Utilities Tradesman

This position may be filled at an entry or senior level depending on the selected candidate's experience and qualifications. Pay will be determined based on the level at which the position is filled.

Position is available in either Lawrence or Topeka

Definition and Examples of Work

• Installs and repairs wiring, lighting systems, power equipment, electrical devices, heating equipment and air conditioning.
• Installs and repairs plumbing and wastewater treatment equipment.
• Inspects and repairs mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Installs fiber conduit, blown fiber systems, and pipefitting.
• Tests water and maintains sewer treatment ponds.
• Locates fiber and other utilities.
• Welds and fuses pipes.
• Aspirates and repairs boilers and pumps.
• Estimates time and materials for projects.
• Occasional work with carpentry, concrete and dirt projects.
• Additional duties may be assigned as business needs require.        

Latitude and Impact of Position

This position works independently on approved tasks and as part of a team. Engages in problem solving independently and as a team, requiring extensive technical knowledge. Negotiation and persuasion is used with internal/external customers and/or vendors on an occasional basis. Decision making is typically done in conjunction with others and purchasing decisions are deferred to a supervisor. Successful completion of job tasks impacts operating costs through efficient utilization of labor, material and equipment, external relationships, customer satisfaction, and external company liability.

Work Environment

The work environment described here is representative of the general work environment for the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work is primarily performed outdoors in all weather elements or in a warehouse/production environment, although occasional time is spent in the office.
• Must work in all weather elements and will be frequently exposed to heat, cold, high humidity, and dust.
• Noise levels are generally moderate to loud.
• Exposure to fumes, airborne particles, and chemicals occurs on a regular basis.
• Personal protective equipment may be required on a continuous basis.
• Work will frequently be performed in confined, enclosed spaces, underground, or in elevated places accessed by ladders or lifts.
• Frequent exposure to roadside traffic, high voltage elements, and sewer ponds.

QUALIFICATION

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of standard practices, methods, tools, and materials of electrical, mechanical and plumbing trades.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions of the trade.
• Ability to work from drawings and specifications and to read sketches and blueprints.
• Ability to understand verbal and written instructions.
• Clear in communication with others to provide input and gather information.  
• Fiber and other utility location.
• Ability to make simple estimates for time and materials required on projects.
• Ability to use HVAC tools, hand tools, power tools, plumbing and sewer machines, fiber machines.
• Operate tandem axle truck and dump truck.
• Use of computer and electronic devices and other office equipment.
• Ability to read refrigerant, water, pressures and gas and other gauges.
• Ability to use various jobsite equipment including: digging equipment, excavators, trenchers, rock saw, vactron, skid steer, bucket truck and lifts, loader, fiber blowing machine, air compressor, etc.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Computer skills, including Microsoft Office.

Required Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in electrical, mechanical or plumbing work.
• Experience with adjusting defects in systems and equipment.
• Experience with fiber location and installation.
• Universal refrigerant.
• Pump and boiler repair.
• Underground storage tanks.
• Fuel pump repair.
• Ditch and rescue work.

Certification, License, Registration (may be required after training provide by the KTA)

• CDL
• First aid / CPR
• Backflow certified, preferred
• KDHE wastewater operator license, preferred
• Pipe fusing certified, preferred
• Universal EPA certificate, preferred
• Confined space certification, preferred
• Must obtain required CEUs annually to maintain certifications.
• Defensive driving.

Physical requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Employees regularly walk, at times on uneven terrain; bend, twist, turn, kneel, squat, reach overhead, and climb stairs or ladders (continuous)
• Must be able to verbally communicate with others and hear noises and voices, while distinguishing sound tones (frequent)
• Uses hands to touch, handle or feel while gripping, grasping, pinching or squeezing and using vibratory tools on a frequent basis.
• Frequently uses sense of smell to define work problems.
• Regularly carries, lifts, pushes or pulls up to 50 pounds (continuous), frequently carries, lifts, pushes or pulls to 75 pounds, and occasionally carries, lifts, pushes or pulls up to 100 pounds. 
• Regularly uses vision up close and for distance sight, must be able to distinguish between colors and shapes, and use peripheral vision and depth perception, while adjust focus (continuous)

Other Requirements

• On call 24/7/365.
• On call for snow/ice removal.
• Frequent daily travel along the turnpike.
• Occasional overtime.