Distribution Utility Technician

Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country’s largest private water operator and technology provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Veolia has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across North America.

Position Purpose: 

Under direction performs various tasks in operation and distribution of the water system for the City of Hoboken including but not limited to distribution, sampling and metering.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Locate, inspect, test and operate fire hydrants (including flushing), water service line valves, system valves, water meters, and other appliances. Makes repairs or applies maintenance as needed.
• Responds to and investigates complaints regarding water quality and system pressure.
• Inspects water service repairs to determine if work is done in compliance with local ordinances.
• Makes special inspections of water meters and/or water service facilities when complaints are received.
• Make inspections of water service installations and make suitable recommendations as to findings
• Keeps needed records as required by Veolia Hoboken.
• Utilizes electronic equipment for purpose of record keeping, daily work sheet logs, and mapping and system information updates. This will include GIS / GPS operations.
• Maintain and update all reporting databases as required.
• Conduct safety audits and inspections of work performed by contractors and third parties.
• Performs sampling work for the City of Hoboken; including collection of bacteriological, compliance and analytical samples. Prepares, checks, tests and records data as required. Delivers samples to lab. Maintains necessary supplies to conduct sampling.
• Ability to work in emergency situations and remain on the job until repairs have been completed.
• Must participate in emergency stand-by rotation and must respond to the job site within 45 minutes of notification. Ability to be on stand-by.
• Maintains a detailed and accurate logbook of all sample collection information to ensure accurate chain-of custody information and assumes responsibility for the integrity of all samples collected and of all analyses performed.
• Performs all functions relating to meters including setting, changing, disconnecting, repairing, field testing for large meters and reading (final reads, special reads, and high bill investigations).
• Removes, changes, installs and/or repairs MIU's (Meter Interface Units)/ radio.
• Locates and operates curb stops and valves, water services, meters, and recording equipment.
• Performs related skilled work as assigned.

Work Environment:

• This position is based in the water distribution system and work is performed both inside and outside with exposure to all kinds of weather conditions.
• Incumbent may be exposed to noise, dust, fumes, gases, greases, oils, solvents, and vibrations.
• Incumbent may work on slippery/uneven surfaces, around machinery with moving parts, moving objects/vehicles, and ladder/scaffolding, below ground and may be exposed to water and other liquid materials.

Education/Experience/Background: 

• High School Diploma/GED is required.
• 3 - 5 years of experience in a utility, preferably similar industry.
• 3 - 5 years of experience in construction or maintenance.
• Experience in use of computerized maintenance systems preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

• Ability to work independently and manage time.
• Knowledge in methods, practices, procedures, materials and equipment associated with the construction, maintenance and repair of water distribution systems.
• Ability to effectively oversee contractors.
• Ability to accurately read and interpret engineering plans and drawings
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to handle multiple deadlines and multiple projects.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and other utility specific applications.

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk or sit; reach with hands and arms, climb or balance; kneel, crouch or crawl.
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision and distance vision as well as the ability to distinguish color and shades.

Pay Range: $27.60 per hour.

Benefits: Veolia’s comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off policies, as well as health, dental, vision, life insurance, savings accounts, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteering and more. In addition, employees are also entitled to participate in an employer sponsored 401(k) plan, to save for retirement. Pay and benefits for employees represented by a union are outlined in their collective bargaining agreement.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.