Wastewater Maintenance Worker I/II

Wastewater Maintenance Worker I/II The City of Los Altos has an exciting opportunity to join our Sewer division that is a part of the Public Works department as a Wastewater Worker I/II. This position is essential in helping the City achieve the goals of the Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) by maintaining and improving its wastewater collection system, and working on other sewer-related activities as needed. We are looking for professional individuals who are willing to learn and expand their knowledge and skills, respectful, team‑players who can communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing with the team and when interacting with internal/external customers. In these roles you will work to establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with the Los Altos community.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Sewer Division team will lead and is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the City’s Sewer Collection System. The maintenance operations and tasks performed by the Sewer Division has a direct impact towards the goals of the Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) and helps the City to maintain compliance with the regulations and the required reporting to the State.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Under direct supervision, the Wastewater Maintenance Worker I/II performs a variety of skilled and semi‑skilled work in the maintenance and repair of the City’s wastewater collection system; performs related work as assigned, receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel, and exercises no direct supervision over staff. Wastewater Maintenance Worker I is the entry level classification in the wastewater maintenance series. Wastewater Maintenance Worker II is the journey‑level classification in the wastewater maintenance series. Positions at the Wastewater Maintenance II level are distinguished from the 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. This class is distinguished from Senior Wastewater Maintenance Worker in that the latter performs the more complex work assigned to the series and serves in a lead capacity over assigned staff. Positions in the Wastewater Maintenance Worker I/II series are flexibly staffed and positions at the II‑level may be filled by advancement from the I‑level; progression to the II‑level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the II‑level.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate responds effectively to emergency situations and troubleshoots such situations; follows department policies and procedures related to assigned duties and tasks; safely and effectively use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, power tools and equipment required to perform the work.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Operates hydro‑cleaning and rodding equipment to clean and flush sewer lines on a scheduled or emergency basis. Applies root control chemicals to sewer lines using hydro‑cleaning equipment on a scheduled basis. Inspects underground wastewater collection pipes, lateral connections, and associated appurtenances using closed‑circuit television equipment to locate leaks, breaks, infiltration, and the buildup of dirt, debris, roots, and other materials on a scheduled preventive maintenance basis; completes work orders assigned by supervisor. Inspects, cleans, and performs minor repairs to pumps and related lift station equipment; notifies supervisor of the need for repair or additional maintenance; prepares work orders or notes service requirements. Responds to customer complaints and emergency calls for service; uses inspection equipment to identify causes; and assists in mitigating overflow spills and damage as required. Marks the location of underground wastewater lines in response to Underground Service Alert (USA) requests. Participates in 24/7 on‑call rotation to respond to and perform emergency collection system repairs and provide other emergency services such as downed tree, debris, or illegal dumping removal, clean up after vehicle accidents, pothole repair, or other services as necessary. Performs other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE

AND EDUCATION 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: EXPERIENCE Wastewater Maintenance Worker I Two (2) years of experience performing manual labor in general construction or maintenance. Wastewater Maintenance Worker II One (1) year of experience as a Wastewater Maintenance Worker I with the City of Los Altos or three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in construction or maintenance, including at least one (1) year of specialized experience in collection system maintenance.

EDUCATION

Equivalent to graduation from the twelfth (12th) grade.

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

Wastewater Maintenance Worker I Obtain and maintain a valid California Class B Driver’s License with tanker endorsement within six months of appointment. Possess and maintain a California Water Environment Association Grade I Wastewater Collection System certificate within six months of appointment. Wastewater Maintenance Worker II Possess and maintain a valid California Class B Driver’s License with tanker endorsement. Possess and maintain California Department of Pesticide Regulation Qualified Applicator Certificate with Sewer Line Root Treatment category. Possess and maintain a California Water Environment Association Grade II Wastewater Collection System certificate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; 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 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 or calculator and to operate 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 100 pounds, or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

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

WORKING CONDITIONS

May provide twenty‑four‑hour standby service.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Los Altos is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of a person’s race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age or sexual orientation. Candidates with a disability, which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process, should advise City of Los Altos upon submittal of application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. #J-18808-Ljbffr City-of-Los-Altos