WATER DISTRIBUTION & MAINTENANCE INSPECTOR

Description

This position monitors and inspects City Rehabilitation efforts in utility construction, renovation and installation projects for compliance with plans, specifications, regulations and standards of quality and safety; responsible for planning, coordinating, and scheduling preventive maintenance activities within the City of Columbia Water Distribution System; and performs related administrative and technical work as required. The incumbent works within a general outline of work to be performed, and develops work methods and sequences under general supervision.

The work is considered heavy in nature and involves walking, standing, climbing, balancing, stooping, crouching, crawling, reaching, and constantly lifting, pushing or raising objects, exerting between 35 to 50 pounds of force on a recurring basis and 100 pounds of force on a frequent basis. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, fingering, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

Work environment may involve exposure to bright/dim light, dusts and pollen, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, extreme noise levels, vibration, fumes and/or noxious odors, traffic, moving machinery, electrical shock, heights, disease/pathogens, toxic/caustic chemicals, confined spaces; and is dynamic that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.

Essential Job Functions

• Coordinates with Field crews and contractors to ensure all utility construction, installation and rehabilitation work are in accordance with plans, specifications and regulations;
• Attends and participates in pre-construction meetings;
• Completes Service Request and creates Work Orders via City Works;
• Reviews construction plans and specifications for compliance with established codes, ordinances and standards; conducts site visits to determine potential drainage problems as appropriate;
• Inspects construction materials for compliance with specifications and regulations;
• Investigates reported utility problems; resolves complaints from property owners;
• Assists in coordinating projects with local, state and federal agencies, as well as other city and county departments and other parties as necessary;
• Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns, complaints and requests for assistance regarding areas of responsibility;
• Performs general administrative work as required, including attending meetings, preparing records and reports, entering and retrieving computer data, etc.;
• Attends meetings, training, seminars, etc., as necessary to maintain and enhance job knowledge and skills;
• Guides Water Distribution and Maintenance Field crews on the location of projects by contractors that could impact daily work assignments;
• Schedules maintenance activities with Field crews for recurring tasks in the overall maintenance of the Water Distribution System;
• Guides, mentors, and performs, if necessary, in Hydrant Flow Testing, Pressure Testing, Testing to identify problems within our Water Distribution System
• Guides, mentors, and performs, if necessary, City Works Service Request and Work Order investigations; Water Distribution System Evaluation Surveys;
• Guides, mentors, and performs, if necessary, in field investigation of GIS mapping system for accuracy and completeness;
• May be required to work during emergency conditions and adverse weather conditions;
• Provides direct support to the Water Distribution System Foreman/Supervisor and serves in his/her absence as the team leader for Water Distribution and Maintenance;

• Reviews and makes recommendations for approval of contractors’ pay request and change orders
• Conforms to all COC/WDM policies and procedures; specific knowledge of COC/WDM policy and procedures;
• Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns, complaints and requests for assistance from customers and the general public regarding areas of responsibility;
• Attends meetings, training, etc., as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills;
• Works on call 24 hours per day for emergency response. Must also be able to be on call on a rotating basis, as needed, and must be able to work additional hours, weekends, holidays, etc., as needed in order to accomplish assigned work; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• High school diploma or GED;
• Associates degree in related field preferred;
• Four (4) years of construction experience;
• Utility construction experience preferred;
• Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License;
• Must Possess or be able to obtain a Water Distribution Operator License “D” Level

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic algebra involving variables and formulas and/or basic geometry involving plane and solid figures, circumferences, areas and volumes;
• Knowledge of personal computer equipment with skill in the use of Microsoft Office preferred, utilizing Outlook and word processing software programs; skill in doing entry, spreadsheet and database software programs preferred;
• Ability to gather, organize, analyze, examine or evaluate data or information and may prescribe action based on such data or information;
• Ability to provide information, guidance or assistance to people to directly facilitate task accomplishment; may give directions or assignments to helpers or assistants;
• Ability to lead, operate or repair complex machinery or equipment that requires extended training and experience, such as public utility equipment and systems, heavy equipment and vehicles; may involve installation and testing. Involves operations of limited scope;
• Ability to perform coordinating work involving guidelines and rules, with constant problem-solving.
• Ability to read technical instructions, procedures, manuals and charts to solve practical problems; composing routine reports and specialized reports, forms and business letters with proper format; speaking compound sentences using normal grammar and word form;
• Ability to perform clerical, manual or technical tasks prescribed by standard practices but which may require computation, the use of several procedures, and the use of independent judgments with obvious choices; requires normal attention for accurate results; and
• Ability to guide others, requiring frequent decisions affecting co-workers, customers and others who depend on the service or product; works in a somewhat fluid environment with rules and procedures but with many variations from the routine.