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Posted August 08, 2026

Maintenance Worker I -Water/Sewer

City of Johnston
Johnston, IA, US Full Time

Job Description

Job Description
Description:

Summary:

Under general supervision, performs various duties relating to the construction, maintenance, and repair of a water distribution system and wastewater collection system; performs related assignments or tasks as assigned.

Examples Of Essential Duties:

  • Performs maintenance and repair activities in the water distribution and wastewater collection systems - including but not limited to repairing water main, repair of valves, maintaining and repairing fire hydrants, CCTV inspections of sewers, sewer cleaning, and low pressure sanitary sewer system.
  • Responds to service calls and other emergencies as directed during normal business hours and is available to be on-call outside of normal working hours.
  • Conduct daily/weekly/monthly monitoring, water quality samples, and other related testing as established by industry standards and local, state, and federal rules, regulations, and laws.
  • Maintains records of work performed, visual observations, equipment malfunctions, and related work and is able to recognize potential operation and/or mechanical problems.
  • Operate and control electric motors, pumps, and valves to regulate water distribution system.
  • Record and interpret readings from meters, gauges, probes and related controls and equipment.
  • Spreads and levels earth, sand and gravel using public works vehicles, hand and power tools; lifts, carries and holds materials, cleans tools, equipment, materials and work areas.
  • Cleans and repairs catch basins, manholes, culverts and storm drains using public works equipment, hand and power tools.
  • Operates and maintains motor grader, end-loader, backhoe, tractors, mowers, jetter/vac and other related public works equipment; assists Maintenance Mechanic in the repair and maintenance of public works and other municipal vehicles and related equipment; checks gas, oil and fluids; washes vehicles.
  • Removes snow and sands/salts streets and sidewalks using graders, dump trucks, end-loaders, snow blowers and related equipment.
  • Drives trucks equipped with dump body, tanks and peripheral equipment to transport loose materials such as sand, gravel, crushed rocks and related materials to job site; loads truck by hand or by operating mechanical loader.
  • Erects barricades, fences and rails to protect the public from hazardous conditions.
  • Assists in emergency situations, such as, but not limited to, flood control, storm clean-up, water main breaks, sanitary sewer back-ups, etc.
  • Performs related work as required.
  • Regular work attendance is required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

  • Working knowledge of tools, methods, operations, and materials used in public works maintenance
  • Working knowledge of a water distribution system and wastewater collection system
  • Basic electrical knowledge
  • Knowledge of the operating characteristics of heavy and specialized equipment
  • Knowledge of, or ability to learn, city, state, and federal standards, regulations, and laws applicable to the job
  • Knowledge of recognized occupational hazards and to follow established safety procedures
  • Ability to perform a variety of laboring and semi-skilled tasks in the operation, maintenance, and repair of various types of public works equipment and building structures and premises
  • Ability to follow written and oral instructions, work independently with minimal supervision, and prioritize work
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public
  • Ability to keep accurate and legible records
  • Problem solving ability
  • Sound judgement and decision-making abilities
  • Ability to handle confidential information in a sensitive manner
  • Ability to be insured by insurance carrier as a driver

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Field environment, sometimes under adverse weather conditions.
  • Work is performed in an environment with undesirable conditions: exposure to extreme heat and cold, odors, noise, dust, fumes, moving parts, electrical shock, burns and toxic agents.
  • Occupational hazards are those generally associated with ongoing exposure to moving machinery/equipment leading to cuts, bruises, burns, strains, and potentially more serious injuries

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Will be required to perform duties during off-hour emergencies, weekends, or holidays.
  • To perform essential functions of the job individuals must be able to perform the following: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, repetitive motions.
  • May be required to work in field environment with exposure to extreme heat and cold, odors, noise, dust fumes, moving parts, electrical shock, burns and toxic agents.
  • Must be able to routinely lift, push, and pull heavy objects and materials used in maintenance activities; solid waste removal and construction tasks objects weighing 50 lbs. and occasionally lift objects weighing up to 100 lbs.
  • Will be exposed to intermittent periods of sustained physical activity.
  • Acceptable hand/foot coordination and finger dexterity.
  • Clarity of vision 20 ft. or more, good depth perception and field of vision in order to operate various kinds of public works equipment.
  • Must be able to hear a normal conversation.
Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Graduation from high school or equivalent; and
  • Two years experience in the operation and maintenance of a water distribution system or wastewater collection system or public works setting.
  • State of Iowa Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) with air brake endorsement or ability to obtain within nine (9) months of employment.
  • State of Iowa Grade 1 Water Distribution Operator Certificate or the ability to obtain within twenty-four (24) months of employment.

Additional Requirements:

  • State of Iowa Grade 2 Water Distribution Operator Certificate or the ability to obtain within forty-eight (48) months of employment.
  • Ability to pass DCI background check.
  • Required to complete a pre-employment offer physical examination and drug screening.

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