Construction Apprentice I

Job Title

Assist with operation and maintenance of the water and sewer systems. Installs, repairs, and maintains water and sewer lines insuring service to the customers is uninterrupted or restored as soon as possible.

Job Duties

Responds to reports of water line, water meter, water main, or sewer line breaks; locate breaks and lines prior to digging; finds the shut off valves by using a locating device and cuts off service before repair begins. Cuts and fits pipes above or below ground to specifications necessary to install or repair water or sewer lines; assembles the pipe system; operates cutting tools and saws; installs or replaces manholes, valves, and other pipe fittings. Raises, lowers, or moves water and sewer lines as needed due to new construction; assists in operating a boring machine. Cleans around fire hydrants; greases all fittings and fill hydrants with oil; paints fire hydrants; tests hydrant flow to assure there are no blockages and adequate pressure is available; pumps water out of ditches during repairs; use a sewer jet to clean sewer lines. Uses sling blade and bush axe for clearing sewer line or utility right-of-ways; empties drying beds as instructed; paints equipment / machinery as needed; may assist in cleaning facilities. Operates a variety of hand and power tools to clear and maintain utility easements and right-of-ways. Tools include shovel, axe, sling blade, bush axe, power tools, chain saw, weed eater, etc. May put out road signs; may flag traffic during construction. Performs routine maintenance and minor repairs of equipment. Shovels asphalt from asphalt pile or from dump truck, levels hole with a loop, and packs asphalt with a hand tamp or gas-powered tamp. Assists with construction of sidewalks, curbs and gutters; levels construction area; builds forms; mixes cement; pours cement; levels cement using a bull float, hand float and / or trowel. Employee subject to work scheduled weekend, holiday, or after hours standby. Performs other related duties as required. Employee subject to recall to duty in cases of emergency.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience : None required. Licenses and Certifications : Valid Class C Driver's License and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR). DOT Certified Flagger (within 6 months from date of hire). Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities : Knowledge of department operations and procedures. Skill in operating hand and power tools and small equipment used by department. Ability to lift and carry objects up to 80 pounds. Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.

Supplemental Information

This position is classified as safety-sensitive. Incumbent will be subject to random drug / alcohol testing.

The City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity employer. The City of Gainesville prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. The City of Gainesville conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.