Valve Techincian I/II

Eastern Municipal Water District•Sun City, KS

23h•Onsite

About The Position

Under immediate supervision (Valve Technician I) and general supervision (Valve Technician II), this role performs a wide variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks related to the maintenance and repair of valves used in potable and reclaimed water systems. This includes locating, marking, operating, and exercising large and small valves to shut-off and turn on water service and mains. The Valve Technician I is an entry-level position, learning and performing routine duties under immediate supervision, with assignments becoming more varied and complex as experience is gained. While performing most duties of a Valve Technician II, the I level exercises less independent discretion. The Valve Technician II is a fully qualified journey-level classification, performing the full range of duties independently, exercising judgment and initiative, and receiving only occasional instruction or assistance for new or unusual situations. Both positions report to the Water Operations Supervisor and do not exercise direct supervision over staff.

Requirements

Knowledge of potable and reclaimed water distribution systems and valve functions and operations.
Knowledge of methods and techniques of locating valves through multiple methods.
Knowledge of methods and techniques of testing and inspecting valves.
Knowledge of geography of the District’s service operations.
Knowledge of operational characteristics of hand and power tools used in assigned maintenance areas.
Knowledge of District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Knowledge of techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District 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, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
Ability to perform skilled tasks in the maintenance of water distribution and reclaimed water mains and lines.
Ability to locate and mark District service lines.
Ability to operate the tools, equipment and vehicles/trucks common to public utility maintenance.
Ability to estimate necessary materials and equipment to complete assignments.
Ability to perform metal cutting and welding tasks.
Ability to use independent judgment and exercise initiative in daily work activities.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, 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 establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Valve Technician I: Six (6) months of maintenance and repair experience in a utility or public works maintenance and construction program.
Valve Technician II: Two (2) years of maintenance and repair experience in a utility or public works maintenance and construction program, or one (1) year of experience as a Valve Technician I in the District.
Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
A valid California driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District’s Vehicle Insurance Policy.
Valve Technician I: A State of California Water Distribution Operator Certificate, Grade I.
Valve Technician II: A State of California Water Distribution Operator Certificate, Grade II.

Responsibilities

Performs semi-skilled and skilled work in the repair and maintenance of valves used in potable and reclaimed water facilities.
Locates valves by map plots, specialized equipment or gather GPS location data for each valve; sets up files and transfers data from GPS unit; works from land plots, maps, atlas books, sketches, blueprints, and other diagrams to locate valves; enters data into various automated systems.
Marks valves and determines the amount of hand digging required; operates and exercises large and small valves to shut-off and turn on water service and mains; performs skilled work in cutting pipes using torches and other tools; cleans out around damaged area and removes excess water; notifies central communications of private property damage.
Provides traffic control; prepares barricade plans and sets up and removes barricades to protect crews from street traffic.
Works in vaults and other confined spaces, utilizing proper safety techniques and equipment in accordance with District and departmental safety policies and procedures; lifts and removes vault lids, ventilates vaults, and locates buried valves at varying underground depths.
Inspects and tests valves; determines water flow direction and performs required main shutdown procedures; notifies operations in cases of large main shutdowns; shuts down and restores water service.
Responds to questions and complaints from the public regarding repair work and main shutdowns.
Repairs and maintains fire hydrants.
Operates compressors, valve machines, jackhammers and a wide variety of other hand, hydraulic and power equipment; checks condition of equipment; cleans and maintains tools and equipment used in the field and shops.
Inputs valve operation or maintenance data into specialized application or program; documents work performed in work order packets; writes up weekly report for recordkeeping.
May assist Distribution Operators as necessary.
Observes and complies with all District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Performs related duties as assigned.

Benefits

CalPERS Retirement: Classic Members: 2% at 55 benefit formula, employees pay the 7% contribution. New Members: 2% at 62 benefit formula, employees current contribution is 7.5%. EMWD does not participate in Social Security.
Retiree Medical Coverage provided through CalPERS with EMWD providing the PEMHCA minimum.
Deferred Compensation: Two programs are offered to employees: 401(a) – EMWD provides annual contributions of $1,180 and a 457 voluntary plan where EMWD provides a match to the 401(a) ranging from 4.5% to 6.0% of employee’s annual salary dependent upon CalPERS tier.
Medical Plans: Several health plans are offered, with EMWD currently contributing $2,739/month towards the premiums for employees and family; medical in-lieu is available with required proof of coverage.
Dental Plan: Full coverage for employees and family in the base plan at no cost with EMWD contributing up to $1,560 annually. Employees have the option to elect an enhanced plan with the employee paying the difference through voluntary payroll deductions.
Vision Plan: Full coverage for employees and family in the base plan at no cost with EMWD contributing up to $245 annually. Employees have the option to elect an enhanced plan with the employee paying the difference through voluntary payroll deductions.
Voluntary Plans: Health Care and Child/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, supplemental accident, cancer, critical illness, life and AD&D, pet and short-term disability insurance available through payroll deductions.
Life Insurance: Equal to annual salary up to a maximum of $250,000 at no cost. Employees may purchase up to an additional $500,000 in life insurance with EMWD paying 50% of the premium.
Paid Time Off (PTO): 176 hours per year, increasing after year 5 completed.
Holidays: 10 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays per year.
Bereavement Leave: up to 5 days.
Tuition Reimbursement: up to $6,198 annually.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Available to employees and their families.
Telecommute Opportunities: Available to qualifying employees on a case-by-case basis when operationally feasible and accordance with EMWD’s Telecommute Policy.
Alternative Work Schedule: Employees are provided opportunity to work a 4/10 or 9/80 work schedule dependent on position and operational needs.