Construction Specialist I

This is your opportunity to work for an Employer of Choice and play an integral role in our employee workplace culture. Cedar Falls Utilities is currently recruiting for a full-time Construction Specialist I to join our Gas & Water Construction department. This position performs general construction and maintenance work on water and gas mains and services, including operation of related construction equipment. This position will also install and repair conduit or underground facilities pertaining to Communications, Electric, Gas and Water utility service and locate underground communication, electric, gas and water facilities.

CFU takes pride in finding people that align with our core values of Customer Focus, Ethical & Responsible Behavior, Innovation, and Employee Teamwork & Personal Growth and actively want to help maintain our reputation of being a trusted provider of utility services. The Construction Specialist I works under general supervision of the Gas & Water Construction Supervisor.    

Interested applicants should submit completed applications by Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 11:59PM.

Once your application has been completed, you will receive an email acknowledging the submission has been successfully completed. After the posting comes down, the hiring team will review all applications, and you will be notified either way if you are selected for further steps in the hiring process. Please ensure all contact information is kept up to date.

Compensation & Benefits

• CFU offers on-the-job training through a 6-step apprenticeship program, consisting of classroom and field training. 
• Starting wage is based upon individual qualifications. Full position rate is $42.85/hour once a candidate can successfully perform the essential job functions. 
• Work schedule is Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 3:30pm with two 20 minute breaks. This position is subject to emergency callouts.

• CFU has expanded our employee residency requirements. Employees are required to respond to emergencies and must reside within a 20 mile radius of Cedar Falls Utilities main office. Click here for new residency map.

• Full-time benefits package including IPERS retirement benefits, health, dental, vision and life insurance. Click here for more information on CFU's benefits.
  • Health, Dental, Vision (Single or Family) – Eligible 1st of the Month Following 30 Days of Hire Date
  • Paid Vacation, Holidays, Sick Days, Bereavement Leave, and Flexible Days
  • IPERS and 457 Retirement
  • EAP Services Free to CFU Employees and Immediate Family Members
  • Educational Assistance and Professional Development
  • Employee Wellness Program and Onsite Fitness Center
  • Employee Recognition Program – Service Anniversaries
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Employer

• Locates and marks underground water, gas, electric and communications lines. Attends One Call requests for joint meets.
  
  
• Assist with water and gas line and electric and communication conduit installations. Operates construction equipment, machines, and power tools. Operates line locators and leak detectors.
  
  
• Observes safety precautions. Repairs and maintains fire hydrants. Works as a certified joiner of polyethylene pipe. Makes routine water taps and assists in the making of large water and gas taps.
  
  
• Inspects construction and maintenance of water and gas mains and gas services. Records measurements and draws location sketches as required. Completes underground conduit installations for other departments. Performs general construction assignments and related work as required.
  
  
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

• Responsible for maintaining a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner that promotes positive relations with customers, coworkers, and management.

Education:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or vocational school.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years in the installation, repair, and maintenance of utility water and gas systems.

Certifications/Licenses:

• Must be Gas Operator Qualified.
• Required to have a good driving record and valid Iowa driver’s license.
• Must possess a valid Iowa DOT Class A CDL with air brakes endorsement.

Residency Requirements:

• This position requires an employee to reside within 20 miles of the Main Office Building at 1 Utility Parkway, Cedar Falls.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of: Thorough knowledge of the methods, materials and techniques used in the construction, maintenance and repair of water and gas mains. Thorough knowledge of the existing occupational hazards and the necessary safety precautions.

• Ability to: Demonstrate skill in the operation of related construction and excavating equipment. Establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Physical Tasks and Environmental Conditions:

• The physical demands described here are characteristic of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee must occasionally lift at least 75 pounds, be alert to ergonomic hazards and possess the capability to climb ladders and/or stairs. The employee must also be capable of working in conditions with rough terrain and awkward/difficult positions. This job requires a heavy activity level. Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.