Utility Maintenance Worker I (Wastewater)
Salary
$40,496.69 - $68,844.37 Annually
Location
Johnston County Public Utilities, NC
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
02620
Department
Public Utilities
Division
Construction
Opening Date
06/08/2026
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Johnston County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Description
An employee in this class performs a variety of unskilled to semi-skilled work as a member of a crew engaged in the maintenance and/or repair of sewer lines and wastewater pumping stations. Work involves inspection, recordation of data, performing preventive maintenance and some repairs to wastewater pumping stations and sewer mains; operation of trucks and machines to install, maintain or repair sewer system lines, stations or equipment. Work also includes checking, operating and cleaning, utility easements; lawn maintenance and making other repairs to the sewer system.
Employees are subject to working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as loud noises, vibration, moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation, and oils. Work is also subject to the final standards of OSHA on bloodborne pathogens and may require use of breathing apparatus.
Employees are also subject to on-call and call-back work. Work is performed under regular supervision and is evaluate through observation and inspection for adherence to instructions and standard trade and safety practices.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Makes regular inspection tours of sewer pumping stations and storage tanks
- Performs preventive maintenance
- Makes repairs such as packing pumps, replacing bearings and seals, changing drive shafts, etc.
- Cleans pumping stations
- Mows grass and trims trees and undergrowth at sites
- Reads wastewater meters
- Makes records of work activities and readings
- Repairs sewer pipe
- Replaces and adjusts pipe to proper grade and depth
- Repairs and cleans wastewater lines and related facilities
- Operates front-end loader, dump trucks, Vac trucks, jackhammers, tampers, pipe threading machines, tapping machines, trenchers, air compressors, and boring machines
- Flags traffic when needed
Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Working knowledge of the tools, materials and equipment used in the installation, replacement, maintenance and repair of utility lines, pumping stations, meters, and related equipment.
- Working knowledge of a variety of maintenance and manual methods and tasks involved in the installation, maintenance, repair and replacement of utility lines,
pumping stations, meters, and appurtenances.
- Working knowledge of the use of common hand and power tools.
- Working knowledge of the safe use and operation and preventive maintenance of common automotive and mechanical equipment.
- Working knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions related to assigned duties.
- Some knowledge of the municipal water and sewer service policies and procedures.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and the public.
- Ability to read utility line maps and equipment operation and service manuals and to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing,
walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
- Must be able to perform very heavy work exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally; 50 pounds of force frequently; and 20 pounds constantly.
- Must possess the visual acuity to operate equipment such as the backhoe and dump truck in a safe manner to fit pipes and other parts, read gauges, and
make written records.
Desired Education and Experience
- Graduation from high school and related experience in mechanical, plumbing, utility construction and/or maintenance, and equipment operation experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Posession of Grade 1 Collection system operator's certification or ability to obtain within 18 months of hire.
Special Requirements
Possession of valid North Carolina drivers license; may require commercial drivers license.
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. Other duties may be assigned.
Important Pre-Employment Information:
- If the position requires a degree, official transcripts must be submitted within 30 days of hire.
- A pre-employment reference check will be conducted.
- A background check may be required and may include criminal history, motor vehicle records, sex offender registry checks, pre-employment drug screening, SBI fingerprinting, and, if applicable, a National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) check.
- A conviction record does not automatically disqualify you from employment, unless otherwise required by state law. Each situation is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Johnston County provides a comprehensive, affordable insurance and benefits program.
Employees are offered a diverse selection of benefits including medical (no-cost for the employee plan), dental, life, and supplemental benefit coverages. Employees can also take advantage of our on-site wellness clinic and virtual telehealth program, both at no-cost!
Additional benefits include participation in the NC Retirement System, a 401(k) match option, generous paid leave and holiday schedule, tuition reimbursement, and more! To learn more, visit www.myjcbenefits.com
- This description applies to benefits eligible positions.
Employer Johnston County
Department Public Utilities Address 309 E. Market Street
P.O. Box 2263
Smithfield, 27577
Phone 919-989-4700
Website https://www.johnstonnc.gov/ut2/index.cfm