Reclassification of Truck Driver Position_Water DepartmentMasterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Truck Driver Reclassification
DATE: June 14, 2010
Water Department Manager Bob Green recommends City Council approval to reclassify
four Truck Driver positions in the Water Distribution Activity to Water Distribution
Maintenanceworker positions. This reclassification better describes the essential
functions, knowledge, skills and abilities needed to successfully perform the work.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
MCVM:jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Bob Green, Water Department Manager
Mi ael C. Van Milligen
Dubuque
kittri
All-America City
' 1 1 '
2007
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
DATE:
The purpose of this memorandum is to recommend that the Truck Driver positions in the Water
Department be reclassified as Water Distribution Maintenanceworkers. This would be a new Civil
Service classification. There are currently Truck Driver positions in the Water and Public Works
Departments. Four of the Truck Driver positions are assigned to the Water Distribution activity. Since
two of the Truck Driver positions in Water Distribution are vacant, I believe this is the appropriate time
to consider creating a classification that better describes the essential functions, knowledge, skills and
abilities needed to successfully perform the work.
The Truck Driver job description is very general and does not adequately describe the duties and skills
necessary to effectively perform the duties related to maintenance of the water distribution system. The
work in the Water Distribution Activity involves performing a variety of skilled and semi - skilled tasks in
the maintenance, repair and installation of water mains, service lines, fire hydrants and valves. These
skills, which are specific to the Water Distribution activity, warrant a separate job classification. Another
reason for recommending a separate job classification is that the Truck Drivers in the Water Distribution
activity do not plow snow during the winter months. This would also be an opportunity to add a State of
Iowa Grade II Water Distribution Operator License as a desirable certification. In addition to seeking
out candidates that will have the necessary background to be effective in this position, establishing a
new job classification may also reduce the turnover we have experienced in the Truck Driver position.
Over the past several years, a number of our new Truck Drivers have transferred to the Public Works
Department.
Since this would be a new Civil Service Classification an examination will need to be prepared and
administered. The new classification will be compensated at the rate of pay for Maintenanceworker.
The additional annual cost in wages and pension to eliminate the four Truck Driver positions and create
four Water Distribution Maintenanceworker positions is approximately $4,400.
The requested action is for the City Council to approve a motion eliminating the four Truck Driver
positions in the Water Distribution Activity and creating four Water Distribution Maintenanceworker
positions.
BG:sya
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
Bob Green, Water Department Manager
Truck Driver Reclassification
May 7, 2010
cc: Randy Peck, Personnel Manager
Dubuque
Al- America City
1111 I
2007
WATER DISTRIBUTION MAINTENANCEWORKER
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Performs and supervises a variety of skilled and
semi- skilled tasks in the construction, maintenance and repair of water mains, service lines,
fire hydrants and valves in the water distribution system; performs related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The work in this class involves
responsibility for performing a variety of skilled and semi - skilled tasks in the maintenance,
repair and installation of water mains, service lines, fire hydrants and valves. Assignments
are received in the form of oral or written work orders. The work is performed in accordance
with general or specific instructions of a lead worker or supervisor who inspects work while in
progress and upon completion.
EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY):
ESSENTIAL: Participates in all aspects and functions of the construction, maintenance and
emergency repair of the water distribution system; installs, maintains and repairs water
mains, service lines, fire hydrants and valves; reads and installs water meters; responds to
customer complaints, water quality issues and water pressure concerns; collects
bacteriological samples; flushes, chlorinates and de- chlorinates water mains; investigates
Teaks in mains and service lines; maintains records of valve and hydrant locations; inspects
construction of water distribution installations and repairs to insure compliance with specified
standards; reviews materials used and construction procedures for adherence to
specifications; takes field measurements and compiles information for recording utility
locations; maintains time and other records; operates a variety of light and medium road and
construction equipment and trucks; excavates and backfills trenches; loads and unloads
trucks containing heavy materials; operates and maintains a variety of automotive and
specialized equipment including air compressor, generator, hydraulic valve operator, dump
truck, abrasive saw, pump, shoring equipment, tamper, tapping machine, jackhammer,
electrical tools and other related equipment; reviews, investigates and comments on
engineering and contractor plans and specifications for water projects; maintains
computerized and manual records related to service and repair work; tracks, reports, and
interprets information and adjusts maintenance schedules; follows -up on required
maintenance and repair and maintains program documentation; participates in the seasonal
mandatory stand -by /call -out rotation that provides 24 hour coverage of all water distribution
components and facilities.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
ESSENTIAL: Knowledge of the methods and techniques related to the installation,
maintenance and repair of water mains, service lines and related structures in the Water
Distribution System; knowledge of the occupational hazards and necessary safety
precautions related to the installation, maintenance and repair of water mains, service lines
and related water distribution structures; ability to safely perform a variety of skilled and semi-
skilled tasks in the maintenance, repair and installation of water mains, service lines and
related water distribution structures; ability to handle a variety of tasks without close
supervision; ability to operate and maintain a variety of automotive and specialized
equipment including air compressor, generator, hydraulic valve operator, dump truck,
abrasive saw, pump, shoring equipment, tampers, tapping machine, jack hammer, electrical
tools and other related tools and equipment; ability to safely operate Tight and medium road
and construction equipment and trucks; ability to understand and follow oral and written
instructions and directions; ability to plan and organize work for the accomplishment of
objectives; ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees and the general
public; ability to work outside during inclement weather; ability to read and comprehend
construction blue prints, plans and specifications; ability to operate a computer using program
applications appropriate to assign duties and responsibilities; physical ability to handle
medium to heavy work with some heavy lifting; skill in the use and care of tools and
equipment necessary to perform a variety of maintenance and repair tasks; skill and
accurately taking and recording measurements and performing mathematical calculations;
demonstrated ability to follow a management philosophy that is input oriented and values
problem solving and the development of partnerships; demonstrated ability to work effectively
as a member of a team; a desire to be part of an organization that values service, people,
integrity, responsibility, innovation and team work.
ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Some experience in the operation of
automotive and specialized equipment used in the maintenance, repair and operation of a
water distribution system and possession of a high school diploma or its equivalent; or any
equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the essential knowledge,
skills and abilities.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of or ability to obtain ,.and maintain:
• A valid commercial drivers license with air brakes and tanker endorsements
• Certification for respirator use in confined spaces
• Certification as a trained competent person as it applies to trenching /shoring
DESIRED CERTIFICATION:
Revised 4/21/10
• State of Iowa Grade II Water Distribution Operator License