Utility Worker III

Perform semi-skilled and skilled field work in the construction operation and maintenance of potable water pipelines appurtenances and services for the Sweetwater Authority (Authority) Engineering and Operations Department.

Department: Engineering and Operations

Disclaimer: The specific statements shown in each section of this job description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.

Supervision Received/Exercised:

• General supervision is provided by the Distribution Manager or Director of Engineering and Operations.
• Direct supervision is provided by the Field Crew Supervisor.
• Technical and training assistance is provided by the Utility Leadworker Utility Worker II and Equipment Operator.
• There are no staff supervisory responsibilities for this position.

• Assist in the installation maintenance and repair of potable water distribution systems including: Water main repair replacement flushing disinfecting testing pipe cutting and line tapping; service hydrant and valve installation replacement and exercising.
• Assist in the break up and removal of old concrete and asphalt; load unload and haul materials and equipment; clean up job sites; cut and cover trenches; install and remove meter boxes clean up debris and weeds around meter boxes; build rough forms mix and pour concrete; lay asphalt and perform other related activities.
• Locate and mark out existing Authority facilities and appurtenances.
• Control and direct traffic; place and remove cones barricades and signs; clean up at job sites; perform other related activities.
• Complete a variety of paperwork including work order and service papers.
• Maintain records and draw intersection maps to show location of utility structures.
• Operate large trucks and construction equipment such as loaders backhoes dump trucks valve operating trucks and trenching machines.
• Perform standby duty as assigned at intervals of one (1) week period of time to provide emergency service on a twenty-four (24) hour a day basis; respond to emergencies as required on an on-call basis within 30 minutes.
• Contact other departments or other agencies regarding utility locations.
• Excavate and cover trenches and install shoring.
• Use computers to access facility maps and information.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers customers vendors Board members and the public.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

Knowledge of:

• Methods materials practices and tools required for pipe main service and meter installations and repair.
• Practices and principles of disinfecting water facilities.
• Safety work practices and procedures.
• Occupational public health and safety hazards as related to the trade.
• Modern office procedures and practices equipment and clerical techniques.
• Computer programs and software such as Microsoft Office.
• Proper English usage including spelling grammar and punctuation.

• Learn to use operate repair and maintain a variety of construction equipment and tools used in the installation and repair of water facilities and surface improvements.
• Read understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Perform heavy physical labor under varying weather conditions.
• Work under emergency conditions day or night when called any time during a 24-hour period.
• Maintain records accurately and write legibly.
• Operate a computer and related software applications.
• Keyboard proficiently.
• Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Use interpersonal skills effectively as applied to interaction with coworkers supervisor the general public etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade and some related work experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

• Possess and maintain a valid California Class A Driver License.
• New employees must obtain a Class A Driver License within one (1) year from start date; this requirement will be a condition of passing probation. Training will be provided by the Authority within that time period.
• Authority personnel wishing to transfer into the Distribution Department must obtain a Class A Driver License within one (1) year from start date. Training will be provided by the Authority within that time period.
• Maintain an acceptable safe and active driving record together with proof of insurability.
• Obtain a Water Distribution Operator D2 certification as issued by the State Water Resources Control Board within one (1) year from start date.

• Hear normal conversation in person by radio and on the telephone.
• Mobility of arms to reach and the dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate small objects and to write legibly.
• Visual ability (which may be corrected) to read small print and video messages including good peripheral vision and depth perception.
• Speak in a normal voice; able to be heard and understood on the telephone in person and to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Use office equipment such as personal computers copiers and fax machines.
• Operate power tools or controls; reach with hands and arms.
• Mobility to climb or balance; stoop kneel crouch or crawl; bend and extend legs and walk on uneven ground.
• Repetitive movement such as shoveling and sweeping for extended periods of time.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required per standard operating procedures (SOP).
• Potential exposure to fumes or airborne particles risk of electrical shock and vibration.
• Operate large trucks and construction equipment such as loaders backhoes valve operating trucks and trenching machines.
• Lift carry push or pull up to ninety (90) pounds.
• Perform heavy physical labor associated with frequent lifting pushing carrying and pulling bags of cement pumps fittings meters flanges tampers blacktop jackhammers valves valve keys tools and other related items.
• Keyboarding for extended periods of time.
• Fingering grasping talking hearing seeing and repetitive motions.
• Work near moving mechanical parts and in outside weather conditions of the local climate.
• Exposure to alternating noise levels.

• Flex Schedule: Monday through Thursday 6:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. (9/80); Friday 6:30 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. and every other Friday off or as assigned by the supervisor.

• Working conditions require that a uniform be worn; to be provided by the Authority.
• Subject to standby and call-out in emergency situations.
• May be required to work up to sixteen (16) hours.
• Work around various types of animals and insects such as dogs snakes spiders bees rodents etc.
• It is important that incumbents in this position maintain a professional and businesslike image to the public at all times:
  • A neat clean and pressed appearance in clothing; hair and personal hygiene is important every day.
  • Good judgment is expected in determining proper dress and appearance.
  • All facial hair must be kept neat and trimmed.

Position may be filled at the Utility Worker II level depending upon qualifications. See Utility Worker II job description for minimum qualifications and salary range.

We are looking for the right fit and will keep this recruitment open until the ideal candidate is found. For the best chance of consideration please apply byFebruary 3 2026 when our team begins reviewing the first round of applicants. We encourage early applications as this recruitment may close without notice once the position is successfully filled.

Sweetwater Authority is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services programs and activities. To request reasonable accommodation in the recruitment process please contact Human Resources at