Collections System Technician I/II

Collections Systems Technician I/II

Under immediate or general supervision, performs a wide variety of skilled and semi-skilled maintenance, construction, and repair work of sewers, pump stations, streets, maintenance holes, collection pipelines, storm drains, drainage channels, access roads, and related public works facilities; operates and maintains light and moderately heavy power driven equipment; installs and repairs underground sewer pipes; removes blockages from sewer and storm drain lines; and performs related work as required.

Receives immediate or general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. Collections Systems Technicians II's may provide technical and functional supervision while working in the field, as well as training to lower level staff.

This is the entry-level classification in the Collections Systems Technician series. Initially, under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform maintenance and repair duties related to the City's collections system. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates the skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Collections Systems Technician 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.

This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Collections Systems Technician series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Collections Systems Technician I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs a wide variety of skilled and semi-skilled maintenance, construction, and repair work of sewers, pump stations, streets, maintenance holes, collection pipelines, storm drains, drainage channels, access roads, and related public works facilities.
• Operates and maintains a variety of vehicles, light and heavy equipment, power tools, and other equipment including motorized and hydraulic equipment, jackhammers, sewer rodder, hydraulic jet cleaner, hydraulic vacuum truck, front loader, backhoe, CCTV truck, and related equipment.
• Removes blockages from sewer and storm drain lines via power rodding machines, hydraulic jets, and other equipment; inspects sewer lines for collapse or infiltration via CCTV; responds to sanitary and storm sewer overflows and flooding problems.
• Sets up traffic safety devices and barricades.
• Trains personnel in the safe and proper operation of a wide variety of maintenance and construction equipment.
• Receives assignments and assists in, plans, and lays out the work of a crew; schedules and assigns specific duties to crew personnel; checks the work of field personnel.
• Assists supervisor in selecting materials and estimating material and labor costs for jobs assigned; ensures needed supplies, materials, and equipment are on hand; records daily labor, material, and equipment costs; maintains related records.
• Operates and checks the operation of sanitary/storm sewer facilities, pumps, motors, valves, filters, programmable controllers, auxiliary engines, and related equipment.
• Performs utility connection inspections.
• Removes silt, debris, and aquatic plants which reduce or impede flows or capacity of conveyance to detention ponds and channels.
• Sets up sampling and flow monitoring equipment and collects samples.
• Applies herbicides to control weeds, trees, brush, and invasive plants; maintains safe and fire-free buffer around City assets.
• 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.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of tools, equipment, methods, practices, materials, and processes used in the construction and maintenance of streets, sewers, lift stations, storm drains, and related facilities. Principles and practices of maintenance and construction. Principles of wastewater and stormwater system maintenance and repairs. Procedures and techniques of concrete and asphalt work. Pumps, motor valves, meters, small engine components, and other apparatus involved in wastewater collections. Hazards associated with the work and proper safety precautions. Properties of backfill materials, construction materials, concrete, asphalt, hot patch, cold patch, oils, paints, and a variety of other materials used in maintenance work. Standards relating to installation, location, and required maintenance of traffic signs and pavement markings, including Underground Service Alert. Applicable Federal, State, and local laws pertaining to the work. Traffic laws, ordinances, and rules involved in truck and heavy equipment operations. Purposes and uses of a variety of heavy equipment, power tools, hand tools, and other equipment including motorized and hydraulic equipment. Principles and practices of work safety. Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively interacting with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff. The structure and content of the English language to effectively perform work. Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to perform skilled construction, repair, and maintenance work in wastewater collections. Operate a variety of vehicles, light and heavy equipment, power tools, and other equipment including motorized and hydraulic equipment, in a safe manner. Install and repair underground pipes; remove stoppages and blockages from sewer lines. Evaluate and adjust functions of the City's stormwater conveyance system to ensure public health and safety as well as property. Perform a range of technically complex tasks in wastewater and stormwater collection. Lead and train others in wastewater and stormwater collection operations. Lead and train others in the safe operation of equipment. Obtain certifications as required by OSHA/CalOSHA and provided by the City, to perform assigned duties. Assist in selecting materials and estimating material and labor costs for a job or project. Read and interpret plans, specifications, maps, schematics, and blueprints. Perform routine preventive maintenance on equipment; maintain inventory of equipment and tools. Utilize proper safety precautions related to all work performed. Perform utility inspections and sanitary sewer responsibility checks. Maintain accurate and organized records. Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines. Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, to effectively perform work. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by specialized training in wastewater collections or a related field.

Experience: One (1) year of public works construction and maintenance experience for Collections Systems Technician I; Three (3) years of increasingly responsible public works construction and maintenance experience, including two (2) years of wastewater-related experience for Collections Systems Technician II.

Licenses and Certifications: Possession of a valid Class "A" or "B" California Driver's License, to be maintained throughout employment. Possession of, or successful acquisition within probationary period, a valid Grade I CWEA Collection System Maintenance Technologist Certification for Collections Systems Technician I, to be maintained throughout employment. Possession of, or successful acquisition within probationary period, a valid Grade II CWEA Collection System Maintenance Technologist Certification for Collections Systems Technician II, to be maintained throughout employment. Possession of, or successful acquisition within probationary period, a valid certification in American Red Cross CPR, First Aid and AED to be maintained throughout employment.

Must possess mobility to work in a field environment; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, to work in confined spaces and around machines, to climb and descend ladders, to operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to detect shades of color, read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard and to operate the above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 90 pounds or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment and assistance from other staff. Employees must wear and use the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspaces, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

May be required to be on-call and work various shifts or emergencies on evenings, weekends, and holidays.