Fitter Helper

Department/Division: Public Works, Water Division

Job Type: Full Time

Pay: $25.41 Per Hour and Benefits

Position Summary

Under the administrative direction of the Public Works Director or the Assistant Public Works Director, performs the work related to all aspects of the repair, and maintenance of water mains within the Water Distribution System and performs work on the utility crew for the distribution and treatment of water, takes water samples for the Water Distribution System, works in the positions of Utility Investigator, Operator in Charge, or Meter Reader as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operation of a backhoe.
• Fit pipe for laying of main or repairs of main breaks.
• Take water samples and perform water testing.
• Locates water mains and water services.
• Install, program, maintain, and repair water meters.
• Walk the 8-mile water meter route.
• Maintain records and reports.
• Perform maintenance work on Water towers and storage tanks.
• Provide utility customer services, including referring citizens to appropriate personnel for problem or complaint resolution.
• Maintain communication with City staff via two-way communication devices, such as a radio or telephone.
• Landscaping and site restorations.
• Repair, reconstruction, and patching of curbs, sidewalks, driveways, streets, and alleys (associated with water issues).
• Removal of grass and weeds from around hydrants, water towers, and water meters.
• Cleaning, Repairing, and Painting of City Facilities and Equipment.
• Inspection of vehicles and equipment and reporting of mechanical problems.
• Maintenance and repair of equipment.
• Cleaning, organizing, and proper care of tools and equipment
• Hauling of dirt, rock, debris, and other materials.
• Fill in for the Operator in Charge.
• Fill in for Utility Investigator.
• Fill in for Meter Readers.
• Other assigned and related duties.

Qualifications

Education

• Ability to pass basic reading, writing, and mathematics exams.

Required Skills

• Valid Illinois Driver’s License
• Ability to acquire and maintain a valid Illinois Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). A CDL is required within 180 days of hire.
• Ability to obtain an IEPA License for Certified Class D Public Water Supply Operator
• Ability to obtain a ‘Flagging Certificate.’
• Demonstrated ability in the basic skills of construction, plumbing, and mechanics.
• Ability to operate and use various construction tools and equipment common to utility construction trades.
• Ability to operate and use various construction tools and equipment, including air hammer, concrete saw, tiller, jackhammer, shovel, etc.
• Possess knowledge of laying water mains.
• Ability to read water meters with accuracy.
• Ability to read and understand maps and design plans.
• Ability to use a GIS mapping system in performing daily tasks.
• Ability to learn existing water distribution services and water main locations.
• Ability to maintain records and reports using a tablet and/or laptop.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently, and problem-solve without direct and constant supervision.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with the general public and fellow employees.
• Ability to work in a safe and conscientious manner.

Work Schedule

Fitter Helpers are scheduled to work 8-hour days, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. A typical working shift is 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Some positions require evening work and/or weekend shifts.    

Physical Requirements

• Move heavy objects (80 pounds or more) short distances (20 feet or less).
• Move light objects (less than 80 pounds) long distances (more than 20 feet).
• Bend or stoop repeatedly or continually over time (i.e., pick up trash from the roadside, work under equipment).
• Lift arms above shoulder level, holding objects (50 pounds or more) (i.e., throw bags and loose trash into a truck, enter the cab of a vehicle)
• Moves shoulders and arms in circular and sideways motion (i.e., laying concrete and operating heavy equipment)
• Work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the elements.
• Climb up and down ladders or steps.
• Enter the cab of a vehicle that is 5.5 feet off the ground.
• Ability to work around chlorine products utilizing protective equipment.
• Ability to stand, sit, reach, grasp, lift/carry, walk, climb, kneel, squat/bend, and push/pull.
• Use written sources of information, e.g., read reports, procedural documentation, and reference materials.
• Perform detailed work requiring visual acuity, e.g., repair electronic equipment.
• Use non-verbal auditory sources of information, e.g., alarms, beepers, and pagers.         

Residency Requirement

All applicants shall reside in Jefferson County.

Additional Information

FSLA Classification 

Non-Exempt

Pay Schedule

Biweekly (every other Friday)

Union Status

Covered by a collective bargaining agreement