Water System Inspector I

East Bay Municipal Utility District • Oakland, CA

2d

About The Position

Water System Inspector I is an entry-level position in EBMUD’s System Water Quality Unit. Initially working under close supervision, inspectors perform a range of water distribution system duties focused on water quality. Assignments become more difficult and diverse as experience and proficiency increase and supervision decreases. The role offers opportunities to learn and to promote to Water System Inspector II after two years.

The work covers regulatory-driven sampling, scheduled work with maintenance yards and other work units, and consumer-related investigations and inspections. Inspectors investigate water quality, flow, pressure, and other distribution-system issues; plan, schedule, and conduct disinfection and dechlorination of distribution mains and reservoirs; interpret chemical, microbiological, and other technical data; inspect and sample raw and treated water; and prepare clear, concise, complete reports and correspondence.

The position requires field work and precision tasks, including water sampling, field analysis, operating and calibrating electronic equipment, water-main flushing, and using and maintaining chlorination equipment. Inspectors coordinate and communicate with EBMUD staff and consumers, including in situations where public relations may be strained.

The stated monthly salary range begins at $8,210 and increases to $8,621, $9,052, $9,505, and $9,980 after 6, 18, 30, and 42 months, respectively. The top monthly salary for Water System Inspector II is $11,290. The probation period is six months. Employment offers are conditional on completion of a Live Scan background screening.

Requirements

• Completion of the twelfth grade or its equivalent.
• Either two years of experience in a water or wastewater system in laboratory analysis, engineering, operations, maintenance, customer services, or a closely related area; or satisfactory completion of 24 college semester units in directly related science coursework.
• A valid California driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire, a State Water Resources Control Board Grade D1 certificate.
• Willingness and ability to lift hoses and chemical containers weighing up to 50 pounds while on board a moving boat, and to handle field-testing and sampling equipment and glassware carefully with minimal breakage.
• Ability to maintain sufficient swimming skill for self-preservation.
• Willingness and ability to work overtime in emergency situations or when assigned.
• Willingness and ability to work in varied weather conditions where poison oak, dogs, and insects may be hazards.
• Knowledge of basic chemical and physical characteristics of water and principles of water sanitation.
• Knowledge of water treatment and distribution principles.
• Knowledge of principles for dealing with the public where relations may be strained.
• Basic math skills and basic science knowledge.
• Ability to learn to read topographical and distribution-system maps and specifications; use chlorination, pipe leak-location, and related tools and equipment; collect, analyze, and integrate data to solve problems; independently coordinate, schedule, and conduct routine and complex investigations; apply and interpret state and federal safe-drinking-water codes and regulations and monitoring and reporting procedures; operate electronic devices proficiently; follow workplace safety procedures relating to water-treatment chemicals, confined-space entry, basic first aid, boat safety, and traffic control; recognize hydraulics principles related to transmission and distribution systems and backflow-prevention devices; and apply basic chemistry and microbiology principles relevant to water treatment and water-quality maintenance.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered; applicants seeking consideration under this provision must provide written evidence of relevant employment and/or coursework.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regulatory-driven water sampling and scheduled work with maintenance yards and other work units.
• Respond to and conduct consumer-related investigations and inspections.
• Investigate water quality, flow, pressure, noise, seepage, and other water distribution system issues.
• Plan, schedule, and conduct disinfection and dechlorination of distribution mains and reservoirs.
• Interpret chemical, microbiological, and other technical data pertaining to water quality.
• Inspect and sample raw and treated water.
• Prepare clear, concise, and complete reports and correspondence.
• Coordinate, follow up, collaborate, and problem-solve with EBMUD staff and consumers.
• Perform field work including water-main flushing, and use and maintain chlorination equipment.

What This Job Offers

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