Water Service technician

City of Sioux Falls•City of Sioux Falls, SD

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Sioux Falls Water Service team is seeking a community-oriented individual to join us as a Water Service Technician. With a population of over 210,000 citizens relying on our services, we are committed to surpassing customer expectations at every turn, ensuring the highest quality of water from its source to the tap. As a Water Service Technician, you will play a crucial role on our team, engaging extensively with our valued customers. Your primary responsibility will involve servicing the metering components of our utilities. Join our supportive and fast-paced team, where a positive atmosphere fuels our collective success.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent plus designation as a licensed plumber or relevant trade school education or a minimum of two (2) years in a customer service field; or any such combination of education, experience, and training as may be acceptable to the hiring authority.
Must possess a valid South Dakota Water Distribution Class I certificate within one (1) year of hire.
Must be willing to work standby and extended hours in variable weather conditions when required.
Must possess or be able to obtain within 90 days of hire a valid Class B commercial driver’s license.
Must possess or be able to obtain within one (1) year of hire a valid forklift operation certificate.
Knowledge of the methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in the water distribution system and water meter installation, adjustment, and repair.
Ability to assist locating utilities while working standby for main breaks, valve breaks, or working valves and hydrants.
Knowledge of municipal water systems.
Effective written, verbal, and customer communication skills.
Have the ability to learn the operations of the “Psion” meter calibrator and CIS Infinity mobile software.
Knowledge of the general operations of valves and pressure gauges used in providing water services.
Knowledge of the geography and street locations of the city; read maps and drawings.
Ability to navigate the City Arc mapping system to locate service addresses, water mains, and service lines or valves and hydrants.
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and ability to keep work records.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, handle customer questions and complaints, and remain calm in stressful and potential verbally abusive situations.
Effective computer skills, including the knowledge of and ability to use Windows-based business software applications.
Mechanical aptitude.
Ability to use hand tools that commonly are utilized with plumbing and pipe fitting activities.
Ability to make simple mathematical computations rapidly and accurately.
Skill in the use and care of tools and related fixtures relating to the installation, adjustment, and reading of water meters; repair of valves and the operation of pressure gauges; and installation of automatic meter reading equipment.
Ability to perform duties with minimal supervision.
Knowledge of occupational hazards associated with general maintenance and construction.
Use of materials, tools, methods, and procedures to the plumbing trade.
Ability to wear and properly utilize required safety equipment in confined space entry and roadway operations in accordance with City policies and ordinances.

Responsibilities

Install, maintain, replace, remove, and repair water meters and automatic water meter reading equipment in residences or commercial and industrial establishments and meter pits.
Remove, clean, test, and certify water meters in the meter shop. Operate forklifts in the moving of meters and equipment. Maintain and update customer accounts utilizing CIS Infinity mobile software. Track meter inventory and repair parts needed to repair, test, and certify water meters.
Turn water service on/off for residential and commercial customers and independent contractors, terminate service for non-pay, and check for leaks and unusually high or low readings. Make miscellaneous repairs and adjustments in the field to water meters, hydrant meters, work curb stops, and operate water main & hydrant valves; report damage and request repair if necessary; may assist customers in identifying possible plumbing or water problems, such as poor pressure, leaks in system, faulty plumbing, or water discoloration.
Answer customer questions and handle complaints about water services. Respond to lawn watering, backflow, sump pump, and unaccounted water violations. Collect water samples for lab analysis as directed and when water quality is a concern.
Ensure a safe potable water distribution system by visually inspecting proper flushing of water lines prior to contractors putting lines into service. Set hydrant meters to accurately bill for potable water being used during construction activities. Locate, trace, and mark water mains and services for emergency personnel. Using GIS mapping portal and 811 one call software, locate and mark workable curb stops. Assist with various tasks in the repair and maintenance of water mains, hydrants, valves and water services, including after-hours emergency repair of water mains.
Receive and dispatch work order information through CIS Infinity mobile software. Relay water service and utility information to City personnel, plumbers, contractors, and the general public. Use the Arc mapping system to locate services, mains, valves, and service addresses. Maintain accurate office records and service cards for accurate dispatching.
Process customer requests for new service, moves, and disconnects or update personal and account information in CIS Infinity mobile. Receive and answer inquiries from owners, developers, and contractors concerning code requirements and departmental policies and procedures. Prepare reports and maintain records involving technical data unique to the function of the department.
Perform snow & ice control and removal procedures, including plowing, sanding, spreading deicing chemicals, loading trucks, hauling snow, shoveling sidewalks, assisting mechanics in the maintenance of snow removal equipment.
Maintain and perform minor repair on vehicles and other water service equipment. Operate a variety of tools and equipment including jackhammers, air compressors and steamers.
Follow City Confined Space Protocol when entering confined spaces.
Perform other such duties and functions as are necessary or incidental to the proper performance of this position.