Water Service Technician

City of Tuscaloosa•Tuscaloosa, AL

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The purpose of this classification is to perform field work functions associated with the response, investigation, and repair of water customer requests and/or complaints related to water service connections and disconnections, water pressure, water flow, and/or water leak problems at residential and some commercial water service locations. Employees assigned to this classification will diagnose the problem, decide whether to recommend or actually perform the corrective measures, and provide supervisor(s), co-workers, and/or customers with needed information. Works under limited supervision and direction of the Meter Supervisor, Water Distribution Supervisor and/or Construction or Maintenance Crew Supervisor(s).

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required
Two years of experience in water distribution and supply, plumbing construction activities, or meter reading, preferably supplemented by six months of water meter testing and hydraulics; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
Must possess and maintain a valid Alabama's driver's license.
Must be able to operate a variety of machinery, equipment and tools including meter brass, truck, drill, water pump, pressure gauge, shovel, pick, axe, mechanic tools, plumbing tools, hand tools, two-way radio, and telephone.
Physical demand requirements for some positions within this classification may at times be at levels of those for heavy work.
Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things which may include which may include forms, reports, maps, reference materials, and operational manuals.
Requires the ability to speak with and/or signal people to convey or exchange mechanical and public utilities-related information, including giving/receiving assignments and/or directions to/from co-workers or assistants, managers, supervisors as well as communicating with the general public.
Requires the ability to read a variety of mechanical and public utilities-related documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures.
Requires the ability to write basic job related documentation and reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech.
Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice.
Requires the ability to learn and understand basic mechanical and public utilities-related principles and techniques, to understand departmental policies and procedures, to make independent judgments in absence of supervision, and to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation.
Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow verbal and written instructions.
Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, multiply and divide totals, determine percentages, and determine time and weight.
Requires the ability to visually inspect items for proper length, width, and shape using job related equipment.
Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using job related equipment and to operate motor vehicles.
Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, mechanical and public utilities-related equipment, control knobs, switches, motor vehicles, etc. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting motion or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have average levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
May require the ability to discern color.
Requires the ability to deal with and relate to people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be able to adapt to and perform under minimal stress when confronted with an emergency.
Requires the ability to talk, express, or exchange ideas by means of spoken words and/or hear and perceive nature of sounds by ear.

Responsibilities

Performs work functions associated with the distribution of water service and response to customer service requests and/or complaints.
Formulates and prioritizes a work plan to accomplish daily work orders efficiently and quickly as possible.
Assigns account numbers to new meter sets and enters into computer system; assigns garbage and sewer to accounts; creates maps of account numbers; reads blueprints.
Performs research on unaccounted for water use; investigates and rectifies situation as necessary.
Performs hydrostatic flow test and static and residual pressure test using instruments such as Mun-1 meter flow tester, pressure gauges, 24 hour and 7 day pressure chart recorder in order to evaluate and diagnose water service problem.
Interacts with customers on a professional and service-oriented basis; coordinates with customers and/or departmental employees an appropriate time to perform corrective action.
Installs new and removes defective backflow preventers, valves, meters, and pressure reducing valves.
Inspects water lines, meters, and connections for leaks or malfunctions; determines the cause of the problem; remedies the problem either through timely repair or adjustment.
Replaces landscaping around curbs and gutters upon completion of construction/repair; lays sod; repairs fences.
Performs manual work functions associated with the evaluation, installation, repair, and maintenance of water service lines, meters, valves, pipes, hydrants, and curb stops, specifically; digging holes or trenches, excavating around meter boxes, shoveling, lifting/moving heavy materials, loading/unloading trucks, and pumping water.
Sets up safety work zone at job site using traffic cones and warning signs; flags traffic as assigned; leaves job site in a safe condition for the public at the end of the day.
Operates a motor vehicle to respond to customer service requests and/or complaints and to perform evaluation and repair activities; inspects vehicle for proper inventory of supplies, tools, and equipment; performs minor vehicle maintenance as needed.
Communicates via telephone and/or two-way radio; provides information; takes and relays messages; responds to requests for service.
Responds to requests for information from customers, employees, officials, the public or other individuals; provides information and/or assistance to co-workers, supervisors, and/or customers on matters relating to water service.
Prepares, receives, and/or reviews various forms, reports, work orders, book maps and intersection maps, or other documentation; completes, processes, and/or forwards as appropriate; maintains records.
Recommends policies and procedures that guide and support the provision of quality services by the Department.
Incorporates continuous quality improvement principles in day-to-day activities.
Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.
Must meet regular attendance requirements.
Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers and citizens.
Performs other related duties as required.