Utility Service Worker - Supervising

This is a promotional recruitment - only permanent and/or probationary County employees are eligible to apply.

Placer County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees. The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change. Applicants should inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view General benefits

For more information regarding the benefits Placer County has to offer, please visit Placer County's Human Resources website.

To plan, organize, direct and supervise utility maintenance operations within the Utility Services Division of the Public Works Department; and to perform a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

The Supervisor level recognizes positions that perform full, first-line supervisory responsibilities including planning, assigning and evaluating the work of subordinates and is responsible for a program area within a work unit or department.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Recommend and assist in the implementation of Unit goals and objectives; establish schedules and methods for utility maintenance; implement policies and procedures.
• Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise and review the work of staff involved in installation, maintenance and repair of wastewater collection and water distribution systems and maintenance of wastewater and water treatment facilities.
• Perform inspections of work sites before, during and after assignment completion; evaluate operations and activities of assigned responsibilities; recommend improvements and modifications; prepare various reports on operations and activities.
• Participate in budget preparation and administration; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications for staff, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and control expenditures.
• Participate in the selection of staff; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; recommend discipline; implement discipline procedures as directed.
• Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Experience and Training

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Six years of increasingly responsible experience in utility maintenance involving construction and maintenance of pipelines and repair of pumps and motors, including two years performing duties similar to those of a Senior Utility Worker in Placer County.

Training: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college course work in wastewater collection systems, water distribution systems or a related field.

Required License or Certificate:

• Possession of a certificate of training in the use of self-contained breathing apparatus, to be obtained within three months of employment.
• Possession of a valid Class B driver's license may be required. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.
• Possession of a valid certificate in Wastewater Collection System Maintenance, Grade III as issued by the California Water Environment Association is desirable.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of construction, maintenance and operation of wastewater collection and water distribution systems.
• Equipment, tools and materials used in maintenance and repair of wastewater collection and water distribution systems.
• Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluations.
• Principles of budget monitoring.
• Principles and practices of work safety.
• Pertinent local, State and Federal laws, ordinances and rules.

Ability to:

• Organize, implement and direct utility maintenance operations/ activities.
• On a continuous basis, know and understand utility maintenance activities and observe safety rules.  Intermittently analyze problem systems and equipment; identify safety hazards; locate equipment and tools; interpret work orders; remember equipment and tool location; remember street/road names and general geographic areas; and explain systems and equipment issues to others.
• Intermittently, sit while driving or completing forms or reports; stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, twist and reach when performing inspections or operating equipment; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling and fine manipulation; distinguish colors used in coding electrical wires; hear pump and motor operations; regularly lift very heavy weight.
• Supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff.
• Interpret and explain pertinent County and Department policies and procedures.
• Assist in the development and monitoring of an assigned program budget.
• Develop and recommend policies and procedures related to assigned operations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training, and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula. Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

Placer County offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List, to download forms, or to apply, please click here.

Recruitment Timeline (Dates are Tentative and Subject to Change)

December 8, 2021 - Minimum Qualifications Screening

December 10, 2021 - T&E Rating

December 13, 2021 - Establish Eligible List

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Beth LaChapelle, Administrative Technician, at elachape@placer.ca.gov or (530) 889-4064.