| Location | Grand Island, NE |
| Salary | $39.50–$54.69 Per Hour |
Utility Technician - PGS
Salary
$39.50 - $54.69 Hourly
Location
Grand Island, NE
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
8160-0826
Department
Utilities
Division
Generation
Opening Date
08/11/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
Description
Perform a variety of chemical and other analyses relevant to a gas or coal-fired power plant and the City's potable water production operation; and test and calibrate a variety of analytical laboratory equipment.
Essential Functions
Display honest, trustworthy, and ethical behavior when dealing with internal and external customers.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Regular attendance that is punctual and dependable is required.
Collect and store samples necessary for required analyses; perform chemical tests on plant process water; interpret test results.
Record information, results and procedures on tests run; develop forms for recording information; prepare regular reports for various regulatory agencies; monitor potable water treatment processes, water balance, and unaccounted water.
Monitor plant compliance with State and Federal regulations; inform management staff of any violation of regulations; monitor emissions of power plants; ensure that discharge water meets the requirements of the NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit to include inputting data
Train assigned plant operators in the collection and testing of sampled materials; instruct operators in the analysis and interpretation of test results; ensure that all operators use identical sampling and testing procedures for all analyses conducted.
Prepare chemical additions for maximum protection of boiler, turbine and cooling tower systems.
Perform quality control tests to ensure analytical precision of laboratory results; standardize and calibrate laboratory testing equipment.
Operate, monitor and maintain equipment used in water purification activities; work with water softener, reverse osmosis and demineralizer systems to purify water for boiler.
Measure ground water levels and various other readings as necessary.
Prepare chlorine solutions for disinfecting new or existing potable water lines and reservoirs.
Maintain laboratory and related equipment; maintain records on service, usage and repairs; order laboratory chemicals, supplies, culture media and glassware; prepare reagents from base chemicals.
Solve problems related to laboratory analysis activities; address questions regarding laboratory activities from the public and other city departments.
Review laboratory work processes and activities; develop methods and procedures for all required analyses; identify opportunities for improvement; review with supervisory staff; implement suggestions and improvements.
Assist in designing analytical systems as new construction and modification of existing systems takes place; work with engineering and consulting staff in developing new systems and necessary modifications to existing systems.
Conduct plant coal analysis; conduct laboratory tests for other City departments as requested; assist with plant laboratory related operations activities as necessary.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Knowledge of:
Laboratory sampling and analysis techniques.
Operation and maintenance of modern laboratory equipment.
Principles of chemistry and chemical analysis.
Bacteriology and related laboratory techniques.
Mathematical principles including algebra and geometry.
Various chemicals and their compositions including those applied to water treatment activities.
Basic training procedures.
Basic report preparation.
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word and Excel.
Safety practices relating to the use of a variety of chemicals.
Safe work practices.
Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
Ability to:
Perform a variety of biochemical, chemical and bacteriological tests and analyses.
Analyze and interpret laboratory results.
Train assigned personnel.
Operate and maintain laboratory equipment used in laboratory analyses.
Work independently in the absence of supervision.
Perform assigned work in accordance with appropriate safety practices.
Record and maintain accurate records.
Maintain laboratory equipment and supplies inventory.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Operate a variety of equipment in sampling and analysis of plant process and potable water including pH meters, ovens, adiabatic bomb calorimeter, sulfur analyzer, colorimeter, atomic absorption spectrometer, reverse osmosis unit, zeolite softener, filters, demineralizer system, pulverizes, sterilizer and distillation equipment.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
Work at high elevations.
Must have use of arms and legs.
Must be able to operate computer terminal and applicable programs.
Properly wear all safety equipment.
Must be able to see and read gauges, trouble lights and control panel screens.
Must be able to recognize and distinguish colors.
Supplemental Information
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Two years of general experience involving laboratory analysis or work in a closely related field.
Training:
Equivalent to a Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in chemistry or a related field.
License or Certification:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Grade III Water Supply Operators license within 24 months of hire.
Employee must possess a valid driver's license and maintain insurability as determined by the City's insurance carrier. Click here to view our driver eligibility requirements.
Residency:
Residency required within six (6) months of date of hire. Click here to view the residency map for this position. To meet the residency requirements, you must live inside the boxed area.
Salary:
Position will start at the entry level of the Citys salary table. Consideration may be given if experience exceeds entry level qualifications.
Working Hours:
Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Residency:
All Production Division Personnel must live within a 30-minute driving distance of 1035 W. Wildwood Dr, Grand Island, Nebraska. The shortest route available on Google maps will be used to determine commute time.
Salary:
Position will start at the entry level of the Citys salary table. Consideration may be given if experience exceeds entry level qualifications.
Other:
Candidates are subject to a background check.
Rates Effective January 1, 2026 and are subject to change.
This is a general guide for the purpose of informing all new employees of benefits. Coverage for all benefits, with the exception of the retirement savings plan, is effective the first of the month following one full calendar month of full time employment. Payroll deduction will begin in the month prior to the effective date of coverage. The retirement savings plan is effective on the first day of employment.
HEALTH INSURANCE: Blue Cross/Blue Shield coverage provided to the employee and dependents. There are two options: a Qualified High Deductible Plan with an HSA, or a Traditional PPO plan. If your spouse is eligible for coverage on their employers group health plan, spousal coverage with the City is not available.
The semi-monthly premiums for the High Deductible Plan: ($3400/$5900 deductible)
The semi-monthly premiums for the Traditional PPO Plan: ($1000/$2000 deductible)
DENTAL INSURANCE: Delta Dental coverage provided to employee and dependents. The employee is responsible for a portion of the premium. $5.31 for Single, $10.49 for Emp. 2/4 or $21.78 for Family semi-monthly.
VISION INSURANCE: EyeMed Vision coverage is available to employees and dependents. The employee is responsible for the full premium. Employee only - $7.09; Employee/Spouse - $13.88; Employee/Children - $14.61; Family - $21.48. All rates are monthly payroll deductions.
LIFE INSURANCE: Securian/Ochs Life Insurance coverage provided for employee ($50,000), spouse ($10,000), and dependents ($5,000 each), with premiums paid by the City. Supplemental life insurance available for employee and dependents through payroll deduction.
RETIREMENT PLAN: Mandatory Ameritas Retirement Plan. 7% of gross earnings, City contributes 8%. Effective on date of employment. Four year vesting schedule. Voluntary after-tax contributions up to 10% - not matched by City.
DEFERRED COMP: Five optional Deferred Compensation Plans which allow pre-tax contributions up to $23,500/year.
LONG-TERM DISABILITY: CIGNA - LTD provided for employee. Pays a portion (60%, maximum of $8500 per month) of employees salary should he/she becomes disabled.
CAFETERIA/125 PLAN: Optional participation by the employee. Can be used for medical expenses, non-employer sponsored premiums and/or dependent daycare.
VEBA PLAN (HRA): MidAmerica. Health reimbursement plan to be used for post-employment medical expenses. Contributions of $20 per pay period are made by the City.
PAID VACATION: Upon completion of six months of continuous service, an employee will have 40 hours of vacation time. The employee will accrue an additional 40 hours in the first 6 months following the introductory period. (96 hours in years 2 - 4; 120 hours in years 5 - 6; 128 hours in years 7 - 8; 136 hours in years 9 - 10; 144 hours in years 11 - 12; 152 hours in year 13; 160 in years 14 - 19; 180 hours in years 20 - 24; 200 hours in years 25 and beyond.)
PAID HOLIDAYS: Nine holidays and three personal leave days. If hired on or after April 1st, personal leave will be available October 1st.
MEDICAL LEAVE: Accrual of 8 hours per month which is cumulative to a maximum of 1,106 hours.
01
The information provided to these Supplemental Questions will be used in combination with the employment application to determine whether candidates meet the qualification requirements and/or the final score. Failure to provide detailed and complete information may result in the application being rejected or receiving a lower score. Please do not submit a resume in place of completing the Supplemental Questions. When applying for this position, I understand that I must thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience sections of my application and the Supplemental Questions. This includes a detailed description of each position that I feel qualifies me for the job I am seeking. I have read the above statement and understand that failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in my application being rejected or my receiving a lower examination score. I also understand that I may not submit resumes in lieu of filling out the application or answering the Supplemental Questions. However, I may attach a resume to the application to provide additional information.
02
Please detail any relevant education, experience or training to this position.
03
I understand I must maintain a valid drivers license and maintain insurability as determined by the Citys insurance carrier.
04
Have you had any minor or major driving violations within the last 3 years. Please review to the job posting for the list of guidelines under the license and certification section.
05
I understand I must possess a Grade III Water Supply Operators license within 24 months of hire.
06
The position has a residency requirement within six months of hire. If hired for the position, I understand I will be required to meet the residency requirements.
07
Candidates offered employment will be subject to a pre-employment/post-offer physical and drug screen. Do you understand the requirement?
Required Question
Employer City of Grand Island
Address 100 East 1st Street
P O Box 1968
Grand Island, Nebraska, 68801
Phone 308-389-0190
Website http://www.grand-island.com/jobs