Primary Role

The Utility Mechanic I may be assigned to perform any responsibility of Utility Mechanic II that lies within the capability of the employee based on experience, knowledge, qualifications, and training.

This position will be subject to an alternate schedule.

Key Accountabilities

• Excavates and/or backfills job sites to facilitate repairs to company facilities such as, but not limited to, mains, blow-offs, services, curb stops, shutoff valves, and fire hydrants.
• Coordinates, monitors, and controls the safe and efficient utilization of company equipment and assigned personnel. Locates, accesses, operates, and/or repairs company facilities such as, but not limited to, mains, hydrants, blow-offs, services, curb stops, shutoff valves, and plumbing fixtures.
• Investigates and diagnoses hydraulic variations that may adversely impact system operations and customer service, and initiates corrective action. 
• Performs distribution system tests including, but not limited to, fire flows, customer service lines, and pressure losses.
• Completes house-tohouse connections at customers' accounts to maintain service.
• Locates company facilities, and in accord with the Underground Facility Program, marks-out company facilities and initiates requests to mark-out other utilities' facilities.
• Raises to grade company facilities such as, but not limited to, meter hoods, tiles and covers, and curb and valve boxes.
• Operates and repairs company facilities such as, but not limited to, fire hydrants and distribution system valves.
• Completes the installation of facilities including, but not limited to, water services, main extensions, fire hydrants, valves, and blow-offs.
• Collects and evaluates water samples, as directed, in accord with established water quality practices. Transports materials to and from facilities and/or job sites.
• Prepares company facilities for adverse weather conditions. Restores service to frozen company facilities, as required.
• Records pertinent data and maintains accurate records.
• Responds to inquiries accurately and professionally and, when necessary, involves the appropriate individuals to resolve customer and company-related issues and to achieve the highest level of customer service in all areas of responsibility. 
• Reports conditions in the field that may adversely impact customer service or the public safety, as well as conditions that may result in damage to company facilities. 
• The Utility Worker may be assigned to perform responsibilities either individually or in conjunction with other employees and may also be assigned to direct other employees in various work assignments.

Knowledge/Skills

• Must possess geographical knowledge of the company's service area and distribution system, as well as an understanding of gradients, piping networks, basic fluid and flow principles, and position-related electrical application and related safety procedures.
• Working knowledge of cross-connection control and reduced pressure zone backflow preventors.
• Working knowledge and understanding of contracts covering the installation of water mains, valves, fittings, fire hydrants, and services to ensure that facilities are installed in accord with contract.
• Working knowledge of company policies, procedures, and safety practices applicable to area of responsibility, as well as federal regulations regarding NJ One Call (NJ Underground Facility Protection Act), confined spaces, trenching and shoring, and Competent Person.
• Knowledge of various materials utilized in the transmission and distribution system and an ability to properly and safely make necessary taps, restraints, and repairs to ensure the integrity of the transmission and distribution system.

Experience/Education

• Will be required to pass a final examination by the company prior to the conclusion of the qualification period.
• Progression
  • The Utility Mechanic I must progress to a Utility Mechanic II within three years. In order to progress they must meet all the qualifications and requirements for Utility Mechanic II, and will be required to pass the Utility Mechanic II entrance examination to be developed by the
  • Company. In the event after three years as a Utility Mechanic I, the employee has not passed the Utility Mechanic II entrance examination the company may allow an additional one year of training.
  • The employee may retake the examination up to a maximum of two times prior to the completion of this additional one year of training.
  • Failure to achieve the skill required to successfully complete the Utility Mechanic II entrance examination within the specified time period will result in the employee's loss of the Utility Mechanic I position.
• Employees hired prior to 4/3/97 and already in the position of a Utility Mechanic I are not required to progress to a Utility Mechanic II as stated above.
• Any employees who bids, displaces or transfers into the Utility Mechanic I position after 4/3/97 will be required to meet the Progression requirement.
• HS Diploma/GED required.

Other

• Certifications & Licenses:
• Must possess a valid Drivers' License and will be required to attain a Commercial Drivers' License with appropriate endorsements within 180 working days from their first work day in this job classification.

Competencies