Utility Worker Apprentice

Salary : $55,646.03 - $71,019.94 AnnuallyLocation : Bend, ORJob Type: Full TimeJob Number: 20250047Department: Utility DepartmentOpening Date: 03/21/2025Closing Date: 4/4/2025 12:00 PM Pacific SummaryThe City of Bend Water Services Department is actively recruiting for one (1) full-time Utility Worker Apprentice Position. This position is hourly, non-exempt (overtime eligible) and are represented by the City of Bend Employee Association (COBEA).To be considered for this position, applicants must have a complete application that includes all of the following items:The online application via NeoGov (access also available on City of Bend website under Human Resources/Job Openings) Attached formal Cover Letter (required) Attached formal Resume (required) Attached valid Credentials, Certifications and Licensing (if applicable)Applicants must provide certification that they are a veteran or disabled veteran to receive veteran's preference. For more information click An eligibility list will be created from this recruitment to be utilized for future positions at various levels and departments. The eligibility list will be valid for up to six (6) months. Application deadline is Friday, April 4, 2025 (04/4/2025) at 12:00 (noon) Pacific Time. SummaryThis Entry Level position performs a variety of manual labor and semi-skilled tasks in support of construction, maintenance, and operational functions of the Utility Department. This Entry Level position is expected to increase their knowledge and skill in all facets of careers in water treatment, water distribution, stormwater and sewer collection system maintenance, through a combination of classroom and on-the-job training to provide progressively skilled labor. Distinguishing CharacteristicsEntry Level is distinguished from Journey Level by the following. Entry Level is typically used as a training class; work is generally routine, daily detailed instruction is given and work is performed under direct supervision or guidance. Incumbent typically has less than two years of experience and may be an operator in training. Journey Level knows and applies fundamental concepts, practices and procedures of a particular field of specialization; performs work that is varied with minimal supervision. Performs tasks that may be somewhat difficult in nature and require moderate levels of evaluation and decision making. Incumbents at the Journey Level hold basic level certifications per area of assignment. Supervision Exercised and Received This position has no lead or supervisory responsibilities. This position will receive varying degrees of direct supervision depending on the incumbent's competency on a particular assignment. When introduced to new assignments or areas an apprentice will receive direct supervision or guidance by a Supervisor, Lead, Utility Worker, or assigned designee that takes the form of providing specific instructions on all assignments and procedures, with work being reviewed for completeness and accuracy. Other levels of direct supervision or guidance will be applied by the Supervisor, Lead, or assigned designee to gauge the competency level and to further develop the apprentice. This direct supervision may take the form of assigning tasks where the apprentice works independently for a period of time, instruction and guidance is provided as needed depending on current competency level, and verification of completion and quality occur when the task(s) are completed. Functions, Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification. Shown are duties intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.Assists in, performs, and learns to dig holes and trenches; shore excavations; back-fills trenches and holes with hand tools for pipe repair and installation; places and removes barricades; flags traffic.Assists in the activities of water, wastewater, and stormwater data collection and asset condition reporting. Operates a pickup truck, passenger vehicle or smaller automotive equipment, and may transport fellow employees, tools, debris and other work related items.Assists in, performs and learns to complete utility locates and water turn ons/offs.Assists in, performs, and learns to repair leaks in water mains and services; repair valves, tap mains, and cut pipe; repairs and maintains fire hydrants; and replaces water meters.Assists in, performs and learns to replace meter boxes; cleans and maintains reservoir areas and facilities.Assists in, performs and learns to maintain and repair wastewater collection and stormwater systems, including piping, catch basins, stormwater bio filters, lift stations, and water quality equipment.Assists Utility Workers or assigned designee in performing the manual tasks related to their work and learns to use a variety of hand and power tools.Assists in, performs and learns to perform miscellaneous duties around storage yards and buildings; patrols and cleans area, loads and unloads trucks; stores materials; checks tools in and out, cleans tools; washes and gasses trucks.Reads work orders; assists in and learns to obtain needed supplies, complete forms and write simple reports on work, time and materials used.Assists in, performs, and learns to operate and maintain applicable systems and equipment; i.e., metering systems, CCTV cameras, smoke machines, radio units, valves, valve boxes, and/or other applicable items. Troubleshoots and repairs equipment problems.Helps with installation and repair of water and sewer lines and other related facilities, including excavating and repairing broken lines.Performs work in assembling, laying and aligning water distribution and water reclamation collection mains and service lines.Assists with maintenance tasks on metering systems, manholes, catch basins, pump stations, lift stations, reservoirs, and other facilities; maintains and repairs piping associated with pump stations, well sites, and other facilities.Operates trucks, combination sewer cleaners, trenchers, skip loaders, backhoes, compressors, jackhammers, tapping machines, and a wide variety of other motorized equipment. Operates and uses power tools and other light equipment incidental to general duties.Complies with safety requirements of the position and actively promotes safe work practices.Prepares and maintains a variety of records and logs related to maintenance, repair and monitoring activities.In an emergency event or an officially declared State of Emergency, responds as directed to ensure the restoration of essential public services, facilities and infrastructure.Performs other duties of a similar nature or level. Knowledge, Skills and Qualifications Knowledge of:Simple Mathematical principles (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division);Basic construction principles;Basic Mechanical operations & troubleshooting;Tools and equipment utilized in the trade;Customer service principles;Occupational hazards and safe work methodsSkill in:Using a computer and related software applications;Using applicable tools and equipment of the trade, including operating light-to-heavy equipment;Writing legibly;Collecting and recording data;Performing mathematical calculations;Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction. Education, Experience, Certifications and Licenses Required:High school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.); 0-2 years of experience to sufficiently perform the essential duties of the job as those listed above is preferred, but not required. Licensing Requirements at time of application:Valid Oregon driver's license and ability maintainMandatory License/Certification Requirements within 18 months of hire (based upon area of assignment): Utility Worker ClassificationOregon Class A CDL driver's license with tanker endorsementOregon Water Distribution Level I certificationOregon Wastewater Collections Level I certification Collection System Utility Worker ClassificationOregon Class A CDL driver's license with tanker endorsementOregon Wastewater Collections Level I certificationDiversity & Equal Opportunity Employer StatementThe City of Bend is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. At the City of Bend, we don't just accept differences; we value them. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and support the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA) and the Oregon Equal Pay Act.Supplemental InformationDiversity & Equal Opportunity Employer StatementThe City of Bend is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. At the City of Bend, we don't just accept differences; we value them. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and support the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA) and the Oregon Equal Pay Act.Employee Benefit OverviewAugust 1, 2024 - July 31, 2025Regular Full Time Benefits:Coverage is effective on the first day of the month, coinciding with or following date of hire.(If the first day of work is on the first calendar day of the month, coverage is effective that day.)High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)Medical, Vision and Prescription CoverageUnderwritten by PacificSource Health PlansFull-time employees currently pay 10% of the total monthly premium. Benefit-eligible part-time employee premiums are pro-rated according to their regularly-scheduled hours, either at 50% (employees working 20-29 hours per week) or 75% (employees working 30-39 hours per week) of the full monthly premium.Employee monthly premium:EmployeeEmployee & DependentsFull-time Employees$ 65.04$162.60Part-time 1 Employees (30-39 hours per week)$162.60$406.52Part-time 2 Employees (20-29 hours per week)$325.23$813.04Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)Third Party AdministratorPacificSource Administrators (PSA)This is an employer-funded account designed to reimburse employees for IRS-qualified medical expenses. Reimbursements are tax-free, and any unused HRA Comp-A fund amounts at the end of the plan year are transferred to the employee's VEBA account following first full year of employment (see below for VEBA account information). Coinsurance (Med-G) funding remaining at plan year end is forfeited and does not roll to the VEBA.Employee monthly premium portion:EmployeeEmployee & DependentsFull-time EmployeesHRA (Comp - A)Coinsurance (Med - G)$2,000$1,250$4,000$1,250Part-time 1 Employees (30-39 hours per week)HRA (Comp - A)Coinsurance (Med - G)$1,500$937.50$3,000$1,335.75Part-time 2 Employees (20-29 hours per week)HRA (Comp - A)Coinsurance (Med - G)$1,000$625$2,000$890.50Employees also have the option to self-fund a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for unreimbursed medical expenses to offset potential out-of-pocket liability under the medical/dental plans and potentially shelter their HRA Comp-A account to allow for larger rollover to their VEBA account at plan year end.First Stop Health - Telemedicine: The City of Bend provides First Stop Health (FSH) telemedicine benefits for FREE to all medical-enrolled employees and up to seven (7) of their immediate family members.Dental PlanUnderwritten by MODA$2,000 calendar year benefit maximum per covered individual includes $1,000 one-time orthodontia benefit.Full-time employees currently pay 10% of the total composite monthly premium.Part-time benefit-eligible employee premiums are pro-rated according to their regularly scheduled work hours (50% for employees working 20-29 hours per week; 75% for those working 30-39 hours per week).Employee composite monthly premium:Employee with/without DependentsFull-time Employees$13.92Part-time 1 Employees (30-39 hours per week)$34.82Part-time 2 Employees (20-29 hours per week)$69.63VEBA PlanAdministered by HRA VEBAIndividual employee account that receives tax-free rollover amounts from the City-funded HRA Comp-A account remaining at the end of each plan year. The account belongs to the employee and may be invested in mutual funds similar to deferred compensation. The account can grow, tax free, and be used for future medical expenses and can be used either while still employed or after separation/retirement.Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)Administered by PacificSource Administrators (PSA)Participation in the City of Bend's Flexible Spending Plan is voluntary and allows employees to pay for IRS-approved health care-related expenses and dependent care through pre-tax payroll deduction.Life, Personal Accident (AD&D) & Long-Term Disability PlansUnderwritten by New York LifeGroup Basic Term Life Insurance: Benefit-eligible employees working at least 20 hours per week are eligible for a coverage amount of one times the employees annual salary, to a maximum benefit of $150,000, with a minimum benefit of $50,000. Coverage includes person accident coverage for loss of life and/or limb, per scheduled benefit package amounts.Group Long-term Disability Insurance:Benefit-eligible employees working at least 20 hours per week are eligible for a a benefit of up to 66.67% of employee's covered earnings to a maximum of $9,000 per month.Voluntary Life and AD&D: Active, full time employees of the City of Bend regularly working a minimum of 20 hours per week are eligible for additional voluntary coverage for the employee, spouse/domestic partner and dependent children.Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)The City of Bend participates in the PERS Retirement System. Employees become PERS members after working six full calendar months in a qualifying position requiring at least 600 hours worked per 12-month period. Contributions on the employee's behalf begin following completion of the six-month waiting period. The City makes "employer" contribution based on the employee's Tier I, II or OPSRP member status. The City also makes the "employee" member contribution of 6% of salary. For complete PERS program details, visit the website Employee Assistance ProgramUnderwritten by CanopyThis City-provided, confidential service helps employees privately solve problems that may interfere with work, family and life in general. Services are free to employees, their dependents and household members.The City of Bend also offers the following voluntary benefit programs which are elective and funded through payroll deduction:AFLAC Supplemental Insurance (various plans are offered)MASA ground and air ambulance membership457(b) Deferred Compensation Plans sponsored by Nationwide Retirement Solutions & Mission Square RetirementTemporary Medical Only Benefit's:Coverage is effective on the first day of the month, coinciding with or following date of hire. (If the first day of work is on the first calendar day of the month, coverage is effective that day.)High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)Medical, Vision, Prescription coverageUnderwritten by PacificSource Health PlansFull-time, temporary employee(s) currently pay 10% of the total employee(s) monthly premium. Full-time, temporary employees are eligible for employee-only medical coverage. However, there is family coverage available should the employee choose to enroll and assume financial responsibility for the difference of premium.Employee composite monthly premium:EmployeeEmployee & DependentsFull-time Employees$65.04$1,040.67Deductible$2,000$4,000Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)Administered by PacificSource Administrators (PSA)Participation in the City of Bend's Flexible Spending Plan is voluntary and allows employees to pay for IRS-approved health care-related expenses and dependent care through pre-tax payroll deduction.Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)The City of Bend participates in the PERS Retirement System. Employees become PERS members after working six full calendar months in a qualifying position requiring at least 600 hours worked per 12-month period. Contributions on the employee's behalf begin following completion of the six-month waiting period. The City makes "employer" contribution based on the employee's Tier I, II or OPSRP member status. The City also makes the "employee" member contribution of 6% of salary. For complete PERS program details, visit the website http://www.oregon.gov/persEmployee Assistance ProgramUnderwritten by CanopyThis City-provided, confidential service helps employees privately solve problems that may interfere with work, family and life in general. Services are free to employees, their dependents and household members.The City of Bend also offers the following voluntary benefit programs which are elective and funded through payroll deduction:MASA ground and air ambulance membership457 Deferred Compensation Plans sponsored by Nationwide Retirement Solutions and Mission Square RetirementIf you have Federal student loan debt, (private student loans not included), or are considering going back to school, you may benefit from the Student Loan Forgiveness Program.If you make 120 qualifying payments on your Federal student loan while working full-time for a qualifying employer, your Federal student loan debt may be forgiven.Always check the loan servicer and type of loan you have to ensure you qualify.