JOB: Department Helper - Water Department (Wyandotte)
Department Helper
City of Wyandotte, MI
Wyandotte Municipal Services is seeking a Department Helper to support operations across Electric Production and Distribution, Water Production and Distribution, Cable Television, and Office functions.
This position performs a wide range of utility-related duties including water meter repair and testing, electric distribution support, meter reading, streetlight maintenance, inventory control, general labor, and assistance with power plant operations. Work is performed under the supervision of a higher-grade employee, with occasional independent task organization required.
General Statement of Duties
To perform various tasks involved in the operation of the Electric Production and Distribution Department, Water Production and Distribution Department, Cable Television Department and Office Department.
Essential Job Functions
An employee in this classification may be called upon to perform any or all of the duties as defined in the Water Department Meter Tester & Repairman Classification, the Filter Plant Department Helper Classification, The Lamp Wash Driver Classification, Meter Reader #2 Classification, Line Truck Driver Classification, Equipment Operator Classification, Electric & Water Labor Classifications, Assistant Storekeeper Classification, #4 Power plant Operator Classification, and to assist when assigned to CATV and Power Plant functions as directed and as follows: Perform various tasks involved in the disassembly, repair, assembly, adjustment and testing of water meters. Make minor repairs, test or change water meters and install remote water meters on consumer's premises. Assist in other water distribution service and repair activities via digging, general labor tasks, and equipment operating. Report the need for new meters and parts used in making meter repairs to supervisor. Operate meter testing equipment and small hand tools as required. Clean and paint meters. Maintain records of tests, materials expended, and labor charged to each repair operation and other records and reports. Assist in Electric distribution repair and service activities via digging, general labor tasks, and equipment operating. Operate, inspect and maintain a one man 40 foot aerial boom and bucket truck. Maintain equipment gas, oil and lubrication needs. Replace and repair broken or burned out street light bulbs, street light globes, shades, reflectors, photo eyes and associated minor parts and maintain group replacement & maintenance schedules. Switch keyed light circuits on and off to check systems when necessary. Receive, unpack, check, store, issue and account for incoming and outgoing materials and supplies in accordance with accepted and DMS procedures. Maintain inventory, receiving slips, file requisitions, credit slips, prepare labels, tags and other records and keep stock in order. Make physical Inventory of parts and equipment. Pack and ship material. Answer telephones. Ability to read meters accurately and detect probable errors in readings, wrong meters numbers, incorrect addresses and other information to assure proper billing of accounts. Perform janitorial functions. Improve knowledge in this field in order to qualify for future advancement. (Water Department Group 3, Department Helpers must Possess and maintain a minimum, an S-4 Water Distribution Certification from the State of Michigan DEQ as required by Article XIX, Section 2 of the Agreement to temporarily upgrade or permanently bid to higher Water distribution positions). 1 Assist in the operation of power units and auxiliary equipment in a Steam Electric Power Plant. Assist in turbine and boiler operation as required. Report any unusual changes in operating conditions to the superior in charge. Clean plant floors, equipment, facilities; maintain a standard cleaning routine. Check and Grease stokers and perform other lubrication as assigned. Perform minor mechanical maintenance work in case of emergencies. Perform related work as assigned by higher grade operators. Train new Department Helpers to perform this job classification. In addition, the employee shall be able to react to new assignments positively and handle and perform related tasks as they arise.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
The successful candidate shall have: Reasonable knowledge and skill in regards to tools, equipment, materials, procedures, methods and practices required in an Electric, Water and CATV system. Good mechanical aptitude. Must have the ability to prepare accurate records and reports, the ability to reason clearly and react efficiently during emergencies, the ability to comprehend and fully understand instructions and communicate and write effectively in English. The employee must be in good physical condition, and possess sufficient strength required to perform heavy duty manual tasks as listed under the "Physical Demands of Position Section". Be able to maintain a positive attitude, and communicate and work safely and effectively with other people and employees.
Qualifications
To be considered as a possible candidate for this position, the candidate should have the equivalent training and experience: Reasonable knowledge of the equipment, methods and practices used in the utility industry. Experience in mechanical maintenance work, driving vehicles is required. Possess good mechanical aptitude and skill in handling tools. Graduation from an accredited High School or equivalent with one year of High School Algebra is required. The candidate must also meet the requirements listed under the "Safety Precautions" and "Physical Demands of Position" sections. The successful applicant bidding into this classification will be given 30 working days, pursuant to Article XI, Section 4 of the Agreement, to demonstrate his/her stated qualifications and ability to fill the position. New employees shall be required to complete a six (6) month probationary period before being place on the Commission's Seniority list. Successful completion of the probationary period will be determined by the Department Head using skill, accuracy in the performance of duties, educational development and basic knowledge of the utility and associated trades as the basic factors.
Equipment Used:
The employee in this classification shall be required to properly use miscellaneous hand tools, such as saws, screw drivers, wrenches, drills, etc., also power tools such as jackhammers, winches, power saws, lawn mowers, etc., in addition drive large dump trucks, trucks pulling trailers, etc. and other utility related equipment and safety devices such as confined space equipment, shoring equipment and traffic barricades.
Safety Precautions:
The successful candidate must be able to wear protective equipment such as a hard hat, safety glasses, goggles, gloves, and personnel protective apparel as required for handling chemicals and other equipment as may be required and provided. The employee must be able to become certified to wear a respirator and wear SCBA equipment, and be able to comply with all applicable MIOSHA/OSHA safety policies and procedures associated with the industry and actively participate in the DMS safety program.
Physical Demands of the Position:
The successful candidate must be able to: Work indoors and outdoors and in all types of industrial environments with controlled and elevated temperatures and noise. Be mentally alert, have acute senses, have initiative and good judgment and the ability to speak (such as communicating in confined spaces). Meet the heavy demands required in the handling of heavy loads such as 2” meters, lifting of 90 pound jackhammers, and concrete bags weighing 100 pounds. Move and install large meters, such as 8 inch 2 meters which can weigh 460 pounds or ductile iron pipe which weighs 1100 pounds per length using mechanical aids such as slings or block and tackle. The Applicant is required to work in confined spaces such as meter pits, gate wells, crawl spaces (under houses) and manholes. This requires working in small spaces or extensive crawling, stooping, crouching and bending over to do various job tasks and wearing respiratory protective gear. Be able to stand approximately 10% of the time, walk 75% of the time and sit 15% of the time. Be able to stand and walk approximately 95% of the time, and sit 5% of the time when reading meters. Be able to climb ladders and work from high platform elevations. Be able to speak, hear, and see (color vision not required).