Job Description

This position is responsible for participating in the repair and maintenance of water and sewer mains, lines and meters.


High School Diploma/GED. Ability to read, write and perform basic mathematical calculations. One year of experience in general underground utility construction maintenance or plumbing activities. Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the State of Texas for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
Essential duties and functions may include the following:

Participates in the maintenance and repair of water and wastewater mains and lines. Investigate and inspect water distribution and wastewater collection systems. Install, maintain, excavate, repair, replace, backfill and locate water and wastewater infrastructure. Backfills all excavated areas. Repairs or replaces leaking water meters; replaces valves and couplings. Provides traffic control at work sites to ensure a safe working environment. Places and gathers cones, flags, set out traffic signs, etc. Flushes water lines and fire hydrants. Connects and disconnects water and sewer services. Responds to complaints regarding low water pressure. Locates leaks in water and wastewater lines. Responds to emergency service calls as required; remains on call after hours a minimum one week per month. The employee may be required to work overtime or comp time with little, or no notice at any hour or day of the year, as needed. Fills out and completes paperwork, forms and work orders for assigned jobs. Assists in the basic operation, inspection, and maintenance of a variety of vehicles and heavy equipment. Assist in the set up, operation, and maintenance of a variety of safety-related equipment according to the City's safety procedures and SOP. Perform labor intensive work and other related duties as assigned.
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed. Knowledge of the safety policies and procedures pertaining to the repair and maintenance of water and sewer mains and lines. Knowledge of the methods and practices of maintaining and repairing water and sewer mains and lines. Skill in the use of such tools as a backhoe, sewer jet and vac-con truck, tamper, jackhammer, chop saw, and various hand tools. Skill in the construction, maintenance, and repair of water and sewer lines and mains. Skill in reading and interpreting maps, plans and drawings. Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The Distribution and Collection Superintendent or the Distribution and Collection Supervisor assigns work in terms of somewhat general instructions to the Senior Utility Service Worker. The Senior Utility Service Worker ensures that the Utility Service Worker performs his duty while working with one another. The Distribution & Collection Manager, Distribution & Collection Superintendent & the Distribution and Collection Supervisor will check work for compliance with instructions and established procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.


GUIDELINES
Guidelines include work orders, City and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.


COMPLEXITY
The work consists of related water and sewer maintenance and repair duties.


SCOPE AND EFFECT
The purpose of this position is to assist in the maintenance and repair of water and sewer lines and mains. Successful performance facilitates the speed and accuracy of repairs and service and contributes to the efficient operation of the department.


PERSONAL CONTACTS
Contacts are typically with co-workers, other utility workers, and the general public.


PURPOSE OF CONTACTS
Contacts are typically to exchange information and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Continuous outdoor activity, frequent sitting, standing, walking, squatting, bending, twisting upper body, climbing, exposure to extreme heat, cold, noise, mechanical hazards, fume/odor hazards, toxic waste/material hazards, occasional kneeling, and crawling. The employee lifts light and heavy objects and uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is typically performed outdoors, where the employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, occasional inclement weather, and possibly infectious diseases. The work requires the use of safety devices such as masks, goggles, or gloves.


SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
None

There are a wide variety of benefits available to City of Big Spring employees. These benefits include health, dental, life and disability insurance, optional life insurance plans, flexible spending account for health expenses, an Employee Assistance Program, and a Tuition Reimbursement Program.

The City of Big Spring provides the following benefits to all regular, full-time employees:Texas Municipal Retirement System Deferred Compensation (Retirement) Health Insurance Dental Insurance Life and Long Term Disability Insurance Cafeteria Plan Workman's Compensation Longevity Pay for years of service Paid Uniforms Stand By Pay Paid Vacation and Sick Leave Paid Holidays Recreation Privileges Wellness Program Tuition Reimbursement Program

Texas Municipal Retirement System

The City of Big Spring is a member of the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS). Employee/employer supported retirement begins at the date of employment. An employee contributes seven percent of their monthly wages to TMRS. The City then matches the employee contribution two to 1 upon retirement. Employees are eligible to retire after 20 years of service. Retirement becomes vested after five years of participation in TMRS.Applicants with prior or current military could receive up to 60 months towards their retirement for TMRS.

Deferred Compensation (Retirement)

The 457b Deferred Compensation plan is provided to City employees in lieu of Social Security. Employees pay 6.7% of their adjusted gross salary. This amount is matched by the City as follows:



5.51% Contributed to the deferred compensation retirement

2.19% Pays for the life and disability insurance package

7.70% Total matched funds

Health Insurance

The City of Big Spring pays the cost of employees insurance and supplements the cost of dependent insurance. Dependent health insurance coverage is available at the following rates: Family Coverage $832.45/Monthly $416.23/Bi-Weekly

Spouse Coverage $614.89/Monthly $307.45/Bi-Weekly

Child Coverage $305.45 /Monthly $152.73/Bi-Weekly



Payment for dependent health insurance coverage is deducted from employees' bi-weekly paychecks. Pharmacy cards are included in the health insurance package. If dependent insurance coverage is purchased, dependents will also receive the pharmacy card.

Dental Insurance

Dental insurance coverage is available to City employees at the following rates:

Employee Only $22.08/Monthly $11.04/Bi-Weekly

Employee and Spouse $44.78/Monthly $22.39/Bi-Weekly

Employee and Children $49.64/Monthly $24.82/Bi-Weekly

Employee and Family $72.40/Monthly $36.20/Bi-Weekly



Payments for dental insurance are deducted from employees' bi-weekly paychecks. Employees enrolled in the dental plan will also be eligible for the discount Vision Access program and receive discounts on vision care services or supplies.

Vision Insurance

Vision insurance coverage is available to City employees at the following rates:

Employee Only $8.02/Monthly $4.01/Bi-Weekly

Employee and Spouse $15.20/Monthly $7.60/Bi-Weekly

Employee and Children $16.02/Monthly $8.01/Bi-Weekly

Employee and Family $20.42/Monthly $10.21/Bi-Weekly



Payments for vision insurance are deducted from employees' bi-weekly paychecks.

Life and Long Term Disability Insurance

The City of Big Spring's life insurance policy provides for a death benefit equal to four times the employee's annual salary. In addition to the standard life insurance, employees may purchase optional life insurance. The long term disability package ensures that in the event of a permanent disability , a maximum of 20% of the employee's monthly salary is paid up to a maximum or $3,000.00 per month.

Cafeteria Plan (AFLAC)

The City provides a program to allow employees to tax shelter day care and certain medical expenses. This insurance provides a tax savings increasing the employee's take home pay.

Workman's Compensation

The City of Big Spring meets the standard state requirements for Workman's Compensation. If an employee is injured on the job, he/she report the incident to the department supervisor immediately.

Longevity Pay for Years of Service

City employees are given longevity pay based on their length of service with the City of Big Spring. After one year of service, City employees receive longevity payments on their bi-weekly paycheck. After two years of service, employees are given the option to continue to receive a bi-weekly payment or they can elect to bank their longevity payments. Employees who bank their longevity payments will receive a lump sum payment once a year, prior to the Thanksgiving holiday.

Years of service Annual Bi-Weekly

1 to 9 $72.00 $2.77

10 to 14 $96.00 $3.70

15 to 19 $120.00 $4.62

20+ years $144.00 $5.54

Uniforms

The City provides uniforms for employees who are required to wear certain attire to work. Three to five uniforms are furnished to employees, along with other suitable foul weather and safety gear. Police and Fire Department personnel may have different benefits.

Stand By Pay

City employees in certain positions are eligible for stand-by pay. Stand-by pay is $75 for each week the employee is required to serve on stand-by time. Stand-by time means a period of time outside an employee's regularly scheduled work hours, during which the employee is required to remain available within a specified response time. Each employee on stand-by who is called in to work shall be compensated for the actual hours worked at the appropriate rate of pay.

Paid Vacation and Sick Leave

Paid vacation days are time off work that the City of Big Spring voluntarily provides its employees as a benefit. The number of paid vacation days is accrued by full-time, permanent employees based on years of service. Vacation time is accrued based on the following schedule:

Years of Service

1 to 2 5 days per year

3 to 4 10 days per year

5 to 9 15 days per year

10 to 14 17 days per year

15 to 19 18 days per year

20 to 24 19 days per year

20 + 20 days per year



The City of Big Spring also offers full-time permanent employees paid sick days as part of its comprehensive benefits package. Sick leave is accrued based on the following schedule:

Years of Service

1 to 2 5 days per year

3 to 4 10 days per year

5 to 9 12 days per year

10 + 15 days per year

Paid Holidays

The City of Big Spring recognizes the following public holidays for City employees. Please note that most City employees work on a Monday through Friday schedule. As such, when a holiday falls on a non workday - Saturday or Sunday - the holiday usually is observed on Monday (if the holiday falls on Sunday) or Friday (if the holiday falls on Saturday).

New Year's Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Presidents Day

Good Friday

Memorial Day

Independence Day

Labor Day

Veterans Day

Thanksgiving Day and the day following

Christmas (two days given)

Recreation Privileges

City employees and their dependents receive free admission to Moss Lake. City employees must present their City identification card.

Wellness Program

In an effort to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors, the City of Big Spring has implemented a Wellness Program for its employees. By joining the Wellness Program, employees receive access to the following benefits:Tobacco Cessation Program Employee Assistance - counseling for chemical and/or alcohol abuse and mental health screenings Reduced cost gym memberships to the YMCA of Big Spring

Tuition Reimbursement Program

The City of Big Spring offers its full-time permanent employees a college Tuition Reimbursement Program. This program is designed to support employees with their personal and professional development by increasing their knowledge and skill level. The City reimburses employees for college tuition and books based on grades.