Utilities Construction Worker - Public Works

Looking for a steady, hands-on job where your work really matters? Join the City of Boise as a Utility Construction Worker and help keep the city running strong. In this role, you’ll work outside year-round, use heavy equipment, and help maintain and repair important underground systems — like wastewater, geothermal, and irrigation lines. When things go wrong, you're one of the first people we call to fix it.

This job is for people who take pride in hard work, know how to stay safe on a job site, and are ready to be part of a solid, reliable team. You’ll use your construction know-how, operate machines and tools, and help with everything from emergency repairs to routine maintenance. In return, we offer excellent city benefits, stable hours, on-the-job training, and a team that’s got your back.

• High school diploma or GED

• At least two (2) years of experience in construction or utility work — especially with water, wastewater, geothermal, or irrigation systems

• Knowledge of:

  • Job site and equipment safety

  • Basic construction practices

  • Sewer and water system layouts

  • Tools, equipment, and how to operate them safely

• Ability to:

  • Work in and around confined spaces (like manholes or underground vaults)

  • Operate light to heavy equipment (backhoes, loaders, etc.)

  • Read blueprints and maps

  • Communicate clearly and follow instructions

  • Perform physical work in all weather conditions

• License & Driving Record:

  • Valid state-issued driver’s license

  • Must have a safe and acceptable driving record.

City employees enjoy a top-notch zero-premium healthcare option for you and your family. Plus, a retirement plan that provides a lifetime annuity, investment matching, a cash-incentive wellness program, public employee student loan forgiveness, paid parental leave, and more. Imagine that.

Handles moderately complex issues and problems and refers more complex issues to higher-level staff. 

Operates heavy construction equipment. Performs construction maintenance and sewer line root control maintenance. Conducts scheduled and emergency repairs and maintenance on city wastewater treatment utilities using pneumatic and electric tools and hand tools. Provides necessary traffic control. Sets up vehicles and pedestrian traffic diversions devices and manually controls traffic. Inspects and performs routine preventive maintenance and repairs on all equipment. Safely operates equipment, including proper shoring in excavation and working around traffic.

Makes independent decisions in the field as necessary. Acts as a first responder to emergency call-ins for sewer backups and related events and assists fire and police as necessary. 

Complies with the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for wastewater collection, geothermal and stormwater systems. Assists with identifying issues and provides input on possible solutions. 

Accurately records maintenance in computerized asset and work order management programs (Hanson 8). Uses computer-based online mapping geographic information systems (GIS), closed circuit television (CCTV), construction and inspection drawings and electronic underground locating tools to determine the exact location, size and function of underground sewer mains, geothermal lines and pressurized irrigation lines to prevent damage during construction. Identifies and marks rights-of-way, easements and private property lines. 

Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training
High school diploma or equivalent and two years of experience working in the construction trade or underground construction trade with experience working on water and wastewater systems, geothermal and irrigation systems.

Knowledge of: 

• Occupational safety standards and hazards associated with construction and equipment, equipment operation and job site safety
• General engineering and construction terminology; construction practices and procedures
• Basic design of sewer collection systems, water distribution systems and other underground utility systems
• Various mapping and asset management databases
• Emergency response techniques and procedures; and computer usage, including related software.

• Work in and around wastewater, geothermal and pressure irrigation systems in confined spaces
• Read and interpret blueprints
• Operate light, medium and heavy equipment
• Safely operate standard hand and power tools
• Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance
• Perform all essential functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without reasonable accommodation.

Valid state-issued driver's license.

Ability to obtain the following within six months of employment:; State of Idaho Wastewater Collection Operator Class I license or Operator-In-Training (OIT) license; Class A Commercial Driver's License; erosion control certificate; and a flagger certificate.

The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Efforts
While performing the duties of this job the employee is always lifting/carrying up to 35 pounds, frequently lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds, occasionally lifting/carrying up to 75 pounds and rarely lifting/carrying up to 100 pounds. Also, the employee is always pushing/pulling up to 35 pounds, frequently pushing/pulling up to 50 pounds, occasionally pushing/pulling up to 75 pounds and rarely pushing/pulling up to 100 pounds. The noise level is always loud, frequently very loud and occasionally moderate. Work includes sensory ability to talk, hear, smell and touch. Work in this position also includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. Employees will sit, stand, walk, runn, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, grasp, climb and balance. Position requires hand/finger dexterity.Additional physical efforts include: employees perform additional physical activities such as climbing ladders and and getting in and out of heavy equipment..

Working Environment
The work environment will include inside conditions, outdoor weather conditions, extreme temperatures, in wet and humid conditions, areas of dust, odors, mist and gases or other airborne matter. Employees are exposed to mechanical and electrical hazards, work in/at heights and confined spaces. Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position. Work includes protected exposure to infectious bacteria, bodily fluids and chemicals.
This position works: evenings and weekends, and a rotating on-call schedule.