water distribution - Kenosha

Unlock your potential with the Kenosha Water Utility's Distribution Team -The water distribution & sewer collection worker performs technical and physical work related to the construction, maintenance and repair of water and sanitary sewer mains, water services and attendant devi ...

Job description

Unlock your potential with the Kenosha Water Utility's Distribution Team -The water distribution & sewer collection worker performs technical and physical work related to the construction, maintenance and repair of water and sanitary sewer mains, water services and attendant devices.

This position is also required to work overtime in responding to off-duty emergencies, including participation in a year-round emergency watch rotation which includes some extended work days, weekends and holidays.

Work is reviewed through observation and written reports for adherence to established policies and procedures. The current weekly work schedule for this position is 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.

This recruitment is for a full-time position and is open to all individuals who meet the minimum requirements which includes possession of a valid commercial driver's license (CDL).

Applicants who have a valid CDL learner's permit may be considered depending on work experience. Apply online promptly as applications will be reviewed upon receipt for a potential immediate interview. This recruitment may close early if the current vacancy is filled from the initial group of applications received.

The Kenosha Water Utility (KWU) provides municipal water and wastewater services to nearly 110,000 people in the greater Kenosha metropolitan area of southeastern Wisconsin, which is ideally located on Lake Michigan between Milwaukee and Chicago.

More information regarding our organization may be obtained at

The Kenosha Water Utility offers a full benefits package which includes employer pension contribution (Wisconsin Retirement System), paid vacation/sick/holiday leave, health/dental/vision/life insurance, paid compensatory time and overtime for emergency work outside of regular 8-hour work day, tuition reimbursement and other benefits.

Any questions regarding this recruitment should be directed to the KWU Director of Personnel & Administration at or

Assists with the installation, repair and servicing of water and sanitary sewer mains and laterals, fire hydrants and valves.
Drives various heavy equipment or vehicles to and from work sites or to haul gravel, broken concrete, etc. to fill sites.

Operates a variety of pneumatic, hydraulic, gas and hand powered tools, equipment and machinery related to duties, for example: walk-behind road saw, plate compactor, hydraulic/bypass pumps, rock drill, auger, cut-off saw, jackhammer, shovel, rake, etc.

Televises sewers and laterals; locates breaks in utility lines; inspects sewer lines for defects. Reports emergencies or problems to appropriate staff.
Inspects, cleans & maintains sewer lines, traps, lift stations, and operates related equipment including sewer/vacuum truck.

Assists with concrete repair including:
setting grades and forms, smoothing out, leveling and finishing.
Uses cold patch to fill potholes and make other road repairs.

Performs traffic control functions such as placing barricades/cones, signage or other measures to ensure work site safety and to direct/re-route traffic.

Utilizes proper safety measures and personal protective equipment (PPE) while performing job duties.
Attends and participates in safety and other KWU mandated training.
Responds to utility emergencies while on-duty and during off-duty hours, including participation in the emergency watch rotation.
Reads and interprets maps, diagrams and plans.

Performs daily and routine vehicle or equipment maintenance (e.g., checks and adjusts fuel/fluid levels and tire pressure, cleans nozzles, greases fittings, adjusts belts or cables, cleans vehicle cab, hand washes vehicle or drive vehicle through washing station).

Performs general shop maintenance (e.g., sweeps or cleans shop, stocks and organizes parts, equipment and supplies).
Notifies affected residents of service disruptions/problems or other utility related issues. May need to respond to job-site inquiries from citizens regarding work being performed.
May operate cutting torch or welding equipment to fabricate parts or repair equipment.
Performs water/sewer utility locates.
May operate hand held and truck radio.
May be required to assist with snow and ice removal activities.
Performs other related duties as required.

Required Education, Training And Experience

High school diploma, GED/HSED or equivalent.

Minimum of two (2) years related experience such as general construction work or other related field; water/sewer infrastructure maintenance and repair experience highly desired.

Or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Possession of a valid commercial driver's license (CDL)

Additional Requirements

Good driving record.

Must be available to work overtime as needed and participate in emergency watch rotation, which may include extended work days, weekends and/or holidays.

If offered this position, must pass pre-employment background and driving record check, physical examination and drug test.
Must be willing to participate in the monthly random drug & alcohol testing program.

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Working knowledge of the tools, methods and materials commonly used in sewer, water or other related construction/maintenance activities.
Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safe work practices in the construction field.
Ability to locate leaks, stoppages and malfunctions in water and sanitary sewer lines.

Ability and skill in operating a variety of pneumatic, hydraulic, gas and hand tools, equipment and machinery related to duties & responsibilities.

Ability and skill in operating a commercial vehicle (i.e., tandem axle dump truck).
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Ability to learn quickly and focus on assigned work.
Ability to work effectively and efficiently independently and as part of a team.
Ability to read and interpret maps, plans and diagrams.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors and management.
Ability to deal respectfully, tactfully and effectively with the public.
Thoroughness; dependability.
Ability to handle reasonably necessary stress associated with this type of work.

Physical Requirements

Job duties involve walking or standing for extended periods of time on rough or uneven surfaces.

Job duties require the ability to bend, reach, stoop, kneel and crouch, occasionally working in such positions for an extended period of time.

Job duties require coordination and manipulation of eyes, hands, and limbs while operating equipment, machinery and tools associated with this occupation and while adhering to exacting standards of depth, grade, dimensions, and contours.

Job duties involve the regular, and at times sustained, performance of heavier physical tasks which require the lifting or carrying moderately heavy pound) items and occasionally very heavy (100 pounds or over) items.

Job duties require ascending and descending ladders.

Environmental Requirements

Tasks are primarily performed outdoors which requires the ability to work under adverse environmental conditions such as: temperature and weather variations, odors, toxic agents, noise, vibrations, wetness, machinery, electrical currents, traffic hazards, and/or dust.

Such exposure may cause some discomfort or a risk of injury.
This job requires the incumbent to enter and work in confined spaces (i.e., manholes, trenches, pits).

Sensory Requirements

Job tasks require visual perception and discrimination.
Job tasks require color perception and discrimination.
Job tasks require depth perception and discrimination.
Job tasks require texture perception and discrimination.
Job tasks require sound perception and discrimination.
Job tasks require odor perception and discrimination.
Job tasks require oral communications ability.

Individuals who wish to be considered for this recruitment must complete an online application through To begin the application process, please visit the City of Kenosha website at and click on the "Job Opportunities" link.

All elements of the application, including supplemental questions must be completed and submitted in order for the application to be considered complete.

It is important that your application reflect all of your relevant education and experience.

Please note that including your resume does not take the place of completing the "Work Experience" section of the application.

Applications may be rejected if no work experience is listed, or if other required application fields are missing or incomplete.

An applicant's education, training and experience will then be analyzed to determine if he/she meets the minimum requirements. Written, oral, proficiency and/or other examinations may be required to establish eligibility. Such exams will be scheduled as needed.

Appointment and rate of pay will be made in accordance with the Kenosha Water Utility Employee Handbook and the City of Kenosha Civil Service Ordinance & Rules/Regulations.

The Kenosha Water Utility reserves the right to further evaluate only those applicants who best meet the needs of the Utility.

An applicant's education, training and experience will be analyzed to determine if he/she meets the minimum requirements. Written, oral, proficiency and/or other exams may be required to establish eligibility; such exam(s) will be scheduled as needed.

Appointment to the current vacancy will be made in accordance with the KWU Employee Handbook, the City of Kenosha Civil Service Ordinance and Rules/Regulations.

The Kenosha Water Utility reserves the right to further evaluate only those applicants who best meet the needs of the Utility.