Utilities Emergency Response Technician

Position Description

This posting will be used to fill a Full-Time, Represented, Saferty-Sensitive Utilities Emergency Response Technician position in the Department of Public Works, Bureau of Utilities. This is skilled work in the troubleshooting/investigation and emergency repair of water and wastewater utility system infrastructure. Employees respond to customer service emergency service calls, and troubleshoot and repair the problem or refer the problem to the appropriate area for follow-up.

NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK The work involves responding to emergency calls from customers, contractors, businesses, and other County departments and other utilities regarding utility system infrastructure problems in water distribution or wastewater collection; evaluating and resolving the problem or referring the problem to the appropriate area for follow-up. The work requires a thorough knowledge of the construction, maintenance, and operation of utility system infrastructure (i.e., water distribution and wastewater collection systems) and a clear/concise understanding of workflow and organizational structure within the Department of Public Works Bureau of Utility Operations. Work assignments are performed with some degree of independence under the supervision of management who assigns work and makes inspections to ensure proper performance.

Examples of Duties and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

(Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential functions of all positions in the class.) Responds to customer service emergency service calls regarding malfunctioning water or wastewater systems. Investigates/troubleshoots/repairs and/or refers utility system infrastructure problems on wastewater collection and water distribution systems such as public lateral sewage stoppages, mainline sewage stoppages, water main leaks, meter leaks, water service leaks, dirty/rusty water, air in lines, water meter changeouts, water meter vault/valve/lid problems, water pressure problems, bad ditch problems, and water sampling, etc. Prepares/completes daily operation logs, work orders, inventory sheets, pre-trip/post trip inspections, etc. Plans and schedules the maintenance of assigned vehicles. Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Requires knowledge of wastewater collection and water distribution construction, operation, and/or maintenance, and of general safety requirements. Requires knowledge of basic mathematics and ability to use elementary computer skills. Ability to express technical matters of some complexity in written and oral reports as needed and by completing work orders in terms that are easily understood by non-professional people. Ability to deal effectively with citizens, contractors, businesses, other County departments, and other utilities. Ability to perform manual labor such as repeatedly opening and closing manhole lids/water valves/vaults/lids for extended periods of time, driving multiple hours daily, and working under unfavorable weather conditions. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, management, contractors, customers, businesses, and other County departments, and other utilities.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from high school; four (4) or more years of experience in the construction, repair, operation, and maintenance of water distribution or wastewater collection systems; and a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license. NOTE: This position is Safety-Sensitive and employees in this position are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol testing.

NOTE: Longevity pay is available based on years of service.

Supplemental Qualifications

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following:
Knowledge of water distribution and wastewater collection system processes, construction, operation and maintenance.
Experience using a CMMS (computerized maintenance management system) for work orders.
Experience with investigating, troubleshooting, and repairing infrastructure problems on wastewater collection and water distribution systems. -Excellent customer service skills.
Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing.