Water Utility Worker I

Definition:

Operates a variety of heavy equipment to install, replace, repair, and maintain the City’s water distribution system including water mains, main valves, pipes, fittings, meters, fire hydrants, and related water system components.

Representative Duties:

Operates various light to heavy equipment, including backhoes, hydraulic stompers, tampers, and crane trucks to install, replace, repair, and maintain the City’s water distribution system.

 

Digs trenches and lays heavy pipes and fittings; breaks pavement and removes concrete and asphalt; excavates and backfills trenches; inspects trenches for safety, proper compaction, and compliance with City codes.

 

Installs, replaces, and repairs water mains, valves, fire hydrants, pipes, fittings, meters, and related water distribution system components; measures, lays out, and wraps pipes and fittings; cuts and solders copper fittings.

 

Determines the proper sizing and location of new water mains and services; taps water main, installs new services, and ties over service from old water main to new water main.

 

Locates and marks service locations; inspects water mains and valves and recommends equipment changes or replacement; investigates and repairs water main and fire hydrant failures and service leaks; performs meter reads as required.

 

Inspects water mains and service installations performed by City staff and contractors.

 

Flushes, takes samples, and chlorinates new water mains to ensure the safety of the water supply; collects water samples for bacteriological tests as needed.

 

Responds to public inquires and notifies consumers of water service shutdowns.

 

Places safety barricades, delineators, and cones to designate job sites and direct traffic; prepares worksite for excavation and permit confined space entry; safely channels and directs traffic around work sites in accordance with applicable work zone safety standards.

 

Determines appropriate equipment needed for work assignment; tracks and maintains inventory and submits requests for supplies and materials.

 

Prepares and maintains logs, records, and reports of maintenance and repair activities performed; uses maintenance management software application(s) to perform data entry including opening, closing, and updating of work orders.

 

Reads and interprets water system maps, blueprints, standards, specifications, and related technical documentation; reviews and revises existing drawings with updates to incorporate into CAD drawings and GIS.

 

Provides input on the development of replacement vehicle and equipment specifications; monitors and reports on the status of vehicle repairs and safety related issues; oversees the cleaning of vehicles and ensures vehicle parking areas are free of dirt and debris.

 

Performs routine preventive maintenance and basic repairs on tools, equipment, and vehicles used.

 

Performs emergency work on water main breaks and related emergencies as required; assists with temporary and emergency water shutdowns.

 

Maintains shop and working areas in a clean and orderly condition.

 

Leads and monitors the work activities of a crew.

 

Utilizes proper safety precautions related to all work performed and performs work in a safe manner following all City and applicable safety regulations, rules, policies, and procedures.

Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge of:

Principles, practices, and techniques required for installing, maintaining, and repairing facilities found in water distribution systems

Excavation and backfilling principles, practices, and techniques

Principles, practices, techniques, equipment, and tools used in heavy construction and excavation including backhoes, hydraulic stompers, tampers, and crane trucks

Plumbing and piping principles

Soldering techniques

Underground utility markings

Principles and procedures of water flushing, water main chlorination, and the collection of samples

Operational characteristics, use of, and maintenance requirements of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and light to heavy power equipment required for the work

Traffic control procedures and traffic sign regulations

Occupational hazards and standard safety procedures related to the work

Principles of basic mathematics

Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility

Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed

Principles of customer service

 

Ability to:

Perform a variety of tasks in the installation, repair, and maintenance of water distribution systems and facilities

Safely and effectively use and operate various tools, equipment, vehicles, and light to heavy equipment including backhoes, hydraulic stompers, tampers, and crane trucks

Break and remove concrete and asphalt

Excavate and backfill trenches

Flush and chlorinate water mains

Collect water samples for bacteriological tests as needed

Locate and mark utility lines

Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities

Read and interpret maps, schematics, drawings, diagrams, blueprints, and related technical documents

Work safely and adhere to principles of safety when working near traffic or in other environments

Maintain accurate logs, records, work orders, and written records of work performed

Understand and follow oral and written instructions

Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed

Effectively use computer systems, standard office productivity and presentation software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks

Prioritize work and meet deadlines

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

Provide effective customer service

 

Minimum Qualifications: 

 

Education:

Graduation from high school or the equivalent.

 

Experience:

Three years of recent, paid work experience in the maintenance, construction, and/or repair of plumbing systems or water distribution facilities including one year of experience of heavy construction work involving plumbing or water distribution systems.

 

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession of, or successfully obtain within 6 months from date of appointment, a valid Forklift Operator certification to be maintained throughout employment

 

Possession of a valid Grade II (D2) Water Distribution Operator certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board), to be maintained throughout employment.

 

Possession of a valid Class C California driver’s license. Possession of Class B Commercial or successfully obtain within 6 months from date of employment, to be maintained throughout employment.