Field Services Technician I

Olivenhain Municipal Water District•Encinitas, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This at-will position involves performing installation, testing, and maintenance work on meters, meter reading, leak detection equipment, geographic information systems (GIS) database management, and related equipment. A working knowledge and understanding of District safety rules and regulations, as well as active participation in the District’s safety programs is necessary. Reliable, stable attendance is required. The ability to interact successfully in a team environment; support of the District’s Strategic Plan and Mission Statement; and an ability to work independently with a clear understanding of goals and objectives are essential. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required. The following tasks are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not regularly perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business or staffing needs and changing business practices as defined by the General Manager.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Valid California driver’s license and proof of insurability
Standard First Aid and CPR certifications are required.
Basic familiarity with personal computers, tablet computer devices, various computer applications, plumbing and water distribution system basics, heavy equipment operation, operation of power and hand tools, and landscaping.
State of California Water Distribution Operator D1 certification is required.

Nice To Haves

Water Technology Certification is desirable (Level II)
Demonstrated comprehension of District rules and regulations, as well as California and federal OSHA requirements and their application (Level II)
Ability to safely operate all vehicles and equipment (Level II)
State of California Water Distribution Operator D2 certification are required (Level II)
Thorough knowledge of departmental procedures (Level III)
Proven ability to organize and manage competing priorities (Level III)
State of California Water Distribution Operator D3 certification are required (Level III)

Responsibilities

Performs customer service work including: Performs various customer service functions, such as interacting with customers in person, via email, and telephone; distributes customer notices and door hangers; responds to customer inquiries regarding high bills, water meter leaks, pressure issues, and other related concerns. Communicates with a clear, approachable, and courteous demeanor.
Imports and exports account information between the utility billing system and meter reading system to timely and accurately collect meter reads.
Validates meter read exceptions.
Performs analytical review of customer water usage data to identify pre-billing exceptions, extraordinary consumption, continuous flow events, and failing meters.
Provides detailed information to customers regarding water consumption trends; supports customers with interpreting of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) data made available via the customer dashboard.
Accurately prepares and completes service orders to document work performed at the job site.
Updates the customer database/utility billing system with meter information.
Disconnects meter services for delinquent accounts.
Provides regular updates to the GIS database.
Performs meter maintenance and water distribution duties: Installs, maintains, removes, repairs, and inspects potable and recycled water meters.
Troubleshoots problems with automated meter reading (AMR) and AMI meter communication equipment to obtain reliable data.
Replaces broken meter boxes and covers.
Flow-tests water meters to determine the need for replacement.
Reports any detection of water theft or system tampering.
Detects and locates leaks using leak detection equipment.
Performs water sampling as needed to determine source water during leak investigations.
Performs notifications and system shutdowns as needed for emergency and non-emergency pipeline repairs.
Installs and removes temporary piping for water services including pressure testing, chlorination, and water sampling of the temporary pipeline service.
Responds to emergency and after-hours situations using sound judgment.
Performs or assists with maintenance and construction duties including valve maintenance and replacement.
Serves as crew leader providing work direction and technical instruction to other Field Services Technicians: Reviews and inspects work performed by Field Services Technician personnel.
Oversees labor resources effectively, providing input and recommendations for evaluations and documentation of performance; and assures training is completed.
Uses sound judgment when acting as crew leader.
Effectively builds working relationships and supports departmental objectives by representing Field Services at internal meetings and at external meetings with vendors and consultants, including shutdown and pre-construction meetings.
Identifies and recommends opportunities for improvement; works with supervisor and manager to implement change.
Resolves technical problems with AMI data collection, including troubleshooting software issues and communication failures to optimize AMI system performance.
Maintains inventory levels for meters and meter communication equipment.
Performs all related duties as assigned.