Public Works Technician I (Streets)


Job Details

Salary: $29.15 - $37.89 Hourly

Location : Fargo, ND

Job Type: Full Time Regular (40)

Job Number: 2024-00053

Department: Streets & Sewers

Division: STREETS & SEWERS - SELECT THIS OPTION

Opening Date: 04/30/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

Position Description

Under general supervision, reviews and televises all sanitary and storm sewer infrastructure in association with pre-project planning and final plan review and performs detailed analysis of infrastructure through operation of sewer televising equipment. Position is charged with making determination of infrastructure status and directs engineering department staff on status of pipe condition and whether replacement or repair is needed. Inspects and assists contractors and engineering department staff during installation of new and rehabbed storm and sanitary sewer utilities. Subject to on-call 24hr scheduled time slot in summer, spring, fall and winter months.
Primary Responsibilities

The Public Works Technician I may serve as crew lead and provide work direction to others. Incumbent is also expected to be fully competent in sewer utility infrastructure and familiar with the work of other areas of city infrastructure. At this level work includes leading teams on larger and more costly levels of infrastructure installation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Reviews City Engineers' and contractors' project plans and specifications for public works projects such as storm and sanitary sewer installation and rehab.
    1. Compares project plans with existing department plans;
    2. Takes field measurements to secure infrastructure data;
    3. Performs complete televising of sewer infrastructure and stores data.
  2. Inspects projects in progress and completed projects to ensure compliance with specifications and standards.
    1. Checks job sites throughout project and may observe installation and testing of certain components to ensure compliance to project specifications and City standards;
    2. Maintains records of inspections performed as required;
    3. Reviews video to ensure infrastructure is installed per city specifications.
  3. Ability to read and comprehend city infrastructure project plans and existing department plans to allow for the identification and location of city sewer utilities prior to construction or digging by private entities.
    1. Operation of advanced locating equipment;
    2. High level of competency and responsibility in performing accurate locates to safeguard public water utilities;
    3. Use of advanced level computer-based utility software programs.
  4. Documents and oversees the sewer televising program.
    1. Assigns areas in which sewer televising is needed;
    2. Maintains complete records of city-wide televising progress.
  5. Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
    1. Frequently interacts with others in the work unit, the public, vendors or across departments to exchange detailed and/or technical information;
    2. Interaction with the public, vendors or across departments occasionally includes negotiations involving convincing the other party to do something to achieve a basic work related objective;
    3. Interacts with the public, contractors and utility representatives, and Engineering department staff to respond to general inquiries, provide information such as locate information on storm and sanitary sewer ties; records of as-built plans, etc.; and/or to refer individual(s) to supervisor or other appropriate personnel to resolve issues.
  6. Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
    1. Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;
    2. Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;
    3. When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner.
  7. Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

The job requires a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a closely related field and four or more years of previous experience in construction inspection and/or sewer infrastructure utility maintenance; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. Must be NASSCO PACP and LACP inspector trained and certified. The position requires a State of North Dakota Grade 2 Wastewater Collection System Operator Certificate and a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with appropriate endorsements is also required.

Knowledge, skills and abilities include:
  • Knowledge of City's existing infrastructure;
  • Knowledge of construction methods and materials;
  • Knowledge of design and construction theory and engineering design standards;
  • Knowledge of property and engineering maps and records;
  • Knowledge of geographical information systems (GIS), computer aided drafting and design (CADD);
  • Skill in performing mathematical computations such as algebra and trigonometry;
  • Skill in performing technical engineering procedures such as drafting and designing;
  • Skill in operating locating computer software and basic Microsoft Office programs;
  • Ability to interpret plans, take measurements, and create accurate drawings;
  • Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms, and have good public relations skills;
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
  • Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and make sound decisions within established guidelines;
  • Ability to work independently.

Physical Demands

Most work is performed in a field environment involving working inside and outside of vehicles. Seasonal conditions can include excessive heat or cold. Conditions can include working in wet, muddy, slippery or dusty and windy conditions. At these times there may be intermittent exposure to very disagreeable working conditions. Some assignments involve exposure to odors, such as from solid waste or untreated sewage. There is often exposure to traffic and moving equipment. There is considerable attention to detail when handling equipment in tight quarters or around people.

Climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, repetitive motions.

Very Heavy Work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.


The City of Fargo offers a comprehensive benefit package, to include participation in the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System. For more information on our benefits click

If you are applying for a Part Time Temporary or Seasonal position, you are not eligible for benefits through the City of Fargo.





 City of Fargo, ND

 06/01/2024

 Fargo,ND