores materials; checks tools in and out, cleans tools; washes and gasses trucks.
• Reads work orders; assists in and learns to obtain needed supplies, complete forms and write simple reports on work, time and materials used.
• Assists in, performs, and learns to operate and maintain applicable systems and equipment; i.e., metering systems, CCTV cameras, smoke machines, radio units, valves, valve boxes, and/or other applicable items.  Troubleshoots and repairs equipment problems.
• Helps with installation and repair of water and sewer lines and other related facilities, including excavating and repairing broken lines.
• Performs work in assembling, laying and aligning water distribution and water reclamation collection mains and service lines.
• Assists with maintenance tasks on metering systems, manholes, catch basins, pump stations, lift stations, reservoirs, and other facilities; maintains and repairs piping associated with pump stations, well sites, and other facilities.
• Operates trucks, combination sewer cleaners, trenchers, skip loaders, backhoes, compressors, jackhammers, tapping machines, and a wide variety of other motorized equipment. Operates and uses power tools and other light equipment incidental to general duties.
• Complies with safety requirements of the position and actively promotes safe work practices.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of records and logs related to maintenance, repair and monitoring activities.
• In an emergency event or an officially declared State of Emergency, responds as directed to ensure the restoration of essential public services, facilities and infrastructure.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Knowledge, Skills and Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Simple Mathematical principles (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division);
• Basic construction principles;
• Basic Mechanical operations & troubleshooting;
• Tools and equipment utilized in the trade;
• Customer service principles;
• Occupational hazards and safe work methods

Skill in:

• Using a computer and related software applications;
• Using applicable tools and equipment of the trade, including operating light-to-heavy equipment;
• Writing legibly;
• Collecting and recording data;
• Performing mathematical calculations;
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Education, Experience, Certifications and Licenses Required:

High school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.); 0-2 years of experience to sufficiently perform the essential duties of the job as those listed above is preferred, but not required.

Licensing Requirements at time of application:

• Valid Oregon driver’s license and ability maintain

Mandatory License/Certification Requirements within 18 months of hire (based upon area of assignment):

Utility Worker Classification

• Oregon Class A CDL driver’s license with tanker endorsement
• Oregon Water Distribution Level I certification
• Oregon Wastewater Collections Level I certification

Collection System Utility Worker Classification

• Oregon Class A CDL driver’s license with tanker endorsement
• Oregon Wastewater Collections Level I certification

Diversity & Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The City of Bend is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion.  At the City of Bend, we don’t just accept differences; we value them. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and support the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA) and the Oregon Equal Pay Act.