Utilities & Grounds Helper I

JOB SUMMARY

Under direct supervision, this position performs maintenance and repair work on the Town’s water and sewer systems, performs grounds maintenance, and performs building maintenance. Duties include assisting and learning essential duties and responsibilities of Utilities Maintenance Technician and Mechanic, as well as repairing water leaks/pipes, installing and reading water meters, performing groundskeeping work, and maintaining the Town’s sewage pump stations. Work requires operating a variety of hand and power tools, light equipment, lawn mowers, chainsaws, and manual labor. Performs related work as required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assists with repair work on water and sewer pipes and other components of the Town’s water and sewer systems. Breaks cement and asphalt in order to reach pipes. Installs, repairs and/or replaces pipes. Assist with repairs and cleaning of sewer pump stations.
• Installs water meters. Reads and records hour meter and reports readings for use in generating utility billings.
• Monitors sewer pump stations, reads sewer clocks and ensures continuous and proper operation. Performs preventive maintenance such as oiling components of sewer pump stations.
• Responds to malfunctions at sewer pump stations and potable water wells, troubleshoots and identifies problems. Performs minor repairs.
• Assists with building maintenance to include occasional painting.
• Maintains equipment and ensures its proper working condition. Reports equipment, materials, or supply problems to the Supervisor.
• Obtains materials, supplies and equipment needed to perform scheduled/assigned repairs, and maintenance work. Drives a truck to and from the job sites. Performs maintenance on equipment and tools and ensures their proper working condition.
• Plows or shovels snow from public roads.
• Keeps flower beds neat and clean.
• Pick up trash and dead animals.
• Directs traffic around work site. Performs V-DOT flagging activities as necessary.
• Operates a variety of hand and power tools in the performance of assigned tasks including, but not limited to mowers, chain saws, shovels, brooms, and weed eaters.
• Clean storm drains.
• Performs varied grounds keeping duties such as mowing grass, blowing and/or vacuuming leaves, cutting trees and limbs, sweeping sidewalks, shoveling snow, and removing debris and trash from Town properties using equipment such as a zero-turn mower, walk behind mower, blower, bush hog, and tractor.
• Drives Town vehicles to and from job sites, for snow removal, and other job-related tasks; and
• Performs other assigned duties.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• High School Diploma or equivalent;
• One (1) to two (2) years of related work experience and/or training that includes water and sewer line repair and maintenance work is preferred.
• Must possess a valid drivers’ license with driving record that is acceptable to the Town.
• Must possess a pesticide spraying certification or be willing to obtain it within six (6) months of employment.
• Must possess or have the ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment, Registered Technician Certification for pesticide spraying.
• Must pass a background check, physical, and drug screening
• Must have a proven record of dependability and excellent customer service skills.
• Or equivalent training, education, and/or experience.

Note - This is a safety sensitive position that participates in the Town's random drug screen program.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

· Knowledge of Isle of Wight County and the Town of Smithfield;

· Knowledge of the geography of the County and surrounding areas;

· Knowledge of First Aid and CPR;

· Knowledge of operating, maintaining, and repairing heavy equipment;

· Knowledge of use, operation, and maintenance of motorized vehicles and equipment common to the field;

· Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of a wide variety of hand and power tools and equipment common to landscape maintenance;

· Knowledge safe working practices;

• Skill in communicating and working effectively with a team;

· Skill in planning and organizing work

• Skill in communicating effectively both orally and in writing;
• Skill in clarifying authority, responsibilities, and expectations; and
• Ability to complete assigned work within established deadlines in accordance with directives, policies, standards, and prescribed procedures;
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines;
• Ability to work independently;
• Ability to meet regular attendance requirements;
• Ability to maintain the professional expertise required to perform the job effectively;
• Ability to make timely and sound decisions;
• Ability to adhere to all established safety standards and ensure such standards are not violated;
• Ability to perform manual labor;
• Ability to safely and effectively perform basic landscape maintenance, and repair work;
• Ability to use a variety of hand and power tools and equipment used in the type of work being performed;
• Ability to safely and skillfully operate motorized vehicles and equipment used in the course of work;
• Ability to estimate time and materials for completion of projects;

· Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with Town officials, fellow employees, and the general public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This is a moderately physically demanding role. Tasks involve regular and sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing (at least 12 feet high) and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and that generally involves lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials. This would require the ability to perform coordinated movements involving placing and turning motions, such as operating equipment, and tools for the purpose of installing, maintaining and repairing water and sewer system components and building maintenance. The amount of weight to lift, push or pull would not exceed 50 pounds. This role requires plowing and shoveling snow.

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate odors. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate depths. Some tasks require visual perception and discrimination. Some tasks require oral communications ability.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Tasks are regularly performed with exposure to adverse environmental conditions. Tasks may risk exposure to traffic hazards, adverse weather conditions, dust, pollen, odors, and loud noise. This position is required to plow and shovel snow in areas.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.05 - $22.59 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• On-the-job training
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person