Water Technician I

DEFINITION
Under immediate or general supervision, performs a variety of work in the construction, modification, maintenance, and repair of City potable water distribution main and lateral pipeline systems, including complex residential and commercial water meters, valve cans, meter boxes, and water distribution valves; uses and operates a variety of manual and power tools and light to heavy power-driven equipment; and performs related work as required.
 
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives immediate or general supervision from the Water Systems Supervisor.  Exercises no direct supervision of staff.
 
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Water Technician I:  This is the entry-level class in the Water Technician series.  Initially under close supervision, incumbents with basic maintenance experience learn City water distribution infrastructure, systems, and facilities, use of tools and equipment, and a wide variety of practices and procedures.  As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence.  Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II level, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods.  Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern.  Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.  Since this class is often used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.
 
Positions in the Water Technician class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the II level are normally filled by advancement from the I level requiring one (1) additional year of experience and after gaining the knowledge, skill, experience, licenses, and certifications which meet the qualifications for and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class.  When filled from the outside, the employee is required to have two (2) years of prior related experience that allows the employee to meet the qualification standards for the II level.

• Performs maintenance and repair activities of City water utilities systems to ensure safe and efficient access for the public, including complex residential and commercial water meters, valve cans, meter boxes, and water distribution valves.
• Performs water valve maintenance, including various types of lines and valves, locating and raising valves that are not exposed, operating automated machines to exercise valves on an annual basis, and updating records following the installation of new valves.
• Flushes water distribution lines to ensure water quality, utilizes chlorine level testing devices, and runs tests for dissolved solids, bacteria, and coliforms.
• Repairs concrete after water distribution system maintenance, including sidewalk panels and temporary street patches.
• Uses valve-turning equipment to isolate and shut down pre-designated water lines for routine maintenance and in emergency situations; ensures proper shut-down of services by utilizing sounding equipment and flow rates; provides explanations to the public during shut-downs.
• Participates in the City-wide inspection program, including inspecting assigned City infrastructure for safety issues, structural integrity, and possible future work projects and programs, and appropriately marking areas that need to be repaired.
• Performs water meter maintenance, including installing new meters, testing and repairing meters of various sizes, repairing leaks, and replacing meters as necessary; installs service lines for newly developed properties and accounts for the installation of meters for new homes; performs shut-downs of services, as required.
• Operates and maintains specialized vehicles and a variety of light, medium, and heavy equipment related to the construction, maintenance, and repair of water utilities systems and facilities.
• Operates a variety of hand and power tools and equipment related to work assignment as instructed.
• Observes safe work methods and makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required.
• Installs street barricades and cones and controls traffic around work sites and special events to ensure safe conditions for the general public and City workers.
• Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions.
• Maintains accurate logs and records of work performed and materials and equipment used.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

 

Knowledge of:

Incumbents at the entry-level of the class series (level I) would not be expected to have the same level of knowledge and abilities as incumbents at the II-level and perform work in a learning capacity:

 

• Maintenance principles, practices, tools, and materials for maintaining and repairing potable water distribution main and lateral pipeline systems, including complex residential and commercial water meters, valve cans, meter boxes, and water distribution valves.
• Traffic control procedures and traffic sign regulations.
• The operation and minor maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and light to heavy power equipment.
• Operational characteristics of specialized water utilities maintenance and repair equipment.
• Occupational hazards and safety equipment and practices related to the work, including the handling of hazardous chemicals.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Sampling techniques and related statistical analysis techniques.
• Laboratory safety procedures and equipment.
• Basic mathematics.
• Safe driving rules and practices.
• Basic computer software related to work.
• English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

 

Ability to:

• Perform construction, modification, maintenance, and repair work on potable water distribution main and lateral pipeline systems, including complex residential and commercial water meters, valve cans, meter boxes, and water distribution valves.
• Operate construction and maintenance, light to heavy vehicles and equipment.
• Set up and operate traffic area construction zones, including cones, barricades, and flagging.
• Troubleshoot maintenance problems and determine materials and supplies required for repair.
• Make accurate arithmetic calculations.
• Safely and effectively use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, power tools, and light to heavy equipment required for the work.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance.
• Maintain accurate logs and basic written records of work performed.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

 

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

 

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, and:

 

Water Technician I:  One (1) year of experience in construction, maintenance, and repair of water utilities and/or related facilities, systems, and appurtenances, is desirable.

 

Licenses and Certifications:

 

Water Technician I:

• Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver's License by time of appointment.
• Must obtain a valid California Class B Driver's License with appropriate endorsements within six (6) months of appointment.
• Must obtain a Grade I Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) within one (1) year of employment.
• Grade I Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) is desired.

 

Water Technician II:

• Possess and maintain a valid California Class B Driver's License with air brake certification by time of appointment.
• Must obtain air brake certification within six (6) months of appointment; additional endorsements may be required.
• Possess and maintain a Grade I Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) at the time of appointment.
• Grade I Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) is desired.

 

Salary : $54,377 - $79,619