Cross Connection Specialist

City of Tulare•Tulare, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cross-Connection Specialist leads and administers the City of Tulare’s cross-connection inspection and backflow prevention control program to protect the public drinking water supply. Under general supervision from the Water Utility Manager, this single-position classification surveys consumer facilities, assesses cross-connection hazards, ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations and ordinances, and manages the City’s hydrant meter rental program. The position may provide technical and functional direction and training to assigned staff. The specialist performs field inspections and assessments of City, industrial, commercial, institutional, residential, and other consumer facilities; determines the need for approved backflow prevention assemblies; and installs, tests, calibrates, maintains, repairs, and certifies backflow devices and related water meters. The role also maintains records, schedules, equipment, and parts inventories; communicates compliance requirements to customers and other stakeholders; investigates violations and may authorize water-service discontinuance for noncompliance; and responds to operational, maintenance, and repair emergencies. The position facilitates the hydrant meter rental program, including maintaining and installing hydrant meters, testing associated backflow assemblies, recording monthly consumption readings for billing, and monitoring hydrants for unauthorized use. Work involves field conditions and operation of vehicles, tools, and equipment, with physical duties such as climbing, working in confined spaces, and lifting or moving objects up to 75 pounds and heavier weights with proper equipment.

Requirements

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
Three years of responsible experience in water distribution system operations and maintenance with a public water system agency, or an equivalent combination of training and experience providing the required qualifications.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license.
Possession of a Grade II Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water.
Possession of a valid Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certificate issued by the American Water Works Association or the American Backflow Prevention Association.
Possession of a Cross-Connection Control Program Specialist Certificate issued by the American Water Works Association or the American Backflow Prevention Association.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and guidelines relevant to recycled water and cross-connection control.
Knowledge of cross-connection control program operations, hydraulics, water distribution, backflow prevention, metering, and fire hydrant operations.
Knowledge of testing, calibration, maintenance, and repair of equipment used for backflow assembly installation, repair, and testing.
Knowledge of materials, methods, tools, and terminology used in cross-connection control for potable and recycled water systems.
Knowledge of electrical and mechanical repair principles and equipment, including pumps, motors, generators, and pressure-regulating devices; and maintenance of data acquisition and control instrumentation.
Knowledge of water meter principles and meter types and sizes, basic traffic control procedures, safety practices, basic mathematics, safe driving, basic work-related computer software, English usage, and customer-service techniques.
Ability to administer a cross-connection program; interpret and explain relevant regulations and City standards; investigate noncompliance and seek resolution; and enforce cross-connection and recycled-water rules.
Ability to inspect, diagnose, and troubleshoot water systems and wastewater pretreatment devices; conduct flow-rate and pressure tests; and interpret gauges and recording devices.
Ability to maintain accurate work records, identify repair materials and supplies, perform equipment maintenance, and complete skilled and semiskilled construction, maintenance, and repair tasks.
Ability to safely operate hand and power tools, mechanical equipment, vehicles, office equipment, and computer software.
Ability to read and interpret plans, manuals, diagrams, blueprints, and technical regulations; communicate effectively orally and in writing; organize work and meet deadlines; follow instructions; and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to perform fieldwork involving frequent walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, climbing, working in confined spaces, and operating tools and equipment; lift, carry, push, and pull up to 75 pounds and heavier weights with proper equipment.
Ability to work in environments with noise, temperature extremes, inclement weather, road hazards, vibration, confined spaces, chemicals, mechanical or electrical hazards, and hazardous substances or fumes; interact professionally with members of the public, staff, and contractors.

Responsibilities

Lead, implement, and administer the City’s cross-connection control program in accordance with California compliance standards, applicable regulations, and City ordinances and standards.
Survey, monitor, inspect, and assess consumer facilities to identify cross-connections, evaluate contamination hazards, determine required backflow prevention assemblies, and ensure regulatory compliance.
Install, test, inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, repair, calibrate, and certify backflow prevention devices and related water meters, including testing to AWWA standards.
Investigate complaints concerning backflow prevention devices and water distribution system issues, and respond in a timely manner.
Plan, direct, train, and participate in inspections and work assignments supporting the backflow prevention and cross-connection control programs.
Prevent unprotected connections to the City water system; recommend corrective action and appropriate backflow prevention devices.
Locate, inspect, and test existing backflow assemblies and water meters, ensure assemblies correspond with meters, and maintain testing and replacement schedules.
Maintain parts and fittings inventory, order supplies, and keep accurate service records, computerized device records, reports, correspondence, and files.
Update cross-connection ordinances and standards as needed to support governmental compliance.
Communicate with customers about program requirements, testing, installation and maintenance, warnings, and final notices.
Investigate and document water ordinance violations; authorize discontinuance of water service to premises violating applicable cross-connection regulations.
Manage the hydrant meter rental program, including maintaining, installing, relocating, and inspecting hydrant meters and testing associated backflow assemblies.
Record monthly hydrant meter readings for consumption billing and monitor City hydrants for unauthorized use.
Respond to inquiries from contractors, architects, engineers, the public, and City staff about relevant ordinances, standards, and compliance requirements.
Calibrate instruments and equipment routinely and after repairs; perform emergency repairs as needed.
Operate and maintain vehicles, hand and power tools, and other equipment; read and interpret maps, plans, blueprints, manuals, diagrams, gauges, and technical regulations.
Respond to operational, maintenance, and repair emergencies; observe safe work practices and use appropriate safety equipment.
Perform related duties as assigned.