Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Utility Maintenance Worker
💰 $45,000 - $70,000
UtilitiesPublic WorksMaintenanceSkilled Trades
🎯 Role Definition
The Utility Maintenance Worker is responsible for the inspection, maintenance, repair, and operation of utility systems such as water, wastewater, stormwater, gas, or electrical infrastructure. This role supports safe, reliable, and continuous utility services while ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Maintenance Laborer
- Public Works Crew Member
- Utility Technician Assistant
Advancement To:
- Senior Utility Maintenance Worker
- Utility Crew Leader or Supervisor
- Utility Operations Manager
Lateral Moves:
- Water or Wastewater Treatment Operator
- Facilities Maintenance Technician
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Perform routine inspection, maintenance, and repair of utility infrastructure including pipelines, valves, hydrants, and meters.
- Assist with installation, repair, and replacement of water, sewer, stormwater, gas, or electrical lines.
- Operate hand tools, power tools, and heavy equipment such as backhoes, loaders, and trenchers.
- Respond to emergency utility outages, leaks, breaks, and service disruptions.
- Conduct excavation, trenching, backfilling, and site restoration activities.
- Read and interpret utility maps, blueprints, and work orders.
- Perform valve exercising, flushing, and pressure testing of utility systems.
- Assist in meter reading, testing, installation, and replacement.
- Inspect and maintain pumping stations, lift stations, and related equipment.
- Collect water or wastewater samples and assist with basic testing procedures.
- Ensure work sites comply with safety standards, traffic control requirements, and confined space protocols.
- Follow lockout/tagout, PPE, and hazard communication procedures.
- Perform routine maintenance on tools, vehicles, and equipment.
- Maintain accurate records of work performed, materials used, and inspections completed.
- Coordinate work activities with supervisors, engineers, contractors, and other departments.
- Assist with preventive maintenance programs to reduce system failures.
- Identify deteriorating infrastructure and recommend repairs or replacements.
- Support compliance with local, state, and federal utility regulations.
- Participate in on-call rotations and after-hours emergency response.
- Assist with snow removal, grounds maintenance, or seasonal public works activities as needed.
- Provide customer service support during field interactions with residents or businesses.
Secondary Functions
- Support operational reporting and documentation requirements.
- Assist with inventory and materials management.
- Participate in safety meetings and ongoing technical training.
- Collaborate with other public works or utility teams to support infrastructure projects.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Knowledge of utility systems such as water distribution, wastewater collection, or stormwater infrastructure.
- Ability to operate hand tools, power tools, and basic heavy equipment.
- Understanding of safety practices related to excavation, confined spaces, and traffic control.
- Ability to read utility maps, diagrams, and work orders.
- Basic mechanical and maintenance skills.
- Familiarity with preventive maintenance and inspection procedures.
- Experience working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Understanding of environmental and regulatory compliance requirements.
- Ability to perform basic measurements, calculations, and documentation.
- Valid driver’s license; CDL preferred or ability to obtain.
Soft Skills
- Strong teamwork and communication skills.
- Reliability and strong work ethic.
- Attention to detail and safety awareness.
- Ability to follow instructions and standard procedures.
- Problem-solving skills in field-based environments.
- Physical stamina and ability to perform manual labor.
- Adaptability to changing work conditions and priorities.
- Customer service mindset when interacting with the public.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
High School Diploma or GED
Preferred Education:
Technical or vocational training
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Utility Technology
- Environmental Technology
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
1–4 years of experience in utility maintenance, public works, construction, or related field work.
Preferred:
Experience working with municipal utilities, infrastructure maintenance, or regulated utility environments.