Lead Water Distribution Operator

Under limited supervision of the assigned supervisor, the Lead Water Distribution Operator leads and participates in the work of water service crews responsible for the construction, maintenance, repair and operation of the water distribution system and related facilities. This position operates specialized equipment, ensures proper work procedures are followed in the field, and serves as a primary point of contact for field-related issues during daily operations. This is a lead-level position that provides functional direction to a small team of employees without full supervisory authority or responsibility for formal personnel actions, such as conducting performance evaluations, hiring, or taking disciplinary action. The Lead Water Distribution Operator coordinates daily work activities and ensures that work is completed safely and in accordance with established standards, specifications, policies, and procedures. The position monitors job-site safety and work quality, assists with field-task planning, coordinates material and equipment needs, and provides technical guidance and training to staff. The Lead Water Distribution Operator also serves as a field point of contact and communicates with contractors, developers, utility companies, customers, and other stakeholders as needed. Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to the following: Leads water service crews in the installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of water distribution system components, including water mains, service lines, meters, valves, hydrants, and related infrastructure. Plans, coordinates, and assigns daily work activities, schedules, and priorities to promote the efficient completion of projects and service requests. Provides input regarding project planning, including estimates of labor, materials, equipment, and other resource needs. Ensures required permits, including excavation and encroachment permits, are obtained and that work is performed in compliance with applicable codes, regulations, safety standards, specifications, and established work procedures. Monitors work sites for safety, quality, and compliance with project specifications, including excavation, trenching, shoring, backfilling, compaction, and surface restoration activities. Operates and oversees the use of heavy equipment, tapping machines, and a variety of construction tools and equipment used in water system installation, maintenance, and repair. Performs and directs field activities, including drilling and tapping water mains, installing service lines and valves, conducting pressure tests, performing leak detection, and completing water system repairs. Oversees system flushing, main cleaning, valve exercising, and other preventive maintenance activities to support water quality and system reliability. Provides technical guidance and on-the-job training to new and less experienced staff regarding proper work techniques, safety procedures, equipment operation, and applicable policies and standards. Responds to and coordinates customer service-related field activities, including addressing water leaks, service interruptions, pressure concerns, and other water distribution system issues. Coordinates with contractors, developers, utility companies, and other stakeholders to promote safe, efficient, and coordinated field operations. Utilizes software applications, including GIS, MUNIS, and spreadsheets, to record work activities, track service requests and work orders, document field conditions, and prepare basic reports. Participates in emergency response activities and the on-call rotation, as assigned. Safely operates City vehicles and equipment. Education and Experience: High school diploma or GED equivalent and three (3) years of experience in the installation and repair of water services and meters and/or the operation of a backhoe and/or skip loader, including at least one (1) year of experience in a lead, senior, or supervisory capacity. License(s)/Certifications: Must possess a valid California Class C driver’s license at the time of hire and maintain a valid license throughout employment with the City of Victorville. May be required to obtain and maintain a valid California Class A driver’s license, as assigned or required by the position. Must possess a California State Water Resources Control Board Water Treatment Operator Grade 2 certification. Must possess a California State Water Resources Control Board Distribution Operator Grade 3 certification. California State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Operator Grade 4 certification is desirable. Knowledge of: City policies, procedures, standards, and specifications governing water distribution operations. Water distribution systems, including tools, equipment, materials, and methods used in their construction, maintenance, operation, and repair. City boundaries and the location of water system infrastructure and assets, including meters, valves, hydrants, mains, service lines, and related facilities. Confined-space entry procedures, including permit-required and non-permit required spaces. Tools and equipment used in the construction, maintenance, and repair of water mains, services, meters, hydrants, and valves. The operation, care, maintenance, and servicing of heavy power-driven equipment used in the construction, maintenance, and repair of water systems. Basic record-keeping and report-writing practices related to field activities and project documentation. Principles and practices of operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing water distribution systems and related facilities. Welding techniques and practices applicable to water system construction and repair. Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards governing water quality, water use, environmental compliance, and workplace safety. OSHA and other applicable safety regulations governing construction, maintenance, excavation, and repair activities. The use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for mapping, monitoring, documenting, and tracking water distribution networks and infrastructure. Skill and Ability to: Provide professional and responsive customer service and address customer concerns appropriately. Lead, train, and provide direction to staff while promoting teamwork and effective working relationships. Handle situations requiring diplomacy, fairness, firmness, sound judgement, and professionalism. Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with employees, supervisors, contractors, customers, and the public. Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, contractors, other agencies, and the public. Safely operate City vehicles, power-driven equipment, hand tools, and power tools used in water distribution system maintenance and repair. Read and interpret plans, drawings, maps, logs, specifications, and other technical documents. Apply safe work practices and ensure compliance with applicable safety standards and procedures at job sites. Operate technology-based equipment and software used to document work, track progress, manage work orders, and monitor water distribution systems. Maintain accurate records of work performed, including installations, inspections, maintenance activities, repairs, and service requests. Organize and prioritize multiple tasks and assignments while exercising independent judgment and initiative within established policies and procedures. Provide clear instructions and information to coworkers and other personnel and verify understanding when appropriate. (Must be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.) This position works primarily in an outdoor environment and is regularly exposed to weather conditions, including wind, heat, cold, and rain. Physical demands include sitting, standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, as well as using hands and fingers to handle, feel, grasp, and operate objects, tools, equipment, and controls. Heavy Work: Exerts 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally (up to 1/3 of the workday), and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the workday), and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly (2/3 or more of the workday) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Medium Work and may include use of a hand dolly to move objects weighing up to 160 pounds. May be exposed to machinery and moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibration, intense noise, travel, and environmental conditions including wide temperature variations, fumes, smoke, grease, odors, and dust. Must have the ability to see and hear within the normal range, with or without correction, and communicate verbally and in written form with great facility and must be able to be understood. Must have the stamina to work extended hours and overtime, when assigned, and be willing to work an irregular schedule that may include weekends, holidays, evenings, and/or varying shifts. May be required to wear respirators and other personal protective equipment (PPE). Certain PPE, including tight-fitting respirators, may require compliance with applicable facial-hair grooming requirements to ensure a proper fit and effective protection. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Victorville