Distribution System Worker

Hernando County, Florida BOCC • Brooksville, FL

4d • Onsite

About The Position

An individual in this position performs routine and emergency repair service to water lines, reclaimed water lines, valves, meters, and appurtenances. They respond to and evaluate emergency utility calls, determine the appropriate action to be taken, and undertake corrective action to resolve the emergency while mostly working independently. This role also involves locating water and reclaimed water lines for private contractors, updating maps and charts of water and reclaimed water systems, installing new service connections, and assisting on special projects as needed. Hernando County provides a career path for advancement to Water Distribution System Operator I and Water Distribution System Operator II. Placement in job classification will be dependent upon the license, certifications, and years of experience held by the employee and/or the selected applicant.

Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent (GED).
• One (1) year experience in utility field work or a related field (preferred).
• Must have and maintain a valid Florida Class E Driver's License with a good driving record as defined by current insurance carrier.
• Must possess or obtain FEMA ICS 100, ICS 200, and ICS 700 NIMS certification within 30 days of hire date.
• Knowledge of water distribution systems construction, installation, and maintenance techniques.
• Knowledge of basic backflow and cross connection concepts to protect the public from potential contamination.
• Knowledge of landscaping techniques to restore an area where emergency maintenance has taken place.
• Knowledge of safe practices used in utility operations.
• Knowledge of construction equipment, materials, and methods of use.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local codes and regulations and safety procedures for utilities construction.
• Ability to anticipate, recognize, and evaluate employee exposure to unsafe conditions on a job site.
• Ability to determine construction requirements and materials needed to complete projects.
• Ability to use hand tools and power tools for installing and repairing distribution lines, hydrants, main line valves.
• Ability to perform manual labor in a field environment safely and efficiently.
• Ability to work independently, without close supervision and use good judgment.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions and communicate clearly and concisely.
• Ability to accurately complete records, documents, and reports.
• Ability to read, understand, and comprehend engineering drawings, plans and specifications.
• Ability to interact with co-workers, supervisors, and the public in a professional and courteous manner.
• Ability to troubleshoot line and main breaks, quickly isolate them, determine corrective action, perform repairs effectively and efficiently and restore service.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays and at other times in case of emergencies or when assigned standby duty.
• Skilled in assessing utility system problems and taking the necessary corrective action.
• Skilled in the safe and efficient operation of hand and power tools to repair and service water distribution systems.
• Skilled in operating heavy equipment.

Nice To Haves

• Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) Intermediate Level preferred or obtained as required
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in utility construction and maintenance; a combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered (for Operator I).
• Must possess a FDEP Water Distribution System Operator Level 3 License (for Operator I).
• Five (5 years of progressively responsible experience in utility construction and maintenance; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience (for Operator II).
• Must possess a FDEP Water Distribution System Operator Level 2 License (for Operator II).

Responsibilities

• Performs semi-skilled labor in a field environment while assisting with the installation, maintenance, and repairs of water distribution system appurtenances (i.e., water plant facilities, water mains, meters, service lines, fire hydrants, and valves).
• Operates heavy equipment such as back-hoe, trencher, front-end loader, dump truck and trailer, boring machine, air jetting compressors, and valve machine.
• Responds to service requests and emergency callouts for repairing and servicing routine and emergency water system problems throughout the service area to minimize service interruption to customers.
• Completes assigned daily work orders on tablet or other device using asset management / work order software.
• Locates and marks county water and reclaimed lines for private contractors and other utility companies to ensure against possible damage while utilizing maps, GIS, and ground penetrating radar.
• Assists with activities in the construction, installation, replacements, repairs, and maintenance of water distribution systems.
• Evaluates, coordinates, and repairs leaks to minimize service interruption to customers.
• Identifies potential problems within the system and takes the necessary corrective action.
• Installs new service connections.
• Performs manual labor in a field environment safely and efficiently.
• Maintains an adequate stock of material on assigned vehicle to ensure new connections and repairs are made efficiently and effectively.
• Interacts with the public, contractors, and vendors in an effective and professional manner.
• Takes On-Call duty on a rotating basis to respond to after hour and weekend callouts as needed.
• Demonstrates commitment and dependability with regular attendance, punctuality, and adherence to schedule of availability.
• Performs semi-skilled labor in a field environment while assisting with the installation maintenance and repairs of distribution system appurtenances in accordance with all State and local rules and regulations (ie, water plant facilities, water mains, meters, service lines, fire hydrants, and valves).
• Completes assigned daily work orders on tablet or another mobile device within our Computer Maintenance and Management Program including all pertinent information to sufficiently describe the work completed.
• Investigates customer complaints concerning utilities systems, determines and takes the appropriate corrective action, properly documents findings and actions taken on work orders.
• Locates and records information about water and reclaimed lines and valves throughout the system to aid in the effective and efficient isolation of leaks and breaks to minimize interruption of service to customers.
• Completes weekly inspection and maintenance records for vehicles and equipment.
• Coordinates restocking with the storeroom/warehouse.
• County employees are required to report for work during a state of emergency and are subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations which may include duties other than those specified in this job description.

Benefits

• Career path for advancement to Water Distribution System Operator I and Water Distribution System Operator II.
• Subject to vaccines as necessary.
• The Operator I & II positions are subject to DOT random drug & alcohol testing.
• VETERANS' PREFERENCE: Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7, Hernando County BOCC provides to veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants.
• Hernando County is a Drug-Free workplace.
• Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must provide notification to the BOCC in advance to allow sufficient time to provide an accommodation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED