CITY OF LULA
PUBLIC WORKS UTILITY TECHNICIAN I
Department: Public Works
Reports To: Public Works Director or Designee
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Employment Type: Full-Time
POSITION SUMMARY
The Public Works Utility Technician performs skilled and semi-skilled work involving the construction, operation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of municipal water distribution systems, sewer collection systems, streets, drainage systems, rights-of-way, parks, public facilities, and related infrastructure. The position is responsible for reading and maintaining water meters utilizing the City's Neptune Automated Meter Reading (AMR/AMI) system, locating and repairing water leaks, responding to utility emergencies, operating heavy equipment, and assisting with all aspects of public works operations.
This position REQUIRES the ability to work independently, respond to emergencies, participate in an on-call rotation, and perform physically demanding work in varying weather conditions.
Employees assigned to this classification are considered essential personnel and may be required to report to work during emergencies, natural disasters, utility outages, severe weather events, and other situations affecting public health, safety, and welfare.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Water Distribution System
- Install, maintain, repair, and replace water mains, service lines, valves, hydrants, meters, and related infrastructure.
- Locate and repair water leaks in mains, service lines, meter boxes, and appurtenances.
- Perform water service installations, meter replacements, and service disconnects and reconnects.
- Operate water system valves and hydrants for maintenance, emergency operations, and system testing.
- Assist with system flushing, pressure testing, disinfection, and water quality maintenance activities.
- Respond to water outages, low-pressure complaints, leaks, and emergency utility failures.
- Assist with utility locates and marking underground utilities.
Water Meter Operations
- Read and record water consumption using the City's Neptune AMR/AMI meter reading system.
- Operate handheld devices, mobile meter reading equipment, and associated software.
- Install, replace, maintain, test, and troubleshoot water meters, transmitters, registers, and meter boxes.
- Investigate high water consumption reports, unusual usage patterns, meter malfunctions, and customer service concerns.
- Identify water leaks, unauthorized water usage, damaged meters, and faulty meter transmissions.
- Maintain accurate meter reading records and service documentation.
- Assist utility billing personnel with meter-related investigations and customer inquiries.
Sewer Collection System
- Maintain, repair, and replace sewer mains, service laterals, manholes, cleanouts, and related collection system infrastructure.
- Assist with sewer line cleaning, inspections, maintenance, and blockage removal.
- Respond to sewer backups, overflows, and emergency service calls.
- Operate sewer maintenance equipment and assist with preventative maintenance activities.
Public Works Operations
- Maintain streets, sidewalks, drainage systems, stormwater infrastructure, rights-of-way, parks, and public facilities.
- Perform mowing, trimming, tree removal, brush clearing, debris removal, and grounds maintenance.
- Install and maintain street signs, traffic control devices, road markers, and safety equipment.
- Assist with construction projects, special events, public facility maintenance, and community improvement projects.
- Perform basic carpentry, painting, concrete work, and facility maintenance as assigned.
Equipment Operation
- Safely operate and maintain dump trucks, service trucks, backhoes, excavators, skid steers, tractors, mowers, chainsaws, pumps, generators, compactors, and other public works equipment.
- Perform routine inspections and preventative maintenance on assigned equipment.
- Report equipment deficiencies, malfunctions, and repair needs.
On-Call and Emergency Response
- Participate in rotating on-call assignments, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Respond to emergency water, sewer, drainage, roadway, storm, and public works incidents.
- Respond to utility outages, water main breaks, sewer overflows, fallen trees, flooding, and other emergency situations.
- Assist with disaster response, storm recovery, and emergency operations as directed.
Administrative Duties
- Complete work orders, maintenance logs, inspection reports, and related documentation.
- Follow all safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, contractors, regulatory agencies, and the public.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Public Works Director or designee.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- High School Diploma or GED required.
Experience
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in public works, utility maintenance, water distribution, sewer collection systems, construction, heavy equipment operation, or a closely related field.
- Experience locating and repairing water leaks is required.
- Experience reading water meters and performing utility maintenance is required.
Licenses and Certifications
- Valid Georgia Driver's License required.
- Applicant must provide a certified three (3) year Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) from the state issuing their driver's license at the time of application.
- Driving record must be acceptable to the City's insurance carrier.
- Ability to obtain applicable State of Georgia utility certifications as required by the City.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Knowledge of water distribution systems and sewer collection systems.
- Knowledge of Neptune water meter reading technology and related software.
- Knowledge of manual read meters.
- Knowledge of utility construction, maintenance, and repair methods.
- Knowledge of safe work practices and occupational safety standards.
- Ability to locate and repair water leaks and utility failures.
- Ability to read maps, utility plans, work orders, and construction drawings.
- Ability to safely operate heavy equipment and power tools.
- Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and the public.
- Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and reports.
- Ability to be accountable to work assignments and for equipment.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift heavier objects with assistance.
- Ability to stand, walk, climb, kneel, bend, crawl, and work in confined spaces.
- Ability to perform strenuous physical labor for extended periods.
- Ability to work outdoors in extreme temperatures and adverse weather conditions.
- Ability to respond to emergencies outside normal working hours.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed both indoors and outdoors. Employees may be exposed to moving machinery, traffic hazards, excavation sites, confined spaces, wastewater, chemicals, noise, dust, insects, snakes, poison ivy, and other hazards commonly associated with utility and public works operations.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of:
- Background investigation;
- Verification of employment history and qualifications;
- Review of a certified seven (7) year Motor Vehicle Record (MVR);
- Georgia Water Distribution Operator Certification.
- Experience with Neptune AMR/AMI water meter systems.
- Experience with manual read meters.
- Experience installing and maintaining water and sewer infrastructure.
- Verification of required licenses and certifications;
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preference may be given to applicants possessing one or more of the following:
- Five (5) or more years of municipal public works experience.
- Experience operating chainsaws, backhoes, excavators, skid steers, and dump trucks.
- Experience with utility construction and repair.
- Georgia Wastewater Collection System Certification.
- Flagger Certification, Confined Space Training, Trenching and Excavation Safety Training, or similar certifications.
Applicants may obtain an application at Lula City Hall at 6055 Main Street, Lula, GA 30554 or submit a resume to [email protected].
The City of Lula offers a competitive salary, benefits package, and work environment for qualified candidates. Salary will be determined by licenses, experience, and work history.
DISCLAIMER
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an employee assigned to this position. It is NOT intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned.
The City of Lula is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Pay: $17.00 - $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
