Utility Technician-Wastewater

Starting salary is dependent on applicant qualifications and experience.

The City of Buda is hiring for a Wastewater Utility Technician position. Placement within the Utility Technician career progression (I, II, III, or IV) and starting pay will be based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and licenses.

Starting Pay Range: $23.41–$29.13 per hour

Minimum qualifications for placement include:

• Utility Technician I – Wastewater: High school diploma or GED, six (6) months of related work experience, and a Wastewater Collections I or Wastewater Treatment Class D license or ability to obtain within the first year of employment. 
• Utility Technician II – Wastewater: High school diploma or GED, two (2) years of related work experience, and a Wastewater Collections II or Wastewater Treatment Class C license.
• Utility Technician III – Wastewater: High school diploma or GED and either:
  • Five (5) years of related work experience and a Wastewater Collections III or Wastewater Treatment Class B license; or
  • Eight (8) years of related work experience and a Wastewater Collections II or Wastewater Treatment Class C license.
• Utility Technician IV – Wastewater: High school diploma or GED and either:
  • Eight (8) years of related work experience and a Wastewater Treatment Class A license; or
  • Ten (10) years of related work experience and a Wastewater Collections III or Wastewater Treatment Class B license.

Employees are encouraged to obtain licenses and certifications that support wastewater operations. Approved licenses and certifications may qualify employees for specialized assignments, advancement within the Utility Technician career progression, pay adjustments within the established pay range, and certification incentive pay as approved by the City.

• Inspects, installs, maintains, repairs, and rehabilitates wastewater mains, service lines, cleanouts, manholes, lift stations, and related infrastructure to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the City's wastewater collection system. 
• Locates, investigates, and repairs wastewater system failures, blockages, leaks, overflows, and other operational issues to restore service and minimize environmental impacts. 
• Performs preventive maintenance on wastewater infrastructure, lift stations, valves, and related equipment to maximize system reliability and extend asset life.
• Operates and transports construction equipment, maintenance vehicles, and specialized wastewater equipment, including excavators, backhoes, front-end loaders, vacuum trucks, sewer camera inspection systems, pumps, generators, and other assigned equipment to safely complete maintenance and construction activities. 
• Performs routine inspections, cleaning, preventive maintenance, and minor repairs on assigned vehicles, equipment, and tools to ensure safe and efficient operation. 
• Performs excavation, pipe installation, backfilling, restoration, concrete work, and related construction activities to repair or expand wastewater infrastructure. 
• Establishes work zone traffic control using signs, barricades, cones, and other traffic control devices to protect employees and the public during field operations. 
• Reads utility maps, construction drawings, work orders, and related documentation to accurately locate infrastructure and complete assigned work.
• Documents completed work, inspections, maintenance activities, equipment usage, and asset information using computerized work order and asset management systems to maintain accurate operational records. 
• Communicates professionally with residents, contractors, utility representatives, engineers, and coworkers to coordinate work activities and provide information regarding wastewater services.
• Assists with training, mentoring, and providing technical guidance to less experienced employees as assigned to promote safe work practices and consistent operational standards. 
• Participates in the department's on-call rotation and responds to emergency calls, weather events, wastewater system failures, and other after-hours incidents to ensure continuity of essential public services. 
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED required.

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to obtain a valid Texas driver’s license within 90 days of employment. Must maintain an acceptable driving record and be insurable under the City’s vehicle insurance policy. 
• Employees are encouraged to obtain approved certifications that support Public Works operations. Certifications may qualify employees for specialized duties, pay adjustments within the established pay range, and certification incentive pay as approved by the City. 

Knowledge of:

• Wastewater collection system operations, maintenance practices, and construction methods. 
• Underground utility installation, repair, and maintenance techniques. 
• Safe work practices, including traffic control, trench safety, confined space awareness, lockout/tagout, and personal protective equipment. 
• Operation, inspection, and preventive maintenance of heavy equipment, construction equipment, and specialized wastewater equipment. 
• Applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing wastewater collection systems. 
• Basic computer applications, electronic work order systems, and asset management software.

• Installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing wastewater collection infrastructure. 
• Safely operating construction equipment, specialized wastewater equipment, power tools, and hand tools. 
• Reading utility maps, construction plans, specifications, and technical documents. 
• Identifying operational problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing effective solutions. 
• Maintaining accurate maintenance records, work orders, and inspection documentation. 
• Communicating effectively with coworkers, contractors, utility representatives, and the public.

• Work independently and collaboratively while exercising sound judgment and attention to detail. 
• Prioritize multiple assignments and respond effectively to changing operational needs and emergency situations. 
• Follow written and verbal instructions while complying with established safety practices and departmental procedures. 
• Learn new equipment, technologies, software applications, and operational procedures. 
• Train and mentor less experienced employees as assigned. 
• Participate in an on-call rotation and respond to emergency situations outside normal business hours. 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, contractors, regulatory agencies, and the public.