Public Works Maintenance Specialist

Public Works Maintenance Specialist

This is a skilled technical position requiring the Public Works Maintenance Specialist to perform multiple duties: operate, maintain, and repair both the City's water system and the City's sewer collection system; to provide an adequate and safe amount of water to serve public and industrial needs which includes fire protection for the entire city. Maintains safe, clean streets for the public and for the safe movement of traffic. Repairs and maintains City streets and alleys. Repairs, maintains, and installs storm drainage systems. Operates a variety of City owned and rental equipment. This position requires the performance of all duties related to public works maintenance, contractual and non-contractual construction, and customer service by means of routine to complex procedures, installations, and problem-solving techniques.

Water Distribution System:

• Performs replacement, cleaning, installations, and repairs on the City's potable water distribution system which includes; reservoirs, wells, pumps, main and service lines, fire hydrants, valves, and pressure booster stations.
• Responsible for diagnosing and repairing the City's water level monitoring system, which includes; line repair, electronic components, valve adjustments, and control panels.
• Trouble-shoots main and service line leaks with the use of a leak detection device.
• Cleans, adjusts and operates chemical feed pumps, used for polyphosphate injection while using safe procedures. Monitors, records, installs, operates and maintains gas chlorination systems at the wellheads, which includes changing 150-pound cylinders and also for troubleshooting, maintaining and replacement of chlorine gas tubing which supplies the chlorine gas to the water system, while being proficient with the use of a self-contained breathing apparatus.
• Responds to City and customer water related emergencies on a daily basis and is required to make quick judgment calls and resolve problems.
• Trouble-shoots and maintains City wells and water pressure booster stations using basic plumbing, electrical and pump repair principals. Adjusts anticipator valves and pressure switches on water booster stations.
• Walking and driving meter routes to accurately read and record customer's water usage on a hand-held microprocessor and assists the Treasurer's Department to resolve customer water issues due to leaks, broken meters and customer problems.
• Performs routine flushing of the water distribution mains, which includes inspection of fire hydrants and valves, for the purpose of maintenance, fire protection and City insurance ratings and also performs the actual maintenance of the broken or outdated fire hydrants.
• Sample, and record water quality on a daily and weekly schedule. Monthly/quarterly record and send water quality samples to a State accredited laboratory.
• Accountable for data input into computer and accurate filing of all potable water system testing and analysis as required by the Department of Health.
• Performs potable water sampling for volatile and synthetic organic compounds, lead and copper, inorganic and monthly bacteria presence, packages for delivery to state lab and records results of all testing done by the Water Department.
• Accountable for monitoring the water quality management report which is received from the Department of Health on a yearly basis and regulates all testing and testing procedures done on the entire water system, also implementing changes and updates.
• Responsible for knowledge of State regulated procedures in emergency situations if samples fail resulting in unsafe drinking water.

Wastewater Collection System:

• Operates, repairs and maintains a van-mounted camera and video recording equipment for inspection of wastewater collection system. Uses video articulating camera to record footage pipe lengths, pipe conditions, mains, service connections and infiltration rates, for sewer evaluation.
• Performs maintenance on City's gravity and pressure sewer mains, using a sewer rodding machine.
• Independently responds to and works with customer on sewer related emergencies, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to analyze and resolve problems in a timely and efficient manner.
• Cleans, inspects, repairs and raises or lowers manholes. These are confined space environment requiring the use of gas monitor, air pump, self-contained breathing apparatus and all fall protection equipment required by State codes.
• Maintains lift stations using a fire hose, degreasing, caustic chemicals and actual physical labor on a monthly schedule while dealing with hazardous waste and confined spaces.
• Trouble-shoots, repairs and replaces lift station pumps, floats, wiring and control panel components.
• Notifies Public Works Director of sewer related problems and records information using written statements and digital cameras to aid in City insurance claims. Prepares information concerning potential insurance claims.

Water and Wastewater Systems:

• Performs daily monitoring of seven City wells, three high capacity reservoirs, five wastewater lift stations and two water pressure booster stations; while using data analysis techniques to detect malfunctions. Accountable for daily record keeping of hours, quantities and time.
• Operates stationary and mobile generators for emergency potable water and wastewater pump operation. Performs annual training and inspections.
• Repairs streets, curbs, and sidewalks associated with water/wastewater emergency repairs and new installations. These repairs include cement work and cold asphalt patches and hot patch/thermolay.
• Accountable for accurate and timely underground location of water distribution lines and sewer collection lines for the City, construction projects, other utilities, government agencies, customers and engineering firms; while using an inductive/conductive locator.
• During winter months, plows snow from fire hydrants, buildings, well sites, reservoirs and lagoon roads. Also checks fire hydrants for leakage or freezing and repair as needed.
• Responsible for adherence of local, state, and federal regulatory changes; as pertains to maintenance, confined space entries, fall protection, and air quality monitoring.
• Performs other inter-departmental duties as needed, such as water quality balance and repairs at the City swimming pool, chlorine and swimming pool maintenance, street snow removal and sanding, and dog pound water/sewer maintenance. Occasionally performs support services at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Street Operations:

• Performs winter road maintenance by plowing and grading of snow from traveled ways and by loading and transporting plowed snow to designated dumpsites. Also, performs winter road maintenance by applying traction sand and deicing materials to compact snow and ice areas.
• Repairs existing paved streets by overlaying deteriorated street sections with hot mix asphalt, patching potholes with hot and cold mix asphalt, and constructing curbs and drainage berms with hot mix asphalt. May assist in the construction of roadway sub-bases when deemed economical by the City. Assists with crack sealing.
• Performs street cleaning functions by sweeping (mechanical and vacuum) and flushing of street surfaces of debris, traction sand, and dirt for safety, aesthetics, and dust abatement. Sweeps and cleans streets/parking lots for agencies with inter-local agreements.
• Renews or places new traffic pavement markings for street centerlines, cross walks, stop bars, parking stripes on roadways and parking lots, and airport centerline. Maintains and replaces traffic control and street name signs. Assists local organizations in providing traffic control devices for parades and events.
• Performs general Public Works Department Tree Maintenance as outlined in the City of Colville Street Tree Master Plan (STMP) not including those trees under the responsibility of the Parks & Recreation Department.
• Installs, repairs, and cleans the City's storm drainage system consisting of culverts, creeks, storm drains, catch basins, inlets, and manholes. Performs periodic routine visual inspections of the drainage system so that natural or man-caused obstructions do not cause flooding and property damage.

This position may assist other City Departments with various tasks as directed by the Public Works Director.

All work activities shall be conducted in compliance with the Safety and Accident Prevention Plan.

The duties above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• One-year water and sewer operation and maintenance experience preferred.
• Must possess high level of competency in performing mathematical calculations using units of weight, measurement, volume, and distance, and calculating flow rates.
• Working knowledge of blueprints and utility maps.
• Must have knowledge of all municipal types of inventory: its uses, applications, and installations; for example, brass fittings, couplings, hydrants, valves, pipe, etc. preferred.
• Trained in the