Field Operations Technician I/II

Las Virgenes Municipal Water District • Calabasas, CA

351d • $28 - $43

About The Position

This recruitment is being conducted to establish an eligibility list to fulfill current and future full-time, part-time, and temporary needs during the life of the eligibility list (up to one year). There are currently two (2) full-time vacancies. This position will receive a 3% percent cost of living increase effective January 1, 2025. The new salary range effective January 1, 2025, will be: Field Operations Technician I $28.63 - $39.41 hourly. Field Operations Technician II $31.60 - $43.50 hourly. Under the general supervision of the Customer Service Operations Supervisor or Customer Service Programs Supervisor, a Field Operations Technician I, II performs a variety of technical field work in support of potable and recycled water services, such as conducting electronic and physical water meter readings and reporting, investigating and resolving a variety of customer requests and urgent issues, performing mechanical work installing, repairing, testing, and calibrating related equipment, and other duties in support of the delivery of potable and recycled water services. This is a flexibly staffed series and employees typically enter at the Field Operations Technician I level. A Field Operations Technician I performs routine tasks and many of the duties required of a Field Operations Technician II but is not expected to perform at the same skill level. A Field Operations Technician I exercises less independent judgment and discretion and has a narrower scope of responsibility. Upon meeting the performance standards of the higher level as designated by the division and certification requirements, an employee is promoted to the II level. The II level is the fully experienced, journey level class. If an employee enters the series at the II level, the employee must have the required certification, closely related experience and meet the division's competency standards. Field Operations Technicians may be required to work during after-hour, on-call periods and during other unusual or emergency situations and may be assigned to off-shift responsibility for water distribution. When assigned to off-shift responsibility for water distribution, Field Operations Technicians respond to SCADA computer alarms, customer calls for service, and customer turn-off/on service.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• One (1) year of experience in dealing with the public in a customer/field service capacity and/or one (1) year of experience working in a construction or mechanical repair activity for Field Operations Technician I.
• One (1) year of experience as a Field Operations Technician I or comparable experience in potable water systems for Field Operations Technician II.
• A valid California Class C Driver's License must be maintained at all times.
• A State of California Grade III Water Distribution Operator Certification is required for a Field Operations Technician II.

Nice To Haves

• A State of California SWRCB Water Distribution Operator Certification and/or a State of California SWRCB Water Treatment Certification are desired.
• Must obtain a State of California SWRCB Water Distribution Operator Grade I to advance beyond step 'D' of the Field Operations Technician I salary range.

Responsibilities

• Reads, records, and reports potable and recycled water meter readings, cleans face of meters and clears meter boxes and areas around the meter boxes so that meter can be read.
• Generates and reviews computer reports to identify unusual usage; based on report results, determines need for confirmation of specific reads; rereads meters indicated to be reading too high or too low on computer summaries; rereads meters on which customer concerns have been received; investigates potential causes for unusual readings and documents findings.
• Accesses computer programs for records regarding customer accounts and meter information; researches customer accounts and meter records for information and data.
• Maintains records on meter history, repairs and maintenance.
• Utilizes and maintains documentation and systems used in the performance of duties including maps, drawings, prints, schematics, operational and compliance records, work orders, procurement documents, geographical information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), and other systems and tools.
• Responds to customer service calls for a variety of requests, questions, and concerns such as requests to turn on/off service and questions/concerns regarding high water use, leaks, no water, water pressure, billing, and other issues.
• Conducts preliminary investigations of water quality complaints; informs customer of findings; prepares report and refers, as necessary, to appropriate District personnel for further investigation.
• Investigates high and low pressure difficulties; reads District maps and schematics to assess potential causes; reports findings to appropriate District staff and may assist with activities for remediation.
• Performs maintenance and repairs to a variety of equipment including meters and meter boxes, automatic meter reading (AMR) and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) equipment, pressure regulators, vaults and other water service appurtenances.
• Performs preliminary investigation of leaks on mains and service lines; determines extent of leak and takes appropriate action.
• Performs water audits/surveys at customers' properties and assists with recycled water surveillance, cross connection inspections, and backflow testing and maintenance.
• May participate in varied construction activities, including pouring concrete, large meter change out, raising vaults, traffic control, etc.
• Maintains yard, shop, vehicle, stock parts, and equipment inventory in clean, organized, and working order.

Benefits

• 3% cost of living increase effective January 1, 2025.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Administration of Environmental Quality Programs
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees