Water Service Technician I

Water Service Technician ISalary Range: $4,516 - $5,489 Monthly*D1 Certification or Higher and one (1) year of prior municipal water utility experience required*
Under immediate supervision, performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks related to the maintenance and repair of the City’s water treatment plant and distribution system; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives immediate supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry-level classification in the Water Service Technician series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks related to the maintenance and repair of the City’s water treatment plant and distribution system. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Water Service Technician II level, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Positions at the Water Service Technician I level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity:

• Installs, repairs, and maintains components of the City’s water system, including underground water mains, water service lines, and hydrants; excavates concrete, pavement, and soil materials; backfills trenches with appropriate materials.
• Reads water meters; installs, replaces, repairs, and inspects residential and commercial water meters; calibrates meters to departmental standards; turns water services on and off as needed.
• Reads and records data at pumping station, treatment plant, and well gauges; computes water consumption; operates computerized Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.
• Performs general maintenance of system facilities, including but not limited to, painting pumps and appurtenances and cleaning equipment.
• Investigates and repairs leaks in service assemblies; troubleshoots defects and irregularities.
• Utilizes proper safety precautions related to work performed; observes proper rigging practices and precautions in moving and hoisting heavy equipment; attends safety training sessions and seminars; responds to emergency calls during work and after normal working hours.
• Monitors water quality by taking routine water samples for testing; determines need for water treatment or flushing of water mains.
• Operates basic and heavy vehicles and equipment, including power and hand tools, trucks, equipment, and backhoes; performs preventive maintenance and light repairs on equipment; drives pick-up truck to various City facilities and other locations to transport supplies, parts, and other items.
• Sets up traffic control devices including barricades, cones, and other necessary delineation prior to the performance of maintenance or repair activities.
• Observes and complies with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
Positions at the Water Service Technician I level may exercise some of these knowledge and abilities statements in a learning capacity.

Knowledge of:

• Methods, techniques, tools, and the operational characteristics of mechanical equipment used in the construction, operation, and maintenance of water systems and related facilities.
• Operation and minor maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools and vehicles, and light to heavy power equipment.
• Operations and techniques for the operation of construction equipment such as backhoes and dump trucks.
• Basic traffic control procedures and traffic sign regulations.
• Underground Service Alert (USA Dig-Alert) procedures.
• Methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Hazards and proper safety precautions associated with the work.
• Mathematical calculations and conversions needed for water distribution functions.
• Traffic laws, ordinances, and rules involved in truck and heavy equipment operations.
• Purposes and safe uses of a variety of vehicles, equipment, power tools, and hand tools including motorized and hydraulic equipment.
• Principles and practices of water systems operation and maintenance.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Perform construction, installation, maintenance, and repair work on water transmission and distribution systems, and related facilities and equipment, including water mains and service, water meters, and fire hydrants.
• Install and test water lines, water meters, fire hydrants, and related equipment involved in water hook-ups.
• Interpret work orders.
• Perform heavy manual labor.
• Make mathematical calculations and conversions needed for water distribution functions.
• Use and operate a variety of vehicles, hand tools, mechanical equipment, and power tools and equipment required for the work in a safe and efficient manner.
• Read and interpret basic maps, electronic maps, water system atlas, address atlas, and blueprints.
• Work safely and adhere to principles of safety when working near traffic or in other environments.
• Excavate concrete, pavement, and soil materials; backfill trenches with appropriate materials.
• Apply safe work practices including traffic control procedures, trench shoring, and confined space entry procedures.
• Troubleshoot maintenance problems and determine materials and supplies required for repair.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

• Possession of a high school diploma or G.E.D. required.

Experience:

• One (1) year of municipal water utility experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a valid Grade D1 (or higher) Water Distribution Operator certificate issued by California's State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), to be maintained throughout employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; possible entry into confined spaces and the use of confined entry equipment; to operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; and vision to inspect and operate equipment. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50 pounds or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

ENVIRONMENTALCONDITIONS
Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances, and fumes, dust, and air contaminants. Employees may interact with upset public and/or private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.