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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Utility Systems Technician

💰 $ - $

FacilitiesUtilitiesMaintenanceTechnical

🎯 Role Definition

A Utility Systems Technician is a skilled tradesperson responsible for the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of utility infrastructure including water and wastewater systems, pump stations, motors, generators, HVAC, electrical distribution, metering, and building support systems. This role ensures continuous, code-compliant utility services by performing preventive maintenance, emergency response, instrumentation/calibration, SCADA/PLC support, and accurate record-keeping in computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS). The position requires a strong safety culture, mechanical and electrical aptitude, and the ability to coordinate with operations, engineering, and contractors.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Maintenance Technician / Facilities Technician
  • Utility Apprentice / Trades Helper
  • Entry-level Electrician or Operator in water/wastewater

Advancement To:

  • Senior Utility Systems Technician / Lead Technician
  • Utilities Supervisor / Operations Supervisor
  • Maintenance Manager / Utilities Manager
  • Instrumentation & Controls Technician / SCADA Specialist

Lateral Moves:

  • Electrical Technician
  • Mechanical Technician / Millwright
  • SCADA/PLC Technician
  • Environmental Technician (water/wastewater compliance)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Inspect, operate, and maintain water and wastewater pump stations, including centrifugal and positive displacement pumps, associated motors, gearboxes, couplings, and piping systems, ensuring reliable continuous operation and performing root-cause repairs when failures occur.
  • Perform detailed electrical troubleshooting and repair on low- and medium-voltage distribution systems, motor control centers (MCCs), starters, variable frequency drives (VFDs), contactors, relays, fuses, and circuit breakers to restore utility services with minimal downtime.
  • Execute preventive maintenance schedules and predictive maintenance tasks for pumps, valves, actuators, compressors, HVAC units, boilers, chillers, and emergency generators using CMMS data, lubrication routes, vibration analysis, and thermal imaging results.
  • Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, telemetry radios, RTUs, PLCs, I/O modules, and field instrumentation to ensure proper supervisory control, alarm management, and historical trending of utility assets.
  • Perform instrumentation calibration, testing, and replacement of flow meters, pressure transducers, level sensors, pH/ORP probes, chlorine analyzers, and other analytical instruments to meet regulatory and operational accuracy requirements.
  • Respond to emergency utility outages and service calls 24/7 (on-call rotation), assess hazards, perform rapid repairs to restore service, and document corrective actions and root-cause analysis for continuous improvement.
  • Conduct confined space entry, trenching/excavation, and manhole operations following permit requirements and lockout/tagout procedures, ensuring PPE, atmospheric testing, and attendant procedures are strictly followed.
  • Diagnose mechanical failures and perform corrective repairs including pump rebuilds, seal replacements, bearing changes, coupling alignments, shaft repairs, and minor fabrication/welding to return equipment to service.
  • Perform routine and emergency generator testing and maintenance, including load bank runs, fuel system checks, battery/charger inspections, and transfer switch verification for backup power readiness.
  • Inspect, maintain, and repair potable water distribution and wastewater collection assets (valves, hydrants, meters, mains, lateral connections), identify and repair leaks, and coordinate main shutdowns with operations and customers.
  • Conduct water/wastewater sampling, basic laboratory testing, and sample handling as required to support compliance monitoring and operational adjustments (chlorine residuals, turbidity checks, and representative grab samples).
  • Maintain accurate electronic and paper maintenance records, generate work orders, update asset histories in CMMS, prepare equipment tags, and ensure spare parts and critical inventory levels are tracked and replenished.
  • Coordinate, supervise, and inspect contractor work on utility projects, confirm compliance with specifications and safety standards, and verify completion of punch-list items during commissioning and turnover.
  • Assist in the installation, startup, and commissioning of new utility equipment and systems (pumps, controls, meters, piping, HVAC), including functional testing, programming support, and operator training to ensure handover readiness.
  • Troubleshoot and repair building support systems such as steam systems, heat exchangers, valves and actuators, water heaters, and control panels to maintain occupant comfort and process reliability.
  • Execute proactive leak detection, metering audits, and calibration programs to reduce non-revenue water, ensure accurate billing, and optimize system performance using portable diagnostic tools and leak-detection equipment.
  • Perform route-based and condition-based inspections of underground utilities, pump vaults, and electrical rooms, documenting deficiencies, recommending corrective actions, and prioritizing capital repair needs.
  • Maintain and operate specialty equipment including compressed air systems, vacuum pumps, chemical feed systems, and dosing pumps, ensuring accurate chemical injection rates and consistent process performance.
  • Support asset lifecycle management by participating in condition assessments, recommending capital improvements, preparing cost estimates, and inputting technical specifications for procurement and replacement projects.
  • Ensure strict compliance with federal, state, and local regulations (EPA, OSHA, NFPA, DOT) and internal safety/policy procedures through regular safety audits, toolbox talks, hazard assessments, and incident reporting.
  • Perform meter testing, troubleshooting and replacement for utility metering systems, including commercial/industrial meters, AMI/AMR endpoints, and customer service coordination for metering-related inquiries.
  • Provide on-the-job training and mentorship for junior technicians and apprentices, sharing best practices for safety, procedural compliance, troubleshooting methodology, and equipment maintenance standards.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, root cause analysis, and Kaizen events to reduce repeat failures, improve mean time between failures (MTBF), and optimize maintenance costs.
  • Prepare clear, SEO-friendly operational reports, maintenance summaries, and regulatory documentation for management and compliance purposes, ensuring data accuracy and timely submission.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist engineering and project teams with field measurements, technical sketches, and as-built documentation during construction and retrofit projects.
  • Update GIS layers and utility asset maps with field-verified locations, assets, and condition notes to improve operational planning and emergency response.
  • Support procurement by preparing technical specifications, evaluating vendor quotes for replacement parts, and participating in vendor acceptance testing of critical equipment.
  • Participate in cross-functional safety committees, help develop SOPs, and contribute to emergency response and business continuity planning.
  • Provide customer-facing support for planned outages, service impacts, and informational requests, coordinating communication between operations, dispatch, and customer service teams.
  • Assist with basic data analysis and trend reviews using SCADA logs and CMMS reports to identify recurring issues and suggest preventive actions.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • SCADA and PLC troubleshooting and basic ladder logic familiarity (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider, or equivalent).
  • Electrical troubleshooting for motors, starters, MCCs, VFDs, transformers, and distribution panels.
  • Hydraulic and mechanical system repair: pumps, seals, bearings, couplings, valves, gearboxes.
  • Instrumentation, calibration, and diagnostics for flow meters, pressure transducers, level sensors, pH/ORP and chemical analyzers.
  • Preventive and predictive maintenance practices; CMMS competency (e.g., Maximo, Infor, Cityworks).
  • Emergency generator, fuel system, and ATS maintenance and testing.
  • Confined space entry, trenching/excavation, and lockout/tagout procedures; atmospheric monitoring.
  • Meter testing, AMI/AMR metering technologies, and basic metrology for utility billing accuracy.
  • Welding, pipefitting, and basic fabrication skills for field repairs.
  • Diagnostic tools proficiency: multimeter, clamp meter, vibration analyzer, thermal camera, pressure gauges, and leak detection equipment.
  • Knowledge of codes and regulations: OSHA, NFPA, EPA, DOT, and local utility standards.
  • Basic IT literacy for SCADA HMIs, telemetry configuration, and Microsoft Office or similar reporting tools.
  • Heavy equipment operation experience (backhoe, excavator, skid steer) and safe excavation practices (preferred).
  • Electrical and mechanical blueprint reading and technical documentation skills.

Soft Skills

  • Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking with methodical troubleshooting approach.
  • Clear verbal and written communication for reporting, change notifications, and contractor coordination.
  • Team-oriented with the ability to mentor junior staff and collaborate across operations, engineering, and management.
  • Excellent time management and prioritization under emergency and routine workload conditions.
  • Customer service orientation when interacting with internal stakeholders and external customers.
  • Attention to detail for accurate maintenance logs, calibration records, and regulatory reporting.
  • High safety awareness and the ability to enforce and follow safety procedures consistently.
  • Adaptability to changing schedules, emergency call-outs, and evolving technology stacks.
  • Decision-making under pressure during outage restoration and emergency repairs.
  • Continuous improvement mindset with openness to training, certifications, and new processes.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED; vocational/technical certificate in utility technology, electrical, mechanical, or related trade preferred.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or technical diploma in Electrical Technology, Mechanical Technology, Instrumentation, Water/Wastewater Technology, or Industrial Maintenance.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Electrical/Electronic Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering Technology / Industrial Maintenance
  • Instrumentation & Controls
  • Water/Wastewater Treatment Technology
  • Environmental Science / Utility Operations

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2–5 years of hands-on utility or maintenance experience in water/wastewater, building utilities, or industrial facilities.

Preferred:

  • 3–7 years of progressive experience maintaining pumps, motors, controls, and building utility systems.
  • Experience with SCADA/PLC systems, CMMS, and regulatory compliance for water/wastewater utilities.
  • Prior exposure to emergency response, confined space entry, and contractor coordination.

Certifications (preferred or required depending on employer): OSHA 10/30, confined space entry, CPR/First Aid, HAZWOPER (24/40), Class B CDL, backflow prevention certification, electrical journeyman or maintenance technician certifications, and vendor-specific SCADA/PLC training.

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