ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  Works under the general supervision of a Zone Supervisor to maintain sewer lines through clearing and removing stoppages, obstructions, or restrictions; inspects sewer lines and manholes. Performs dye tests/smoke tests if necessary. Drives and operates sewer cleaning equipment such as a cable truck, flusher, vactor, power rodder, drag machine, etc. to clear the stoppage. Applies chemical solvents to aid in clearing obstructions and enters confined spaces to remove debris from manholes. Cleans and disinfects areas such as basements and yards flooded as a result of sewer stoppages. Performs routine washing of sewer lines, manholes, and siphons. Directs the tasks of a semi-skilled crewperson assigned to assist in these duties. Reports the location of the problem, action taken, and current job status to a dispatcher or supervisor using a mobile radio. Prepares a daily summary report on all activities performed and documents any special job site conditions. Performs light preventative maintenance of vehicles and equipment such as fluid levels, pre-trip inspections, filters, etc. Responds to citizens’ issues and concerns relating to sewer problems requiring effective communication with potentially irate customers. Performs preventative cleaning maintenance on sewer lines as directed. Cleans and unclogs wastewater treatment plant process piping as directed. Removes grease buildup in the wet wells of sewer lift stations. Applies water to bio-filters to promote biological growth for effective odor control.
 
OTHER FUNCTIONS:
1.         Performs additional functions (essential or otherwise) which may be assigned.
 
TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  Must be able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing. Requires the ability to traverse uneven ground, lift and carry objects such as tools and power equipment weighing up to 50 lbs., and maneuver including stooping, bending, reaching (including above head), pushing, pulling, and climbing into and out of manholes. Requires the ability to drive and operate sewer maintenance equipment such as a cable truck, wash truck, vactor, and power rodder.
 
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:  Majority of work is performed in an outdoor environment. Requires exposure to sewage, fumes, odors, weeds, poisonous plants, emulsifiers, bacteria, insecticides, sewer solvents, traffic, noise, heat and all types of weather conditions. Must be able to enter confined spaces such as a manhole/sewer line. Requires some contact with the general public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: High School graduate and two (2) years experience in sewer line maintenance; or any combination of experience and training which enables one to perform the essential job functions. Must have a valid class “B” Tennessee driver’s license with endorsement N for tanks 1,000 gallons or greater as a condition of continued employment. Must comply with Federal Department of Transportation (DOT) Alcohol and Drug testing rules. Required to complete a battery of tests within five (5) months of employment as deemed appropriate by Human Resources to evaluate competencies in operating sewer maintenance equipment, as a condition of continued employment.

The City Charter requires that City Employees must establish residence within Shelby County within six (6) months from date of Employment. Proof of residence will be required at the time of hire. The City 

Charter requires that City Employees, with the EXECEPTION of “first responders”, must establish residence within Shelby County within six (6) months from their date of Employment. Proof of residence will be required at the time of hire. As defined by Tennessee House Bill 105, "first responder means paid, full-time law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel and dispatchers of law enforcement, fire and emergency medical service departments." 
  
The City of Memphis is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Office of Talent Management at talent.management@memphistn.gov. 
 
Division: Public Works