Utility Laborer

Essential Function

Under general supervision, perform a variety of skilled and semi-skilled tasks related to the maintenance and repair of District buildings, grounds and vehicles to ensure clean, orderly and safe conditions in compliance with applicable regulations, codes and standard operating procedures.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the entry-level classification in the Maintenance Division in which the incumbent will work under the immediate supervision of either a journey or lead level staff member while performing various duties and tasks when assigned to work with maintenance, electrical/ instrumentation, collections and warehouse personnel. The duties of this classification involve work which is physical in nature and require familiarity with general laborer tasks.

The Utility Laborer may be required to operate a variety of equipment, machinery and vehicles, and may work alone or as a member of a crew. Some independent judgment and initiative is required.

As experience and proficiency are gained, the Utility Laborer may be considered for advancement to other classifications at the District that are consistent with the incumbent’s interests, work experience and demonstrated proficiencies that meet the requirements of the higher-level classifications.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receive immediate supervision from Maintenance Supervisor or crew leader positions, with occasional general supervision from Maintenance Manager and other District management staff.

Primary Duties:

General Maintenance

• Performs general maintenance tasks to ensure clean, orderly and safe working conditions throughout the District using a variety of hand and power tools and equipment related to the work.
• Cleans and removes debris and trash from parking lots, shops, buildings and grounds.
• Washes and cleans vehicles; fuels vehicles; conducts vehicle safety and emergency equipment inspections. Performs routine servicing and maintenance checks (changes oil, fluids, filters, batteries, bulbs and fuses) on vehicles and carts.
• Cleans heavy equipment, trucks and tools.
• Completes maintenance and repair work orders as instructed.
• Conducts quarterly safety inspections of fire extinguishers and works with the Safety Officer to schedule fire extinguisher servicing.
• Changes light bulbs, tubes and batteries in smoke and safety alarms.
• Moves, sets up and breaks down furniture and equipment for meetings.
• Picks up, delivers and moves boxes, furniture, supplies, parts and materials.
• Schedules and cleans kitchen refrigerators.
• Oversees and coordinates laundry and janitorial service contracts.
• Maintains an inventory of materials and supplies required for facilities and grounds; requisitions supplies for restocking.
• Inspects buildings and grounds for safety hazards or maintenance needs, prepares and submits service requests. Cleans up spills and breakage, washes, vacuums, sweeps, mops and dusts.
• Attends training and safety sessions as assigned.
• Reports unsafe conditions and mitigates as possible.

Grounds Maintenance

• Oversees the appearance and upkeep of District’s landscaping contract, as well as sweeping paved areas, curbs and gutters; cleaning debris from drains and catch basins; cutting and pulling weeds, trimming, pruning plants, bushes and trees as needed and required.
• Identifies pest and weed control needs of grounds surrounding central operations and remote pump stations; assists in defining service requirements for pest and weed control contract services; monitors and reports on effects of contracted control services
• Repairs irrigation systems as required.

Maintenance and Repair Projects

• Identifies and obtains materials, supplies and equipment needed to accomplish maintenance and repair projects.
• Prepares walls, ceilings and floors, metal, asphalt and cement surfaces for repairs, alterations and painting. Breaks up asphalt and cement, digs holes and trenches, cuts and removes existing wood and metal materials and structures. Blasts, sands and patches surfaces. Measures, mixes and applies asphalt and cement.
• Measures, cuts and installs forms, braces, studs, wallboard, tiles, countertops, trim and other building materials. Measures, mixes, sprays and brushes paint to interior and exterior surfaces of buildings, paved and cemented areas, tanks, metal equipment and fences.
• Assists and supports Maintenance Division personnel with a variety of tasks and special project duties as required.
• Drives and operates District commercial vehicles and equipment as required.
• Observes appropriate safety procedures, including wearing appropriate safety equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE).

Other Assigned Duties

General Operations: Participates in the general housekeeping and administrative record keeping operations of the Maintenance division. Assists maintenance mechanics, electrical/ instrumentation technicians, collection system workers and warehouse personnel in assigned work and projects. Assumes responsibility for covering a part of the work assignments of other maintenance, collection and inventory workers as needed. Participates in teams engaged with process and customer service improvements, cross-training, and team evaluations. Prepares and presents formal reports and recommendations as appropriate. Participates in District committees. Performs other assigned work consistent with the responsibilities of the classification and necessary to effective maintenance section and District operations.

Qualifications

A combination of training and experience which demonstrates that a person has obtained the required knowledge and is able to perform the required work (with reasonable accommodation, if needed). A person with the following combined training and experience would typically qualify to compete in a selection process:

EDUCATION:   High School Diploma or equivalent.

EXPERIENCE: Two (2) years of building and grounds maintenance experience. Basic mechanical equipment maintenance and minor vehicle servicing experience is preferred.

Knowledge of the following is required to perform the essential function:

•  Methods, materials and tools used in building maintenance and construction, landscape maintenance, irrigation systems, exterior paving and cement installations.
• Techniques used for servicing vehicles, power tools and equipment, and maintaining fire and safety alarms.
• Regulatory codes applicable to buildings and grounds repair projects.
• Safety procedures and practices in hazardous environments.
• Technical and safety practices and regulations applicable to using poisons, pesticides and herbicides common to rodent, pest and weed control.

Ability to do the following is required to perform the essential function:

•  Perform carpentry, cement, painting, groundskeeping, and vehicle and equipment servicing and minor repairs.
• Record data and information and produce reports.
• Evaluate, plan and establish a sequence of action for work progress.
• Work independently and solve problems within general procedures.
• Interpret and apply code provisions.
• Interpret mechanical drawings and building diagrams.
• Provide verbal and written information to a wide variety of people.
• Communicate ideas and assert a point of view.
• Establish and maintain open and honest communications with co-workers at all levels of the organization.
• Exhibit a high customer service priority.
• Read, write and clearly speak effectively.
• Perform arithmetic and mathematical calculations common to quantification and measurement of small construction and groundskeeping work.
• Operate District trucks, automobiles, electric carts, and other vehicles, office computers and field communications equipment.
• Operate safety devices and equipment and apply proper safety procedures in hazardous environments.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

•  Good physical condition to perform strenuous work in variety of weather conditions and geographic terrains as necessary.
• Work in variety of environments including office buildings with controlled lighting and ventilation and moderate noise levels; in wastewater treatment plant facilities the noise level is usually moderate with occasional exposure to loud equipment.
• Subject to exposure and/or contact with chemicals, fumes, odors, dust and pollen. Occasional exposure to extreme heat, risk of electric shock; and vibration.
• Periodically required to safely enter and leave confined spaces.
• Ascend and descend ladders and stairs.
• Occasionally tolerate physical presence at heights of up to 75 feet on outdoor catwalks and exterior walkways of large structures.
• Operate various vehicles, automobiles, electric carts, and field communications (cell phone and/or two-way radios) equipment.
• Regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear in person or on the telephone or radio.
• Regularly operate safety devices and equipment and apply proper safety procedures in hazardous environments.
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and sporadically be required to safely lift and/or move a manhole cover or similar items up to 100 lbs.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and climb or balance and stop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Periods of prolonged sitting in office environment and exposure to computer screen.
• Visual acuity to read fine details on plans, correspondence, reports and/or statistical data.
• Grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination to handle tools and use a computer.

Required Licenses, Certifications and Registrations

• A valid California State Class C license must be maintained at all times
• A valid California State Class B driver’s license is required or must be obtained within six (6) months of hire.
• Continued maintenance of valid driver’s license(s) in compliance with established District vehicle operation standards, and the ability to be insured for the operation of a vehicle/District vehicle in accordance with the terms and conditions of the District’s insurance program are conditions of continued employment.
• Obtain and hold legally required certificates, licenses, or training as applicable to specific assigned tasks as needed.