Water Distribution Operator I

City of Covina•Covina, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Covina is hiring a part-time Water Distribution Operator I in its Public Works Department. This is the entry-level position in a three-level Water Distribution Operator series. Under close supervision and in a training mode, the incumbent performs routine, repetitive unskilled or semi-skilled maintenance work and operates equipment used to construct, repair, maintain, and replace City water infrastructure and related systems. Assignments follow established procedures, and changes or exceptions are explained as they arise. The operator may be assigned to the Street Division or another Public Works division for maintenance work, and may be required to work standby, overtime, or on-call and respond to after-hours emergencies. The position performs maintenance and repair work on water mains, services, leaks, hydrants, backflow devices, meters, valves, and related equipment. It also involves meter installation and reading, customer service, maintaining work records and inventories, operating trucks and equipment, and performing general maintenance and cleanup. The operator follows applicable safety practices and standards, including Cal-OSHA requirements, and may assist with training less experienced personnel. Advancement to Water Distribution Operator II is based on demonstrated proficiency and is at the discretion of higher-level supervisory or management staff. The work requires substantial physical activity, including lifting, carrying, and pushing tools and supplies weighing 60 pounds or more. Employees work outdoors in varied weather and may encounter traffic, moving machinery, wet or humid conditions, heights, noise, dust, chemicals, and other occupational hazards. Reasonable accommodations may be available for qualified individuals who request them.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, supplemented by related college-level coursework, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least one year of maintenance and construction experience involving water mains, pipe, culvert, or similar construction work, or equivalent education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties.
Valid Class C California driver’s license and satisfactory driving record at appointment; must maintain them.
Obtain and maintain a Grade D1 Water Distribution certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board within 11 months of hire.
Obtain forklift operation certification.
Successfully complete safe driving, CPR, and First Aid courses.
Ability to follow oral and written safety directions; communicate clearly; maintain cooperative working relationships; work with and occasionally lead a small crew; apply safety precautions and sound judgment; perform routine mathematical computations, safety operations, and traffic flagging; perform heavy physical labor; exercise judgment and initiative within established guidelines; and comply with laws and regulations governing water distribution operations.
Ability to lift, carry, and push tools, equipment, and supplies weighing 60 pounds or more.
Knowledge of water-system repair methods, materials, fittings, tools, mains, services, hydrants, meters, valves, pipe laying and fitting, construction and maintenance methods, equipment, safety practices, City standards, the City’s geographic layout, plumbing and mechanical maintenance, street and utility maintenance, OSHA requirements, and job-site traffic-control practices.
Skill in using pipe and pneumatic tools and equipment; operating light- and heavy-duty trucks; maintaining simple records; and safely operating equipment and power and hand tools used in equipment repair.
Ability to meet the physical, mental, and environmental demands described in the posting, with reasonable accommodation where applicable.
Successful candidate must pass reference and background checks, including conviction-record and Live Scan checks, and a post-offer pre-employment medical examination including drug and alcohol screening.
New employees must provide documentation establishing identity and work authorization; the City uses E-Verify.

Responsibilities

Perform maintenance, repair, installation, and cleaning work on water leaks, mains, services, fire hydrants, backflow devices, and related appurtenances.
Assist coworkers with water service, main and valve installation; leak repairs; main valve replacement; meter reading; locating and marking services; hazardous-material securing; and related activities.
Document work activities, maintain records and logs, respond to maintenance requests and inquiries, recommend solutions, and assist with starting or shutting off water service.
Troubleshoot issues involving right-of-way maintenance, leaks, hydrants, water quality, services, mains, meters, and related equipment.
Assist with taps in small mains under pressure; install valves and service pipes; flush and shut off valves; use pipe locators and tract maps to isolate leaks; and perform less difficult repairs.
Install water mains, pipes, valves, hydrants, meters, and other water system appurtenances.
Install, read, test, and maintain water meters and meter valves; activate and deactivate meters; install locks; report problems; and provide information and customer service to the public.
Drive trucks of various sizes and weights to load, haul, and unload equipment and materials such as gravel and sand.
Inspect assigned equipment, report defects or needed repairs, and clean equipment.
Follow safety and security standards, use required safety equipment, and maintain work areas, chemical storage areas, and equipment in accordance with established safety practices and Cal-OSHA.
Perform preventive maintenance on valves and fixtures, test meters, search for and repair leaks, and ensure meters are functioning properly.
Maintain inventories of parts and supplies, identify and requisition needed items, and perform parts inventory and ordering as needed.
Perform semi-skilled cement, carpentry, and painting work related to water system repairs; assist with general maintenance, debris cleanup, and skilled carpentry, welding, and mechanical work.
Establish positive working relationships with community organizations, agencies, City management and staff, and the public.
Assist in training less experienced personnel and perform other related duties as assigned.