Hydrant & Valve Operator

Job Summary and Essential Functions

This position typically provides installation and repair of pipes, conduits, meters, hydrants and fittings some which will require entry into confined spaces; and deals courteously and effectively with fellow employees and citizens. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Performs preventative maintenance and repairs on fire hydrants, i.e. cleaning, painting, repair, replacement and/or lubrication of nozzles, caps, operating nuts, stems, gaskets, chains, etc.
• Performs inspection and testing of fire hydrants to ensure proper operation and to itemize deficiencies as well as hydraulic testing to establish flow capabilities and locate flow deficiencies.
• Collects pertinent hydrant data through office and field investigation to create a permanent record within the GIS database, i.e. hydrant number, manufacturer, model, connection, year, valve opening size, depth, location, etc.
• Operates distribution and transmission valves to ensure proper position.
• Prepares reports.
• Locates valves and water mains in the field using electron detection equipment.
• Follows up on deficiencies found to ensure repairs are made promptly and correctly.
• Assists in solving customer complaints and problems as well as those reported by local fire departments.
• Responds to customer water quality concerns.
• Exercises fire hydrants.
• Operates and maintains water quality and integrity throughout our water distribution system.
• Performs routine testing of turbidity and chlorine residuals and identifies areas in need of correction.
• May be required to work during emergency conditions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements to Perform Work

High School diploma or equivalent; Two (2) years of experience in pipe or maintenance construction; Must have and maintain a valid driver's license for South Carolina with safe driving record; Special Requirements:

• Must be able to obtain a valid Class A CDL within nine (9) months of employment;
• Must be able to obtain a Class D Water Distribution license within twenty-four (24) months of employment;
• Serves "on-call" status on a rotating basis as well as after hours and weekends on an emergency basis.
• Departmental testing may be administered during interview;
• A criminal background check will be completed on selected applicant if a current one (less than 3 years old) is not on file.
• This is a safety sensitive position and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
• This position is considered emergency essential and will be required to report to work during any declared emergency situation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of and the ability to use basic hand tools, materials and equipment commonly used in the performance of job function.
• Knowledge of the use of pumps, compressors and other appropriate equipment.
• Knowledge of pipefitting skills, of water taps and new water line construction practices.
• Skill in using backhoes, mini excavators or track hoes.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and/or keyboard for inputting information into the GIS Database and CMMS (Computer Maintenance Management System).
• Ability to perform water quality testing in accordance with DHEC regulations.
• Ability to operate utility vehicles, backhoes, mini excavators, and related equipment.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions, and be able to write legible and descriptive reports on duties performed.
• Ability to work on emergency repairs and services unsupervised.
• Ability to deal with the public to include handling potential difficult customers and volatile situations.
• Ability to use or repair small and medium equipment and machinery.

Physical Demands

This position requires the employee to reach, pull and push with hands and arms; stand; use hands to handle, feel, finger, grasp or operate objects, tools or controls; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; use mental acuity and repetitive motion; and walk, talk and hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to ninety-five (95) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Conditions

The work is regularly performed in a safe and secure work environment that may periodically have unpredicted requirements or demands. Thirty-seven and one half (37.5) hours per week. Normal working hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. with the ability to work after hours when necessary. Scheduled hours/days, job location, duties and any other information contained herein is subject to change. May be required to work extra hours and to perform extra or different duties during emergency situations.

Benefits

Berkeley County offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including:

• Health, Life, and Dental Insurance
• Optional Life and Disability Insurance
• Optional Medical and Dependent Care Spending Accounts
• Personal Leave
• Twelve (12) Paid Holidays
• South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) State Retirement Plan
• Police Officers Retirement System (PORS - as applicable)
• Optional Deferred Compensation Program (i.e. 401K, 457)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness Program