Water Distribution Operator I

City of Covina • Covina, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Covina Public Works Department is seeking applications for a part-time Water Distribution Operator I. This role involves performing a variety of technical duties related to water utilities, including construction, repair, maintenance, and replacement of the City's water infrastructure. Incumbents will operate trucks and equipment, use hand and power tools, and may be required to be on-call and respond to emergencies. This is an entry-level position within a three-level series, requiring close supervision and training. The position is part-time, with a typical schedule of 20 hours per week, often consisting of two 10-hour days (e.g., Monday/Tuesday or Wednesday/Thursday).

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Supplemented with related college-level coursework.
• Minimum of one year of maintenance and construction involving water mains, pipe, culvert, or similar construction work, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Possess and maintain a valid Class C California driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.
• Possess a Grade D1 Water Distribution certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board at entry.
• Current City employees must obtain the D1 certificate within 11 months of appointment to WDO I.
• Ability to follow oral and written directions for safe working practices.
• Ability to communicate effectively and clearly.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with others.
• Ability to work with and occasionally lead a small crew.
• Ability to apply safety precaution measures and sound judgment.
• Ability to perform routine mathematical computations.
• Ability to perform safety operations and traffic flagging.
• Ability to perform heavy physical labor.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative within established guidelines without close supervision.
• Ability to comply with laws, regulations, and professional practices governing water distribution system operations.
• Skill to use pipe and pneumatic tools and equipment.
• Skill to operate light and heavy-duty trucks.
• Skill to follow written and oral directions and maintain simple records.
• Skill to safely and effectively operate a variety of equipment and power and hand tools used in heavy and light duty equipment repair.

Nice To Haves

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License is highly desirable.
• Successful completion of safe driving, CPR, and First Aide courses (to be obtained within 11 months of hire).

Responsibilities

• Performs maintenance, repair, installation, and cleaning of water leaks, mains, services, fire hydrants, and backflow devices.
• Assists co-workers with water service, main, and valve installation; water leak repairs; main valve replacement; meter reading; and locating/marking services.
• Documents work activities, maintains records and logs, and responds to inquiries.
• Troubleshoots problems related to right-of-way maintenance, leaks, fire hydrants, water quality, services, mains, and meters.
• Assists with taps in small mains under pressure and installs valves.
• Installs service pipes using jacking methods or trenching to meter sites.
• Flushes and shuts off valves; uses pipe locator and tract maps to isolate leaks and makes repairs.
• Performs installation of mains, pipes, valves, hydrants, meters, and other water system appurtenances.
• Performs installation, reading, and maintenance of water meters and meter valves.
• Provides information to the public and performs customer service functions.
• Drives trucks of various sizes for loading, hauling, and unloading equipment, gravel, and sand.
• Performs routine inspection on assigned equipment and reports defects.
• Cleans equipment.
• Observes safe work methods, policies, and procedures, and uses safety equipment.
• Maintains work area, chemical storage area, and equipment in compliance with safety practices.
• Performs preventive maintenance to valves and other fixtures.
• Tests meters to ensure accuracy.
• Searches for and repairs leaks.
• Installs locks, activates and deactivates meters, and reads meters.
• Ensures meters are functioning properly and reports problems.
• Participates in equipment maintenance and repair activities.
• Maintains inventory of parts and supplies needed for repair and maintenance.
• Performs semi-skilled cement, carpentry, and painting work in connection with water system repairs.
• Performs general maintenance, debris clean-up, and assists in skilled carpentry, welding, and mechanical work.
• Establishes positive working relationships with community organizations, agencies, management, staff, and the public.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.
• Compliance with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.
• Policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
• Prohibition of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

What This Job Offers

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