Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Utility Technician

🎯 Role Definition

The Utility Technician is responsible for the safe, efficient installation, maintenance, inspection and repair of utility infrastructure including pipelines, meters, valves, hydrants, service connections, and associated mechanical and electrical systems. This hands-on position requires adherence to regulatory and safety standards, effective communication with internal teams and customers, operation of heavy equipment and tools, and accurate documentation of work performed. The ideal candidate brings field experience in utility distribution or collection systems, strong troubleshooting ability, and certifications relevant to confined space, excavation, and equipment operation.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Utility Laborer / Utility Helper
Apprentice Pipefitter / Apprentice Electrician
Construction Equipment Operator

Advancement To:

Lead Utility Technician / Senior Utility Technician
Utility Maintenance Supervisor / Field Supervisor
Utilities Operations Manager / Distribution Foreman

Lateral Moves:

Distribution Electrician
Water/Wastewater Operator
Pipeline Inspector / GIS Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform routine and preventive maintenance on water, sewer, gas, and electrical utility systems including inspection, cleaning, lubrication, and parts replacement to ensure system reliability and regulatory compliance.
Locate, expose and excavate utility lines for repair, replacement, and installation using hand tools and powered equipment while following underground utility locating procedures and “Call Before You Dig” protocols.
Install, remove, repair and test meters, valves, hydrants, service laterals, service taps, and related fittings; ensure proper sealing, alignment and pressure testing to manufacturer and municipal standards.
Respond to emergency calls (after-hours as required) to troubleshoot and restore service for leaks, breaks, blockages, outages, and damage from accidents or weather events; execute temporary and permanent repairs under time-sensitive conditions.
Operate heavy equipment such as backhoes, excavators, loaders, trenchers and compactors safely and proficiently to complete installations, replacements and backfilling operations.
Perform pipe repair and replacement tasks including welding, brazing, couplings, fusion or mechanical joints for HDPE, PVC, ductile iron and steel pipelines while following approved procedures.
Conduct routine leak detection, pressure testing, flow verification and inline camera inspections to diagnose system performance issues and identify needed repairs or upgrades.
Read and interpret construction drawings, as-built plans, blueprints, schematics and GIS maps to locate infrastructure, plan excavation and perform accurate installations or repairs.
Follow confined space entry procedures, use gas monitoring and ventilation equipment, and perform attendant and entrant duties when working in manholes, vaults or tanks.
Install and maintain cathodic protection systems, grounding, bonding and corrosion control measures to extend the life of metal pipelines and structures.
Maintain accurate, timely documentation of work orders, repair logs, inspection reports, meter readings, parts used and time records in computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) or field tablets.
Install and calibrate instrumentation, pressure gauges, flow meters and SCADA telemetry devices; troubleshoot telemetry and communication issues with remote monitoring systems.
Perform traffic control and pedestrian safety measures at work zones including setup of cones, signs and flagging; coordinate with local authorities to obtain permits for street closures and lane use when required.
Conduct quality assurance and inspection of completed work to ensure compliance with company standards, engineering specifications and applicable codes (AWWA, OSHA, DOT).
Coordinate with contractors, engineers, public works, utility locators and emergency responders to sequence work, limit service interruptions and maintain clear communication with stakeholders.
Handle and dispose of contaminated materials and wastewater in accordance with environmental regulations; follow spill response procedures and use appropriate PPE.
Execute valve exercising and mapping programs — locate, tag, operate and document valve status to maintain system operability and emergency isolation capability.
Install, maintain and repair street-level infrastructure such as curb stops, box lids, meter pits, vaults and risers ensuring safe pedestrian and vehicular clearances.
Assist in seasonal work such as cold-weather freeze prevention, snow and ice removal of critical access points, and drought-related conservation measures as directed.
Mentor and train new technicians and apprentices on safe work practices, equipment operation, and utility standards; contribute to ongoing skills development and cross-training initiatives.
Monitor and maintain inventory of commonly used parts, tools and safety gear; requisition materials timely to minimize downtime and maintain project schedules.
Perform diagnostic testing on pumps, motors, valves and control panels; remove/replace electrical starters, relays and seals as needed following lockout/tagout procedures.
Participate in scheduled shutdowns and cutovers, executing safe isolation and system tie-ins with minimal customer impact and thorough post-work validation.
Maintain clean, service-ready vehicles and equipment; perform basic maintenance checks (fluid levels, tire pressure, lights) and report mechanical issues to fleet maintenance.

Secondary Functions

Assist in the development and continuous improvement of standard operating procedures, maintenance checklists and safety protocols.
Support utility system mapping and GIS data updates by collecting field measurements, GPS coordinates and annotating discrepancies in asset records.
Participate in public outreach and customer education initiatives regarding service interruptions, meter installations, conservation programs and safety awareness.
Help prepare scope of work and material lists for routine projects and small capital improvements; provide field input to estimating and planning teams.
Assist environmental compliance teams with sample collection, chain-of-custody documentation and basic laboratory sample handling for regulatory reporting.
Provide support for cross-functional projects such as facility maintenance, stormwater response and emergency preparedness drills.
Recommend efficiency improvements or capital upgrades based on observed system weaknesses or recurring repair patterns reported during field rounds.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Underground utility locating and interpreting markings (e.g., 811 process); experience with pipe locators and ground-penetrating radar (GPR).
Trenching, excavation, shoring and backfill techniques with demonstrated knowledge of OSHA excavation safety standards.
Proficient operation of heavy equipment: backhoe, excavator, loader, trenchers and compactors with appropriate certifications or documented experience.
Pipe joining techniques (welding, mechanical couplings, fusion, solvent-weld for PVC) across common materials: PVC, HDPE, ductile iron and steel.
Valve operation, exercising, repair and replacement for distribution and transmission systems; familiarity with gate, butterfly and pressure-reducing valves.
Meter installation, testing, calibration and repair for water or gas meters; knowledge of meter pit installation, remote read technology and meter sealing.
Confined space entry procedures, air monitoring, use of multi-gas detectors and attendant/entrant responsibilities.
Knowledge of utility system telemetry and SCADA fundamentals; ability to troubleshoot basic telemetry, RTU and sensor issues.
Basic electrical troubleshooting for motors, starters, control panels and wiring related to pumps and lift stations.
Use of hand/power tools, precision measurement tools and test equipment (pressure gauges, flow meters, clamp meters).
Ability to read and interpret as-built drawings, blueprints, schematics and GIS mapping layers.
Experience with CMMS, mobile field reporting tools, GIS data entry and electronic work order systems.
Familiarity with environmental and wastewater handling requirements including spill response and hazardous materials protocols.
Traffic control and flagging certification (or willingness to obtain) and experience setting up safe work zones.

Soft Skills

Strong troubleshooting mindset with the ability to diagnose complex field problems and implement practical solutions quickly.
Clear verbal and written communication skills for interacting with customers, supervisors, inspectors and team members.
Excellent attention to detail for accurate documentation, compliance and quality assurance.
High level of situational awareness and commitment to safety culture; consistently follows PPE, lockout/tagout and site hazard controls.
Customer-service orientation: able to explain actions and timelines to customers professionally during service interruptions.
Dependable, punctual and able to work variable shifts, on-call rotations and respond to emergency situations.
Team player who collaborates effectively across maintenance, operations, engineering and public works groups.
Adaptability to changing priorities and the ability to manage multiple tasks under time constraints.
Basic supervisory potential: coaches apprentices, organizes work assignments and supports project coordination.
Physical stamina and dexterity to perform manual labor, lift heavy loads and work outdoors in variable weather conditions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED required.

Preferred Education:

Technical certificate, trade school diploma, or associate degree in utility technology, construction trades, electrical technology, or related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Utility Technology / Utility Maintenance
Water/Wastewater Technology
Electrical or Mechanical Trades
Civil Construction / Pipeline Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1–5 years of hands-on utility construction, distribution, or maintenance experience for entry to mid-level roles.
5+ years recommended for senior/lead technician positions.

Preferred:

Prior experience in municipal utilities, public works, water/wastewater, gas distribution or electric distribution.
Certifications such as Confined Space Entry, CPR/First Aid, Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), HAZWOPER or trenching/shoring training.
Experience operating and maintaining heavy equipment, plus a demonstrated safety record and familiarity with regulatory compliance (OSHA, EPA, DOT, AWWA).