The Wastewater Technician I is an entry-to-mid-level position.  

Position Status: Full-time, regular; non-exempt 

Benefits: Please see the City's Personnel Manual for information regarding benefits. (Click Here)

Job Summary: 

Under minimal supervision, performs skilled and semi-skilled work in the installation, inspection, maintenance and repair of the City's wastewater collection system and associated equipment.  Work involves responding to work orders in a timely manner, performing maintenance and repair work to ensure optimal service to customers, performing general facility and grounds maintenance work as necessary, and performing related tasks as assigned. Lay pipe for storm or sanitation sewers, drains, and water mains. Perform any combination of the following tasks: grade trenches or culverts, position pipe, or seal joints. Reports to the Wastewater Collection Supervisor. 

Minimum Training and Experience: 

Requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent and one to two years of experience in water distribution and/or wastewater collection systems; college or vocational school coursework in industrial technology, mechanical or civil engineering technology or related field is desirable; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities

Must possess a valid driver’s license. May be required to possess or obtain additional certification(s) as deemed necessary by the City.

Essential Duties:

• Participates as a crew member in the installation, inspection, maintenance and repair of wastewater collection systems and equipment, including but not limited to lift stations, sewer lines, sewer main, manholes, etc.
• Install or use instruments such as lasers, grade rods, or transit levels.
• Cut pipes to required lengths.
• Connect pipe pieces and seal joints, using welding equipment, cement, or glue.
• Cover pipes with earth or other materials.
• Install or repair sanitary or stormwater sewer structures or pipe systems.
• Align and position pipes to prepare them for welding or sealing.
• Check slopes for conformance to requirements, using levels or lasers.
• Lay out pipe routes, following written instructions or blueprints and coordinating layouts with supervisors.
• Operate mechanized equipment, such as pickup trucks, rollers, tandem dump trucks, front-end loaders, or backhoes.
• Grade or level trench bases, using tamping machines or hand tools.
• Dig trenches to desired or required depths, by hand or using trenching tools.
• Tap and drill holes into pipes to introduce auxiliary lines or devices.
• Locate existing pipes needing repair or replacement, using magnetic or radio indicators.
• Train or supervise others laying pipe.
• Inspects equipment for maintenance needs; tests system components for proper working condition; completes inspection reports and performs corrective action as necessary.
• Prepares simple maps/drawings for line repairs and new taps.
• Locates and uncovers manholes; installs manholes where necessary.
• Makes sewer taps.
• Performs general maintenance work, including installing, cleaning and maintaining manholes and sewer/service lines, installing sewer taps and service laterals, locating and repairing sewer leaks, repairing cave-ins, clearing vegetation and debris from river, right-of-ways, etc.
• Performs preventive maintenance as scheduled on wastewater collection system equipment.
• Cleans up/repairs work sites at project completion.
• Responds to customer complaints and concerns.
• Entering confined spaces
• Cleans and performs minor maintenance on assigned vehicles and equipment.
• Performs general building and grounds maintenance work as needed, including but not limited to mowing grass and performing office custodial work as needed.
• Receives and responds to inquiries, complaints and requests for assistance in areas of responsibility.
• Attends meetings, training, etc., as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills.
• Prepares accurate and complete daily work records.
• Receives and/or reviews various records and reports including work orders, customer records, telephone messages, various records and reports.
• Refers to City policies and procedures, operator manuals, codes/laws/regulations, technical drawings, maps.
• Operates vehicles and heavy equipment such as a bobcat, backhoe, front end loader, utility truck, crane, skid steer loader, jet rodder, dump truck, etc., to dig and backfill, load and unload materials, haul materials, grade surfaces, etc.; operates laser testing equipment, gas monitor, line locators, metal detectors, sewer snake, pumps, generators, air compressors, heat exchangers, lawn care equipment, general hand and power tools, general building maintenance tools and equipment; operates general office equipment; uses a variety of hand and power tools, protective clothing and safety gear, general office supplies.
• Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the supervisor, co-workers, other City employees, customers, other utilities, engineers, contractors, property owners and the general public.

Other Duties:

• Assists other departments with technical and manual labor tasks as requested.
• Comply with all safety policies, practices and procedures.  Report all unsafe activities to supervisor and/or Human Resources.
• Participate in proactive team efforts to achieve departmental and company goals.
• Provide leadership to others through example and sharing of knowledge/skill.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or higher authority.

Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a variety of tools, vehicles, heavy equipment. Must be physically able to exert up to fifty pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Position involves regularly standing, walking, using hands to finger, handle or feel, reaching, bending, twisting, crouching, stooping, making repetitive motions, kneeling, crawling, balancing, talking and/or hearing.  The employee sometimes sits and tastes or smells.   Must be able to lift and/or carry weights of more than one hundred pounds.  This job is considered as moderate physical activity performing somewhat strenuous daily activities of a primarily product/technical nature.  The job requires manual dexterity sufficient to reach/handle items, works with the fingers, and perceives objects and materials.

The employee occasionally generally lifts up to 100 pounds; often more than 100 pounds; the employee frequently lifts up to 50 pounds; and regularly lifts up to 25 pounds.

Elkins, West Virginia is a dynamic and growing community of 7,000 people, serving as a tourism hub of the mid-Atlantic and a gateway to a vast outdoor recreation area that includes national forests, state parks, wilderness areas, ski resorts, hiking and biking trails, scenic train excursions and much more.

The City of Elkins is an equal opportunity employer including disability and protected veteran status.  All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.

Note: Applicants may request a copy of the full job description when applying online.