Field Maintenance II - Water Distribution / Treatment Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Hours : 4O per week

On-call / Weekends : On call evenings and weekend duties paid via stipend.

Sick / Vacation Time :

Upon completion of the 90-day probationary period, employees begin accruing vacation time. Employees begin accruing sick leave. However, employees cannot use their accrued sick days until their 90th day of employment.

Medical Coverage :

Upon completion of 60 days for working for NWC, employees who do not have medical coverage have the option of applying to participate in NWC's plan (note employees will be eligible for enrollment on the 1st of the month following the completion of their 60th day) provided the requirements outlined in the plan are met. Employees who provide proof of sufficient coverage under another plan are eligible to receive a medical allowance. The cost of insurance for employees is covered in full by NWC.

Exempt / Non-Exempt : Non-Exempt

Auto Requirements / Allowance :

Mandatory use of employee’s personal vehicle (truck).  Proof of insurance and current registration are required.  Vehicle allowance per pay period is provided.

Safety Sensitive :

Yes; See Article lV, Section 12(c) in NWC Employee Handbook for relevant drug testing information.

General Purpose :

Under general supervision, inspects, operates, maintains, services, and performs operational repairs to facilities and equipment used in the storage, treatment, and distribution of potable water. Performs a wide variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks in the construction, installation, servicing, repair and maintenance of the Company’s mains, service lines, and related appurtenances used in the production, treatment, storage, transmission, and distribution of potable water. Operates light, medium and heavy-duty motorized equipment, and performs related duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics :

Under general supervision, incumbents perform a wide variety of duties in the inspection, startup, operation, servicing and field repair of storage and distribution equipment and facilities.

Working assignments for incumbents in this class are normally designed to provide developmental experience to prepare for the full range of duties in the Operator/Field III class. This class differs from the Operator/Field I in that incumbents possess an increased knowledge and application of water distribution and treatment methods. Incumbents typically follow prescribed and standardized procedures and refer unusual problems or questions to a supervisor or higher-level operator. Employees may work without close supervision on a variety of regular, on-going tasks and assignments.

Employees in this classification are subject to on-call, which may include rotating duty schedule, weekends and 24-hour emergency call out with little or no notice. Any employee designated to serve on-call who repeatedly refuses to serve on-call, or report for emergencies, shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge.

Required Skills :

Knowledge of principles, methods and techniques for operating pumps, valves, electric motors and electronic, computerized and manual control systems; functions and servicing requirements of the equipment used in a water distribution system; principals, methods, practices and techniques utilized in the chemical, bacteriological and biological analyses; federal and state safe drinking water laws and regulations; operation of power equipment, including trucks, loaders and related equipment; shop mathematics; safe work methods and safety regulations pertaining to the work; traffic safety methods, practices and regulations.

Ability to operate a variety of pumping treatment, control and transmission equipment and machinery, including digital control equipment; accurately read meters, gauges, valve books, blueprints and schematic drawings; making mathematic calculations, including metrics; understanding and follow oral and written instructions; prepare basic records and reports of work performed; operate and maintain hand power tools pertaining to the work; safety practices and procedures pertaining to the work; operate SCBA, fall arrest system and ventilation equipment in accordance with safety guidelines; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; communicate effectively, orally and in writing; make sound independent judgements within established guidelines.

Physical and Mental Requirements :

Below are the physical and mental demands that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands – While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand and talk or hear, walk, sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 75 pounds, and occasionally may lift and or move up to 4000-pound containers with mechanical assistance. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands – Must possess knowledge of water system construction and operation and a basic knowledge of tools and equipment, including a backhoe, welding equipment, etc. While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills, read and interpret data, information and documents, analyze and solve problems, use math and mathematical reasoning, observe and interpret situations, learn and apply for new information or new skills, interact with staff, other organizations and customers who may be upset or dissatisfied.

Other Demands – Must have a vehicle that is suitable for daily on the job use. Vehicle requirement, vehicle rules and other related items are covered elsewhere.

Required Certifications :

Must have graduated from high school or GED equivalent. Must have one year of experience operating and maintaining pumps and valves similar to those used in large water distribution systems, and or equivalent combination of training and experience. Must possess and maintain valid (1) California driver’s license, (2) proof of Liability Insurance, (3) California State Water Distribution Operator Certificate, Grades I and II, (4) California State Water Treatment Operator Certificate, Grades I and II.

Duties and Responsibilities :

Distribution Operator II’s duties include but are not limited to:

Assists in treatment and operation of system through monitoring, inspecting, and maintaining the potable water production, storage, pumping equipment and distribution systems, including reading meters, pressures, chlorine residuals, basic T.D.S and nitrate levels and samples; calculates chemical treatment and blends at wells.

Interprets and determines problems in system from information on gauges, meters, charts and graphs and operates pumps, valves, and related equipment to regulate flows and pressures.

Monitors water quality, performs operational adjustments, including but not limited to, flushing trouble areas, and pulling samples for lab and determining a plan to correct water quality problems.

Performs preventative maintenance programs tasks on pumps, valves, engines, motors and related production, storage, and distribution system equipment facilities; flushes the system and exercises valves.

Inspects and cleans tanks and other facilities, maintains building and grounds in a clean and orderly manner, and instigates interior re-coating of Company water storage reservoirs.

Collects and analyzes water samples from various locations within the distribution system to monitor and maintain water quality daily.

Receives chemical shipments, participates in the unloading procedure and records into inventory; inspects shipments received for standards compliance.

Inspects production treatments, storage, and distribution facilities for maintenance needs, including but not limited to climbing on top of tall steel tanks, climbing on ladders to service pumps and other equipment following the Company’s safety standards.

Places safety signs and traffic control barricades, isolates main breaks by operating distribution system valves.

Responds to emergency situations as necessary and confirms the existence of water main breaks, leaks, hydrants, etc.; makes emergency shutdowns, sets up temporary water where needed.

Responds in person to inquiries and investigates and resolves customer complaints (water quality, no water, high and low pressure, etc.).

Coordinates Company work with other entities to minimize service disruptions.

Follows established regulations, guidelines, policies, and procedures in the handling and transporting of hazardous materials; operates vehicle to travel to various sites.

Documents and maintains a variety of records and reports (daily and monthly) advising on overall system operations and shutdowns.

Trains and assists other technical personnel.

Operates equipment to locate, analyze, troubleshoot, and repair water leaks in mains and service lines as well as other public utilities; cleans out around damaged areas, removes excess water, shuts down and restores water service.

Locates buried valves at varying underground depths; inspects and tests valves; determines water flow direction and performs required main shutdown procedures; installs, repairs and replaces corp-stops, angle meter stops, and curb stop valves under pressure or following main shutdowns; assembles and repairs pressure reducing and air vacuum release valves; fabricated valve fittings; installs and repairs meters.

Repairs meter and valve boxes; raises and lowers valve boxes; removes broken and installs new sections; center valves in boxes; backfills and tamps with gravel; tamps asphalt fill to grade.

Notifies Office and Management of private property damages; notifies Operations Supervisor in cases of large main shutdowns.

Performs ground maintenance activities, including weed abatement, pond maintenance, etc.

Installs, repairs, replaces, and maintains fire hydrants.

Operates trucks, backhoes, trenchers, compressors, tapping machines, concrete saws, jackhammers, pipe cutters, concrete saws and a wide variety of other hand, hydraulic and power equipment; checks conditions of equipment; claims and maintains tools and equipment used in the field and shops.

Performs related duties as assigned.