Water System Operator Lead

City of Davis•Davis, CA

20h•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks in the maintenance and repair of water meters and valves, cross connection control, backflow prevention, and related assemblies. Performs water consumption checks, leak checks, and water conservation audits. Responds to all water calls, investigates water problems, determines responsibility, and takes corrective action. Serves as technical lead of water system operators and/or other staff working on water system assets, locates water, sewer, and storm drain system components. This is the advanced journey level in the Water System Operator class series, regularly leading other assigned staff, performing and functionally supervising the most technically complex tasks, and operating and training others in the operation and maintenance of water systems. Positions in this class do not perform direct supervisory duties.

Requirements

Knowledge of tools, equipment, methods, practices, and materials used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water systems including backflow prevention assemblies, valves, meters, and other components.
Knowledge of principles and practices of water systems operation and maintenance.
Knowledge of backflow prevention and cross connection control principles and practices.
Knowledge of methods and techniques of troubleshooting and locating leaks within large water systems.
Knowledge of Underground Service Alert (USA Dig-Alert) procedures.
Knowledge of methods and techniques for record-keeping and report preparation.
Knowledge of traffic control procedures and traffic sign regulations.
Knowledge of water sampling techniques.
Knowledge of basic mathematics.
Knowledge of principles and practices of plumbing.
Knowledge of operational characteristics of specialized water utilities maintenance and repair equipment.
Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety equipment and practices related to the work, including the handling of hazardous chemicals.
Knowledge of operations and techniques for the operation of construction equipment such as backhoes and dump trucks.
Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
Knowledge of purposes and uses of a variety of vehicles, equipment, power tools, and hand tools including motorized and hydraulic equipment.
Knowledge of City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols; principles and practices of work safety.
Knowledge of techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively interacting with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language to effectively perform work.
Knowledge of modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
Familiarity with and ability to use City standards and specifications including materials, methods, equipment, and tools used in water utilities maintenance and operations activities.
Knowledge of principles and practices of cross connection control.
Ability to perform skilled maintenance, construction, and repair work involving the City's cross connection control program, and all water distribution systems and assemblies.
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose equipment malfunctions.
Ability to interpret work orders.
Ability to perform water pressure and flow tests.
Ability to perform isolation exercises to verify water use.
Ability to operate and maintain stationary and portable water meter testing equipment and accessories.
Ability to operate a variety of vehicles in a safe and effective manner.
Ability to obtain certifications as required by OSHA/Cal OSHA and provided by the City, to perform assigned duties.
Ability to read and interpret basic maps and blueprints.
Ability to work safely and adhere to principles of safety when working near traffic or in other environments.
Ability to perform water consumption leak checks and water conservation audits for residential customers as requested.
Ability to perform heavy manual labor.
Ability to maintain neat and accurate records.
Ability to use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
Ability to effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, to effectively perform work.
Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Ability to perform private backflow notifications letters second, and final notices.
Ability to inspect work in progress and upon completion providing feedback; identify areas make basic estimates of materials and labor requirements for a job or project needing improvement.
Ability to make basic estimates of materials and labor requirements for a job or project.
Ability to make recommendations relating to cross connection control programs including plan check surveys, field meets, and inspections.
Ability to test, inspect, and repair backflow prevention devices, and water meters.
Ability to assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
Ability to use and train staff on GIS data collection asset management tools.
Ability to use Trimble unit.
Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by specialized training in water systems operations and maintenance tasks or a related field.
Three (3) years of experience in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution system backflow prevention and cross connection control, and related water system devices or components.
Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.
Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months from date of appointment, a valid Class “A” California Driver's License with appropriate endorsements, to be maintained throughout employment.
Possession of a valid Grade D-2 Water Distribution Operator Certification, issued by the State Water Resources Control Board, to be maintained throughout employment.
Possession of, or successful acquisition within 24 months from date of appointment, a valid Grade D3 Water Distribution Operator Certification, issued by the State Water Resources Control Board, to be maintained throughout employment.
Possession of, or successful acquisition within 12 months from date of appointment, a valid Certification as a Backflow Prevention Assembly General Tester issued by AWWA, to be maintained throughout employment.
Possession of, or successful acquisition within probationary period, a valid certification to operate a Crane Truck.
Possession of, or successful acquisition within 24 months from date of employment, a valid Cross Connection Control Specialist Certification issued by the American Water Works Association, to be maintained throughout employment.

Nice To Haves

State Water Resources Control Board Grade T-2, highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Inspects, tests, repairs, and maintains backflow prevention assemblies; operates and maintains backflow prevention testing equipment.
Performs meter maintenance functions such as meter accessibility, operation, accuracy, testing, and repairs; replaces meter boxes, covers, lids, and related components; installs, programs, troubleshoots, maintains, and repairs advanced meter reading hardware and software; manually reads and records customer water usage at meters.
Participates in cross-connection control surveys of City facilities, private property, and equipment pertaining to backflow prevention assemblies.
Performs water consumption checks, leak checks, and water conservation audits for residential customers; investigates and responds to consumption alerts generated by advanced metering software and reporting.
Services and maintains water mains and service lines; inspects water leak issues; determines responsibility and informs the party responsible to make the necessary repairs; participates in major repairs as required; performs water pressure and flow tests.
Disinfects backflow assemblies, meters, laterals, and other water system components after repair or replacement.
Prepares cost estimates on work performed.
Performs routine preventive maintenance on equipment as assigned.
Participates in all safety programs required to effectively perform associated job requirements.
Responds to customer inquiries and complaints regarding excessive watering, water waste, and water conservation questions.
Responds to emergency calls from the public with regard to broken mains and house valves; investigates the problem to determine responsibility and takes corrective actions; responds to requests from the public to have their water service turned off and on.
Reads and interprets maps of all underground utilities owned or maintained by the City; locates and marks out water, sewer, and storm drain system components for different utility companies, private contractors, outside agencies, and the public; investigates problems with the City portion of water lines and takes corrective actions to solve them.
Receives work orders electronically; prepares, maintains, and inputs detailed logs, records, and reports of maintenance and repair activities via mobile and stationary digital devices into automated software systems.
Collaborates with billing staff to investigate discrepancies between billing and amount of water used by customers; shuts off customer water service if bills are not paid.
Keeps records on file on all City water services.
Observes and complies with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Oversees and inspects backflow prevention devices for residential, commercial, and industrial properties; installs backflow prevention assemblies; provides backflow testing data to other City staff.
Assists with preparation of State mandated reports; sends notices to property owners requiring backflow repairs, second and third testing notices; shuts off water if backflow devices are not tested, fail inspection, test report inputs and are not repaired, per State regulations; trains personnel in the testing, inspection, and repair of backflow prevention devices.
Implements and maintains the City's cross connection control program; surveys and inspects City buildings and facilities for compliance with cross connection control regulations.
Assists with administering the City’s automated water meter reading system; trains personnel in the testing, inspection, and repair of water meters; programs meters to ensure accurate billing; collaborates with Finance staff regarding customer water billing issues and concerns.
Performs other related duties as assigned.