Maintenance Trades Assistant

The Opportunity

We are recruiting to fill two (2) full-time opportunities across EMWD: one supporting the Asset & Facilities Management department and one supporting the Electrical Services department.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this position.

• Uses hand tools to dig cable and transmission ditches, uncover mains or pipelines, clean sludge beds or reservoirs, and level surfaces.

• Assists journey-level trades workers in the performance of skilled and semi-skilled work in the construction, installation, servicing, maintenance, and repair of a variety of mechanical and electrical systems, equipment and machinery, such as pumps, valves, electrical motors, large diesel and natural gas engines; assists skilled trades workers in the rebuilding of parts, equipment, and tools.

• Assists journey-level workers in construction, mechanical, electrical, facilities, and distribution and wastewater collection system maintenance trades by carrying tools and supplies, holding equipment in place, cleaning tools and equipment, and cleaning work areas.

• Assists and works under direction changing oil and checking fuel and oil levels; delivers fresh oil and removes waste oil with oil delivery truck; loads and unloads tools and equipment, holding ladders and a variety of other trades assistant/helper duties associated with the construction, servicing, maintenance, and repair of water works systems, facilities, and equipment; assists with crane jobs.

• When qualified, performs safety assistant role for journey-level trades workers.

• Performs preventive maintenance program duties on a variety of pumps, motors, valves, equipment, mechanical and electrical systems, and machinery, inspecting, servicing, and changing filters, oil, and other fluids in machinery and vehicles.

• Cleans and paints facilities and equipment; removes debris from various sites and operates a truck to haul debris for disposal.

• Operates compressors, hoists, steam cleaners, pneumatic and electric tools, and similar equipment, i.e., hand tools; may receive training and become certified to operate a crane and forklift to load, unload, and/or store materials and supplies.

• Assists distribution system and wastewater collection system crews in the construction, maintenance, and repair of facilities and equipment; drives light truck to deliver supplies, materials, and parts to work sites; inspects and services vehicles to maintain proper operating and safety requirements; operates a variety of hand and power tools and equipment; excavates and backfills trenches using hand tools.

• Assists in the maintenance and repair of pumping stations, fire hydrants, manholes, culverts, well sites, reservoirs, and other facilities; assists in setting up traffic barricades to protect crews from street traffic.

• Performs duties in confined spaces, utilizing departmental safety policies and procedures.

• Performs unskilled, utility building and equipment maintenance work, including rough masonry, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, cleaning, and minor repairs; repairs and replaces tile; assembles and moves furniture.

• Reads, interprets, and works from rough sketches, diagrams, blueprints, and drawings.

• Maintains records of maintenance and repairs performed.

• Observes and complies with all District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Methods, techniques, tools, and equipment common to the building and/or public works construction fields.

• Shop mathematics.

• District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.

• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Operate and maintain a variety of hand and power tools used in the work.

• Accurately read meters, gauges, valve books, blueprints, and schematic drawings.

• Maintain records.

• Follow and apply written and oral work instructions.

• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.

• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Experience:

• One (1) year of experience in the use of hand and power tools, equipment, and machinery associated with the construction, mechanical, electrical, or building trades.

Education:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.

Licenses/Certifications:

• A valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District's Vehicle Insurance Policy; and the ability to obtain a Class A driver's license, with hazmat and tank endorsements, within 18 months of date of hire, and the ability to maintain insurability under the District’s Vehicle Insurance Policy. All District employees required to possess a valid Class A driver’s license for the performance of their duties shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing pursuant to District policy and federal law.

• Positions assigned to the Assets and Facilities Maintenance Department and the Electrical Services Department require a valid Class C driver’s license, a Class A driver's license with hazmat and tank endorsements is not required.

The Ideal Candidate

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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

Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; possible entry into confined spaces and the use of confined entry equipment, to climb and descend ladders, to operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District sites; and vision to inspect and operate equipment. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50 pounds or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

Employees must wear and use the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employees work in the field and are exposed to:

• Loud noise levels
• Cold and hot temperatures
• Inclement weather conditions
• Road hazards
• Vibration
• Confining workspace
• Chemicals
• Mechanical and/or electrical hazards
• Hazardous physical substances and fumes
• Dust and air contaminants

Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Required Minimum Qualifications 

Education:

Experience:

Certifications:

What We Offer 

EMWD prides itself on being an exemplary employer, providing competitive compensation and benefits in addition to opportunities for career development and advancement.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is:

The benefits we offer:

• CalPERS Retirement: Classic Members: 2% at 55 benefit formula, employees pay the 7% contribution. New Members: 2% at 62 benefit formula, employees current contribution is 7.5%. EMWD does not participate in Social Security. Retiree Medical Coverage provided through CalPERS with EMWD providing the PEMHCA minimum.

• Deferred Compensation: Two programs are offered to employees: 401(a) – EMWD provides annual contributions of $1,180 and a 457 voluntary plan where EMWD provides a match to the 401(a) ranging from 4.5% to 6.0% of employee’s annual salary dependent upon CalPERS tier.

• Medical Plans: Several health plans are offered, with EMWD currently contributing $2,739/month towards the premiums for employees and family; medical in-lieu is available with required proof of coverage.

• Dental Plan: Full coverage for employees and family in the base plan at no cost with EMWD contributing up to $1,560 annually. Employees have the option to elect an enhanced plan with the employee paying the difference through voluntary payroll deductions.

• Vision Plan: Full coverage for employees and family in the base plan at no cost with EMWD contributing up to $245 annually. Employees have the option to elect an enhanced plan with the employee paying the difference through voluntary payroll deductions. 

• Voluntary Plans: Health Care and Child/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, supplemental accident, cancer, critical illness, life and AD&D, pet and short-term disability insurance available through payroll deductions.

• Life Insurance: Equal to annual salary up to a maximum of $250,000 at no cost. Employees may purchase up to an additional $500,000 in life insurance with EMWD paying 50% of the premium.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): 176 hours per year, increasing after year 5 completed.

• Holidays: 10 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays per year.

• Bereavement Leave: up to 5 days.

• Tuition Reimbursement: up to $6,198 annually.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Available to employees and their families.

• Telecommute Opportunities: Available to qualifying employees on a case-by-case basis when operationally feasible and accordance with EMWD’s Telecommute Policy.

• Alternative Work Schedule: Employees are provided opportunity to work a 4/10 or 9/80 work schedule dependent on position and operational needs. 

For an overview of EMWD’s excellent benefits package please click on the following link:http://www.emwd.org/careers/overview-benefits 

EMWD’s mission is to deliver value to our diverse customers and the communities we serve by providing safe, reliable, economical and environmentally sustainable services. EMWD is a leader in sustainability efforts that provide long-term benefits to the environment and establishes EMWD as an industry front-runner in adapting to climate change. We have invested in solar energy programs that provide significant environmental benefits, are modernizing our fleet vehicles to be further reliant on clean energy and have a long-term strategic priority to further reduce our carbon footprint while reducing financial impacts to customers.