Cross Connection Control Specialist

City of Tracy • Tracy, CA

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The ideal Cross Connection Control Specialist is a knowledgeable, detail-oriented professional committed to protecting public health and ensuring the safety of Tracy's drinking water system. They are a confident leader who balances technical expertise, regulatory compliance, and team supervision while coordinating the City's Cross Connection Control Program. The successful candidate is organized, analytical, and proactive, with the ability to interpret and apply evolving water regulations, oversee program operations, communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders, and confidently use technology to support efficient program administration. Above all, they are committed to continuous improvement, operational excellence, and delivering safe, reliable water service to the Tracy community.

Requirements

• Equivalent to an associate’s degree with major course work in a related field such as natural resource or utility management, environmental science, biological or physical science, engineering, or planning, and three (3) years of increasingly responsible cross-connection control survey/inspection experience.
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license upon appointment.
• Possession of a Backflow Prevention Assembly General Tester Certificate from the American Water Works Association is required at time of application.
• Possession of a Cross Connection Control Specialist Certificate from the American Water Works Association is required at time of application.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of leadership.
• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and guidelines relevant to recycled water and cross-connection control regulations, including shut down tests.
• Knowledge of operations, services, and activities of a cross-connection control program.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of cross-connections.
• Knowledge of basic principles and practices of budget administration and accountability.
• Knowledge of materials, methods, techniques, and terminology used in the implementation and enforcement of cross-connection control of potable and recycled water systems.
• Knowledge of use, testing, and operation of backflow prevention devices.
• Knowledge of business letter writing and the standard format for reports and correspondence.
• Knowledge of business arithmetic and basic statistical techniques.
• Knowledge of record keeping principles and procedures.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of data collection and report preparation.
• Knowledge of techniques for providing a high level of customer service effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Knowledge of modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.
• Knowledge of computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.
• Ability to lead, implement, and administer a cross-connection program in accordance with the State Water Resource Control Board Cross Connection Control Handbook, and the City’s ordinances and standards.
• Ability to select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Ability to recommend and implement goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for providing cross-connection control program services and activities.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Ability to identify problems, research and analyze relevant information, and develop and present recommendations and justification for solutions.
• Ability to perform the most difficult back-flow prevention assemblies and operate related equipment, tools, and materials properly.
• Ability to develop cost estimates for supplies, tools, and equipment.
• Ability to research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, procedures, and other written materials.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and files of work performed.
• Ability to make accurate arithmetic, financial, and statistical computations.
• Ability to establish and maintain a variety of manual and computerized record keeping systems.
• Ability to effectively representing the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Ability to learn and understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Ability to independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Ability to effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Ability to use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Nice To Haves

• May be required to complete National Incident Management System (NIMS) Training.
• Possession and continued maintenance of a Grade D1 Water Distribution Operator Certificate from the State Water Resources Control Board is required within six (6) months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and administers the City's Cross Connection Control Program.
• Manages, investigates, and documents all water quality customer complaints.
• Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of staff responsible for maintaining an annual backflow testing and maintenance schedule and monthly notification program; coordinating the testing, maintenance and repair of backflow prevention devices; communicating with testing contractors to investigate devices that have failed or have not been tested; issuing enforcement letters; and initiate water shut off procedures, as necessary.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned services and programs; identifies resource needs; recommends and implements policies and procedures, including standard operating procedures.
• Evaluates employee performance, counsels employees, and effectively recommends initial disciplinary action; assists in selection and promotion.
• Trains staff in work and procedures and in the operation and use of backflow prevention devices; implements procedures and standards.
• Monitors operations and activities of assigned staff; recommends improvements and modifications and prepares various reports on operations and activities.
• Inspects work in progress and completed work of assigned employees for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques, and compliance with applicable standards and specifications.
• Identifies opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures; provides recommendations concerning process changes; reviews with appropriate management staff; implements improvements.
• Performs the most complex backflow and cross connection control duties and provides technical assistance to assigned staff.
• Monitors and controls supply and equipment; orders supplies and equipment as necessary; prepares documents for equipment procurement.
• Oversees and participates in assembling and compiling information for a variety of departmental, State mandated, and statistical reports, including verifying accuracy and completion of prevention assemblies, locations, inspections, and testing.
• Prepares and presents staff reports, presentations, and other necessary correspondence; participates in community meetings as necessary.
• Consult with, and explain cross connection control requirements, to property owners, managers, contractors, government agencies and the public.
• Maintain and administer the City of Tracy list of certified backflow assembly testers.
• Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations related to cross connection control services; research emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to City needs.
• Provides general information regarding department policies, procedures, and regulations, including responding appropriately to complaints, requests for information, and requests for service in person and by telephone, forwarding written complaints against personnel, and coordinating work with other City departments.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 4% COLA increases in July 2027 and 2028
• 9/80 schedule, providing a three-day weekend every other week
• Fully covered HMO Medical, Dental and Vision for employee + family
• Generous vacation and sick leave
• Life insurance
• Optional 457(b) deferred compensation with a City match
• Longevity pay
• CalPERS participation, with employees enrolled in either the 2% @ 55 or 2% @ 62 formula based on eligibility, with retirement calculated using a three-year final compensation average

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree