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City of Modesto, CA

Utilities Services Worker I/II/III

City of Modesto, CA, Modesto, California, United States, 95351

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Salary:

$26.72 - $41.55 Hourly Location :

Modesto, CA Job Type:

Full Time Job Number:

04360 Department:

Utilities Opening Date:

07/30/2025 Closing Date:

8/13/2025 5:00 PM Pacific Bargaining Unit:

MCEA

THE POSITION The City of Modesto is seeking a reliable and hardworking individual to join our team as a

Utilities Services Worker . currently looking for Utilities Services Workers to join our team.

The Utilities Services Worker is responsible to perform a variety of skilled tasks in the construction, maintenance, and repair of water and wastewater systems and facilities; and perform a wide variety of skilled and semi-skilled maintenance tasks as assigned.

Current openings are within both Water and Wastewater divisions.

Upcoming Salary Increases and Incentives:

3% effective 7/1/2026

2.5% Education Incentive - Bachelor's Degree

5% Education Incentive - Master's Degree

Application Process Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. Due to the volume of applications received,

resumes will not be screened

for the purposes of determining who is most qualified to compete in the testing process. It is the applicant's responsibility to fill out the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application with complete information and adequate detail. Do not substitute any part of the application form with the works "see resume". The following information is provided for you to use as a reference and as a planning tool. Human Resources is unable to schedule make-up examinations. Tentative Testing Schedule

In-Person Written Exam

Tuesday, August 26, 2025 Human Resources reserves the right to revise the testing process to best meet the needs of the City. The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions: All Assignments:

Operate light to heavy construction equipment such as backhoes, motor graders, large front-end loaders, medium to large trucks, heavy duty rodding machines, hydra flush and vacuum combination trucks, cranes, power rudders, front loaders, dump trucks, tampers, pavement saws, cutting torches, and welders for a variety of construction and maintenance operations involving potable water lines, wastewater mains and lines, and related systems. Expose and excavate water mains, distribution lines, valves, and other water and wastewater mainlines, manholes, laterals, storm water catch basins, pipelines, rock wells, drywells, basins, and other utility distribution systems infrastructure. Perform the full range of water distribution and wastewater systems operation, construction, and maintenance tasks when equipment is not in use.

Design, plan, and install temporary traffic control devices; cone and barricade, as necessary.

Break out and load asphalt and concrete onto large dump trucks. Identify, plan, and arrange for equipment needed for each assigned project. Perform minor repairs on equipment and report the need for major repairs; check and adjust fluid level; grease and lubricate moving parts, as required.

Perform daily DMV vehicle inspections; document and inspect equipment for safety and wear. Respond to emergencies including flood, line breaks and overflows, storm water and wastewater overflows, and stoppages; repair and restore systems and service, as required. Pick up and transport refuse to the appropriate dumping site. Operate jackhammer and other construction tools. Lay and fit pipelines; make water line taps; install water services, fire hydrants, blow-offs, valves, meters, vaults, boxes, and exercise valves. Identify and mark utilities in response to Underground Service Alerts. Use tripods, cranes, harnesses, hazardous gas/air sensor equipment, and ladders to enter confined spaces. Respond to and appropriately report hazards. Maintain accurate records of work performed. Perform routine maintenance on tools, equipment, and vehicles used in the work; stock vehicles with adequate supply of tools and equipment needed to perform the work. Perform standby/on-call duties, as assigned and required. Develop schedules and methods to accomplish job site goals, ensuring work is completed in a timely and efficient manner. Participate in evaluating the activities of staff, recommending improvements and modifications, and providing performance feedback. Provide on-site lead leadership, guidance, and direction to work crews on assigned projects. Provide on-the-job training to employees; work with employees to correct deficiencies; provide training to lower level staff in the proper operation of equipment and the appropriate performance of maintenance duties. Load and transport construction equipment to and from the work site using the appropriate vehicles. Operate hand-held and office computers to enter and retrieve data; prepare written and electronic records and reports. Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service. Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures. When assigned to Water/Distribution: Identify, locate, and fix service and main leaks. Operate pipe locators and install and inspect backflow assemblies. Install, replace, and maintain water meters. When assigned to Wastewater: Inspect sewer and positive storm drain lines with closed circuit television equipment. Clean and service rock wells, catch basins, and drain lines, and wet wells at lift stations. Marginal Functions: Perform related duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Utilities Services Worker I

Knowledge of:

Basic methods, tools, and equipment used in construction, maintenance, and repair work. Basic arithmetic principles and calculations. Learn to use, operate, and maintain a wide range of power-driven equipment including trucks, backhoes, loaders,

and cranes. Principles, methods, materials, and tools employed in utilities construction, maintenance, and repair. Learn the uses and purposes of general construction tools and equipment. Traffic laws, ordinances, and rules involved in light and heavy equipment operations. Safe work practices; trench safety and shoring methods. Working in and around open trenches, traffic, construction equipment, and utilities. Traffic control on construction sites. Ability to:

Perform heavy manual labor. Learn to operate a variety of light and heavy power-driven equipment. Learn to locate utilities and be familiar with Underground Service Alert (U.S.A.) procedures. Perform a variety of skilled and semi-skilled construction and maintenance tasks. Load and transport equipment on trailers. Learn to identify equipment, tools, and materials needed for each project. Learn the geography, streets, and water distribution infrastructure of an area, based on assignment. Learn to work with and around hazardous materials specific to water/wastewater systems. Learn to perform maintenance repair and installation of water/wastewater systems.

Learn to read blue prints; participate in construction meetings. Learn to perform maintenance on assigned equipment in an efficient, safe manner. Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Learn to set up and oversee construction sites at night, in adverse weather, or in emergencies. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Experience and Training Guidelines:

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

One year of increasingly responsible experience performing maintenance and/or construction work involving the operation of light to heavy equipment. Previous work experience in utilities operations is desirable. Training:

High School diploma or GED equivalency. License or Certificate:

Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver' license. Possession of a valid Class A or Class B Commercial California driver's License with specific endorsements is required within ninety (90) days of appointment. Possession of a valid Backflow Tester certificate is desirable. When assigned to Water:

Possession of a Grade I Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the State of California within eighteen (18) months of appointment. Possession of a Grade II Water Distribution Operator Certification issued by the State of California within thirty (30) months of appointment. When assigned to Wastewater:

Possession of a Grade I certification or higher in Collection System Maintenance issued by California Water Environment Association (CWEA) is desirable. Failure to obtain any of the required licenses/certificates within the prescribed time may result in release from probation or termination. Additional Requirements:

Must be a minimum 18 years of age at time of application. During the course of employment, may be required to attend and successfully complete training courses as needed to perform assigned duties, including First Aid and CPR. In addition to Utilities Services Worker I: Experience: Equivalent to one year as a Utilities Services Worker I with the City of Modesto.

Training: High School diploma or GED equivalency.

License or Certificate: Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.

Possession of a Class A or Class B Commercial California driver's license with appropriate endorsements is required within ninety (90) days of appointment.

Depending upon assignment, possession of a valid Crane Operator Certificate, issued by the National Commission of Crane Operators, is required within twelve (12) months of assignment.

When assigned to Water: Possession of a Grade II Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the State of California.

Possession of a valid Water Sampling Certificate is desirable.

When assigned to Wastewater: Possession of a Grade I certification or higher in Collection System Maintenance by the California Water Environmental Association (CWEA).

Failure to obtain any of the required licenses/certificates within the prescribed time may result in release from probation or termination.

Additional Requirements: Must be a minimum of 18 years of age at time of application.

During the course of employment, may be required to attend and successfully complete training courses as needed to perform assigned duties, including First Aid and CPR. In addition to Utilities Services Worker II:

Experience:

Equivalent to one year as a Utilities Services Worker II with the City of Modesto.

Training:

High School diploma or GED equivalency.

License or Certificate:

Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license. Possession of a Class A or Class B Commercial California driver's license with appropriate endorsements is required within ninety (90) days of appointment. Depending upon assignment, possession of a valid Crane Operator Certificate, issued by the National Commission of Crane Operators, is required within twelve (12) months of assignment. When assigned to Water:

Possession of a Grade III Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the State of California. Possession of a valid Water Sampling Certificate is desirable. Depending upon assignment, possession of a valid Backflow Tester certificate is desirable. Depending upon assignment, possession of a valid Cross Connection Specialist certificate is desirable. When assigned to Wastewater:

Possession of a Grade II certification or higher in Collection System Maintenance by the California Water Environmental Association (CWEA). Possession of a valid Backflow Tester certificate is desirable. Failure to obtain any of the required licenses/certificates within the prescribed time may result in release from probation or termination. Additional Requirements:

Must be a minimum of 18 years of age at time of application. During the course of employment, may be required to attend and successfully complete training courses as needed to perform assigned duties, including First Aid and CPR

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS Mobility : frequent performance of heavy manual labor; frequent standing for long period of time; frequent bending and squatting.

Lifting : frequent lifting up to 100 pounds; occasional lifting up to 100 pounds, depending on assignment.

Vision : constant use of overall vision.

Dexterity : frequent grasping, holding, and reaching.

Hearing/Talking : frequent hearing and talking in person. May be required to wear ear protection or hear in noisy conditions.

Emotional/ Psychological : frequent coworker contact; occasional working alone.

Environmental:

frequent exposure to loud noise; frequent exposure to chemicals, fumes, and other environmental substances.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a typical outdoor environment on a year-round basis, subject to typical street or field noise and exposure to loud equipment and machinery and may require travel from site to site, and working in confined spaces with potentially hazardous materials. Some positions may be assigned to remote locations. May be required to work evenings, weekends and holidays; may be required to work overtime and irregular hours in emergency situations. Modesto City Employee Association (MCEA)

Employee benefits are subject to change and are not guaranteed. For a detailed explanation of benefits currently in effect please see the Memoranda of Understanding.

PUBLIC EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM:

CalPERS enrollment in either the 2% @ 60 or the 2% @ 62 formula is dependent on eligibility, as per AB 340. Employee pays the full member contribution. Retirement benefit is based on the employees three year final compensation average. The City does not participate in Social Security except for the required 1.45% Medicare contribution by both the City and the employee (applies to employees hired after 4-1-86).

HOLIDAYS:

12 paid holidays per year plus 8 hours of holiday credit.

VACATION:

Accrual normally begins at a rate of two weeks per year, with incremental increases to five weeks at 21 years of service. Employees may accumulate up to twice their annual accrual.

SICK LEAVE:

Accumulated at 8 hours per month, 96 hours per year. Employees may accumulate up to 2,100 hours.

MEDICAL INSURANCE:

Health, dental and vision coverage is provided. The City's monthly contribution to health, dental and vision benefits is based on a three-tier system as follows: $ 2,028.00 Employee + Family $ 1,436.00 Employee + 1 Dependent $ 718.00 Employee Only $ 450.00 Opt Out The employee pays the balance. An employee who opts out of health coverage receives the amount noted above

minus dental and vision premium

on their paycheck and treated as taxable income. Dental and vision coverage continuation is available upon retirement.

LIFE INSURANCE:

Coverage in the amount of $20,000 is provided by the City. Supplemental coverage is available at employee cost.

DISABILITY INSURANCE:

coverage is provided by the City, at City cost. This benefit pays 66 2/3% of the first $12,000 per month in salary.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION:

With a matching contribution by the employee, the City will contribute 1% of salary, (increasing to 2% after 15 years of service) to a voluntary 457 Plan.

RETIREE HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (RHS):

$2,880 initial deposit provided upon completion of a two (2) year vesting period. After initial contribution, the City shall contribute $120 per month.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:

Available to employees and dependents. Plan provides up to 3 counseling visits per incident, at City expense.

EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE:

Bachelor's degree pays in the amount of 2.5% of salary and Master's degree pays in the amount of 5% of salary.

BILINGUAL INCENTIVE LEAVE:

Employees who pass a review panel and are needed in this capacity by the department, will receive 3 hours of Bilingual Leave Time per pay period into their Compensatory Time Off (CTO) balance.

UNIFORM AND UNIFORM ALLOWANCE PROGRAM:

is provided for some positions.

ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAM

is provided for some positions.

LONGEVITY PAY:

2.5% of salary at 10 years of service.

SECTION 125 PLAN:

Providing for pre-tax deductions for employee-paid health premium and dependent care costs. 01

I understand that in order for my application to receive every consideration in the selection process, I must complete the following Supplemental Questions and provide concise but detailed answers. I understand that the Supplemental Questionnaire is the Training and Experience Exam (Weighted 100%) and that these responses must match the information I provide in the Work Experience and Education sections of my application. When answering narrative descriptions of my experience, I understand that I must include the name of the employer and dates of employment. I certify that all information provided on this application and the Supplemental Questions is true to the best of my knowledge.

I understand

02

This classification is eligible for Veteran's Preference. Do you wish to claim Veteran's Preference? To qualify you must submit the and DD214 by 5:00 pm on the final filing date. These documents can be submitted to the Human Resources Department by e-mail to hr@modestogov.com, by fax to (209) 571-5813, or by mail to P.O. Box 642, Modesto, CA 95353 (must be received by final filing date.)

Yes No

03

Do you possess a high school diploma or GED equivalency?

Yes No

04

How many years of increasingly responsible experience do you have performing maintenance and/or construction work involving the operation of light to heavy equipment?

None - less than 1 year 1 - less than 2 years 2 - less than 3 years 3 - less than 4 years 4 or more years

05

Do you have a valid crane operator certificate, issued by the National Commission of Crane Operators?

Yes No

06

Have you even been employed by a public or private utility agency?

Yes No

07

Do you have a valid California Commercial Drivers License? Please check all that apply.

Class A Class A with endorsements Class B Class B with endorsements Learner's permit for A or B No Commercial Driver's License, but can get within 60 days Cannot get a Commercial Driver's License

08

Do you possess a valid Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board? (Check highest level attained)

I do not possess a Water Distribution Operator certificate. Yes, I have a Grade I Water Distribution Operator Certificate Yes, I have a Grade II Water Distribution Operator Certificate Yes, I have a Grade III Water Distribution Operator Certificate Yes, I have a Grade IV Water Distribution Operator Certificate Yes, I have a Grade V Water Distribution Operator Certificate

09

Do you possess any of the following? Please check all that apply.

Certificate of Completion - Water Treatment Plant Operations Certificate of Completion - Operation and Maintenance of Wastewater Collection Systems Coursework in Water Treatment Plant Operations but no Certificate of Completion Coursework in Operation and Maintenance of Wastewater Collection Systems but no Certificate of Completion None

10

Do you possess a valid Collection System Maintenance Certificate issued by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA)? (Check highest level attained)

I do not possess a Collection System Maintenance Certificate Yes, I have a Grade I Collection System Maintenance Certificate Yes, I have a Grade II Collection System Maintenance Certificate Yes, I have a Grade III Collection System Maintenance Certificate Yes, I have a Grade IV Collection System Maintenance Certificate

11

Would you be willing to accept a position in:

Water Wastewater Either Water or Wastewater

Required Question