Utility Operations Technician I

Definition Under close and then general supervision, learns and performs a variety of manual, semi‑skilled and skilled duties associated with the operation, maintenance, installation, and repair of potable water and recycled water distribution, treatment, and sanitary sewer lines, infrastructure, equipment, and facilities in accordance with applicable regulations and standards; installs new or repairs existing potable water distribution, treatment, recycled water, and sanitary sewer mains and service lines; locates and marks agency facilities in accordance with underground service alert responsibilities; troubleshoots various operational problems, including leaks, malfunctioning equipment, and appurtenances, and incorrect meter reads; and performs other related duties as required. Distinguishing Characteristics The Utility Operations Technician I is the entry‑level classification in the Utility Operations Technician series. This class is distinguished from Utility Operations Technician II in that incumbents in this class perform the more routine duties assigned to the series with less independence, working in a training capacity while acquiring the knowledge and experience needed to perform the full scope of journey‑level work. Positions in this classification are flexibly staffed and may advance to the Utility Operations Technician II level after two years of experience. The Utility Operations Technician I is expected to gain sufficient proficiency, knowledge, and ability to qualify for a promotion to the Utility Operations Technician II. Supervision Received/Exercised Receives immediate and general supervision from the Utility Operations Supervisor. May receive direction from the Senior Utility Operations Technician. Incumbents in this class do not exercise direction over agency staff. Examples of Essential Functions Installs new or repairs existing potable water distribution, treatment, recycled water, and sanitary sewer mains and service lines; performs all required work associated with the installation and repair including pressure testing, chlorinating, and dechlorinating lines, disinfection, flushing, and placing in service. Installs, maintains, and repairs fire hydrants, system valves, hydraulic control valves, air and vacuum valves, blow offs, sample tap stations, meters, vaults, and a variety of other controls and appurtenances related to the potable water distribution, treatment, recycled water, and sanitary sewer systems. Reads, reviews, interprets, locates and marks agency facilities in accordance with underground service alert responsibilities; uses construction water plans and specifications (both paper and electronic), surveys and shoots topographic measurements, proposes plans, and may make field assessments, evaluating plan and provide as‑built design changes to water plans. Uses pipe location equipment, leak detection equipment, and other equipment to locate, operate, maintain, and construct underground potable water distribution, treatment, recycled water, and sanitary sewer systems. Troubleshoots various operational problems that include responding to customer complaints related to leaks, malfunctioning equipment and appurtenances, and incorrect meter reads. Performs a variety of measurements, tests, and evaluations to verify performance of equipment, systems, and components, as applicable. Reports customer complaints received in the field; resolves complaints and problems within the assigned scope of authority and competence. Performs a wide variety of routine grounds and facility maintenance when needed, including washing, painting, weeding, digging, oiling, greasing, adjusting, and repairing equipment and/or facilities. May perform a variety of masonry work, as well as temporary asphalt patching. Operates and performs minor mechanical adjustments and repairs to utility trucks, dump trucks, backhoes, forklifts, vacuum excavation equipment, loaders, skid steers, excavators, pneumatic digging and pavement breaking tools, chop saws, and compaction equipment. Reads, reviews, and understands water plans and specifications (both paper and electronic formats); utilizes field mobile devices and software to perform maintenance and other related activities. Reviews construction drawings (paper and electronic), meets with internal staff and external contractors to identify, locate, and mark agency facilities in accordance with underground services alert responsibilities. May assist in composing bids for new installations or the relocation of water lines or potable water distribution, treatment, recycled water, and sanitary sewer systems. Provides monitoring and inspection services at construction sites for the accuracy of underground utility locations of potable water distribution, treatment, recycled water, and sanitary sewer systems. Operates agency vehicles and equipment, including but not limited to compressors, locating equipment, and generators used in the operation, maintenance, repair, construction, and locating of potable water distribution, treatment, recycled water, and sanitary sewer systems. May at times be asked to operate heavy equipment as needed; such as a backhoe, loader, dump trucks, or excavator, crane, skid steer, vacuum excavator, water truck, etc. depending on training and licensure. Installs, replaces, maintains, and reads customer service meters. Sets up traffic control, signs, barricades and directs traffic around work sites. Off‑Duty/On‑Call responsibilities include response to water system issues, security alarms, equipment failures, and customer service calls and emergencies. Operates a computer and assigned software. Performs other related duties as required. Physical, Mental and Environmental Working Conditions This position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and/or stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in making repairs. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in making mechanical and system repairs. Incumbents are required to turn valves. The need to lift, drag, and push materials, supplies, and equipment weighing up to 90 pounds also is required. Work is primarily performed outdoors in varied weather conditions including heat, rain and cold, and with potential exposure to road traffic, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, and confined spaces. Qualifications Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential job duties of the position is qualifying. Incumbents will possess the most desirable combination of training, skills, and experience, as demonstrated in their past and current employment history. A typical example includes: Education High school diploma or equivalent GED. Previous utility work or related manual labor experience. Experience Previous utility work or related manual labor experience. Licenses and Certifications Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, or evidence of equivalent mobility, to be maintained throughout employment. Possession of a valid Grade I Distribution Operator certification issued by the California Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, is required within twelve (12) months of appointment. Knowledge / Skills / Abilities Knowledge of Basic principles, methods, tools, and equipment related to water distribution, treatment, recycled water, and sanitary sewer maintenance infrastructure operation and repair. Occupational hazards and standard safety practices related to areas of assignment. Basic mathematics including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division. Basic recordkeeping. Office practices, procedures, and equipment. Operation of a computer and assigned software. Safe driving practices. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy. Skills / Ability to Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Follow related federal, state, and local standards and regulations associated with the operation, maintenance, repair, replacement, installation, and construction of potable water distribution, treatment, recycled water, and sanitary sewer systems. Learn to use pipe location equipment, leak detection equipment, and other equipment to locate, maintain, repair, replace, and install underground potable water distribution, treatment, recycled water, and sanitary sewer systems. Learn to use precision measurement devices. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Learn to perform preventative maintenance and repair activities on water distribution, treatment, recycled water, and sanitary sewer systems. Learn to adjust and troubleshoot regulators to control water pressure and flow for normal operating conditions, leaks, and emergency purposes. Learn to troubleshoot operational deficiencies of mechanical equipment. Learn to read, review, and understand water plans and specifications in both paper and digital formats. Learn to utilize field mobile devices, software, and other technical equipment to perform maintenance, monitor, track, and maintain records of water system operations, and perform other related activities. Learn to identify water distribution, treatment, recycled water, and sanitary sewer system issues and develop and implement an appropriate response. Perform manual work and operate construction and maintenance related vehicles, equipment, and tools. Work independently and as part of a team. Track and maintain information. Make sound decisions within established guidelines. Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; learn occupational hazards and safety practices related to areas of assignment, including confined space entry, trench shoring, hot work permitting, and traffic control. Communicate clearly and concisely. Establish and maintain effective working relations with agency staff, outside agencies, and the public. Other Requirements In accordance with California state law, all agency employees are disaster service workers and are expected to participate in emergency response initiatives. This includes contributing to the emergency planning process, participating in disaster exercises and training, and potentially responding to support actual emergency events. #J-18808-Ljbffr Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency