What does a Utility Worker do?
What a Utility Worker does each day can vary greatly, but their work usually begins with work orders that describe tasks that require completion. By executing these orders, Utility Workers help make buildings safe and pleasant for fellow employees, customers and the general public. When Utility Workers perform routine maintenance duties as assigned, they allow building systems to function properly, reducing the need for emergency repairs and potentially extending the lives of equipment to save their employers money. In the event that something breaks, the repairs made by a Utility Worker can lead to the prompt restoration of service to limit business interruptions.
Utility Worker skills and qualifications
To succeed in Utility Worker positions, candidates benefit from having certain skills. Some qualifications you may wish to add to your Utility Worker job description include:
- Ability to remain upright for long periods and to move throughout buildings and their grounds
- Basic knowledge of carpentry, plumbing, electrical wiring, HVAC, landscaping and mechanics
- Ability to move and operate equipment and tools commonly used for maintenance
- Familiarity with how to safely use and store equipment and potentially hazardous or flammable materials
- Oral and reading comprehension skills to understand verbal instructions and work orders
- Arithmetic and measuring skills to prepare and utilize materials needed for maintenance and repairs
- Computer skills to utilize electronic work order software, email, spreadsheets and other required programs
- Multitasking skills to work on multiple projects at once, as needed
Utility Worker experience requirements
Much of a Utility Worker’s training takes place on the job, so previous work experience is an asset. How much work history a candidate needs to succeed depends on your position. If you’re filling an opening on a team of workers who can train and assist your new hire, someone with little to no experience may be a quality candidate. For a position that will require more independent work, you may want to specify that candidates should possess one or more years of experience in maintenance or a related field like carpentry, construction or plumbing.
Utility Worker education and training requirements
Generally, there are no formal education and training requirements for Utility Workers. Depending on the types of tasks your new hire will be responsible for, they may need to have state or local certification or licensure as an Electrician, Plumber or HVAC Technician. Requirements for these licenses and certifications vary but may include completing a formal training or apprenticeship program. Check with your state’s department of labor or professional licensing to find out what the requirements are in your area.
Utility Worker salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Utility Worker is $66,048 per year. Actual salaries vary based on training, experience and geographic location.
Utility Worker salary expectations
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Common salary:
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Typical salaries range from
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Job description samples for similar positions
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Utility Worker job description FAQs
What’s the difference between a Utility Worker and a Utilities Worker?
Although their names may sound very similar, a Utility Worker and a Utilities Worker have very different jobs. Utility Workers perform upkeep and maintenance duties to keep buildings and their surrounding grounds in good condition. They work in a variety of industries, while Utilities Workers work solely in the utilities industry. Some duties you might find on a Utilities Worker job description include reading meters outside of buildings, making repairs to power lines and servicing power generation equipment.
What’s the difference between a Utility Worker and a Janitor?
A Utility Worker’s job duties include work to maintain and repair buildings and grounds, while a Janitor is responsible for keeping buildings clean. A Utility Person job description won’t usually involve routine cleaning duties. However, they may be asked to do things like remove debris or waste after completing a maintenance or repair project or to complete one-time cleaning projects like emptying and cleaning out a storeroom.
What’s the difference between a Utility Worker and a Groundskeeper?
A Groundskeeper is someone who maintains the grounds around a structure. They may perform tasks like mowing the lawn, trimming shrubbery and picking up leaves and debris. A Utility Worker focuses mainly on making repairs and conducting maintenance. At a company that employs both a Groundskeeper and a Utility Worker, the Utility Person job description may include outdoor work like painting fences or repairing lighting but not general landscaping duties. Organizations that don’t have a Groundskeeper may instead assign their usual duties to a Utility Worker.
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