Water Utility Worker I (Temporary)

Job Title

Under direct supervision, performs work in the construction, maintenance, and repair of the District's water distribution and water meter systems; uses and operates a variety of manual and power tools and light to heavy power-driven equipment; and performs related duties as assigned.

Receives direct supervision from the Water Utility Supervisor. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

This is the entry-level classification in the Water Utility series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine construction, maintenance, operation, customer service, and repair duties related to the District's water transmission, distribution, and meter servicing systems. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Examples Of Duties

The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to provide a representative list of the various types of work that may be performed. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job class, and incumbents may expect to perform other related similar duties.

• Installs new water services and change-outs of residential water meters; disconnects and connects meter fittings, changes gaskets, and operates service line shut off valves.
• Tests, disassembles, cleans, and repairs water meters, water service lines, and appurtenances, such as meter connections, angle stops, compression fittings, and service piping.
• Reads residential and commercial water meters using manual and computerized meter reading equipment.
• Responds to questions and concerns from customers and the general public; provides information as appropriate and resolves water service complaints; verifies the location of meters and services, troubleshoots and identifies problems and issues with customer, and suggests potential solutions; coordinates with Customer Service regarding routine service shut-offs and service turn-ons.
• Learns how to excavate, inspect, flush, clean, and repair water mains, service lines, and laterals; learns how to repair leaks.
• Assists in the demolition of concrete and asphalt; manually removes soil surrounding water main and service lines; backfills excavation and repairs asphalt.
• Assists in performing leak detection to locate leaks in the main and/or service lines and laterals; assists in shutting down water lines in emergencies.
• Locates valves, meters, hydrants, and related appurtenances from maps, drawings, and sketches and with electronic line locators.
• Assists in maintaining an inventory of parts, tools, materials, and equipment; requests and assists in issuing replacement parts, tools, and materials as needed.
• Performs basic landscaping duties, including clearing weeds and brush, and trimming trees in meter service areas.
• Assists in setting up street barricades, signs, and cones for traffic control prior to the performance of construction and repair activities; directs traffic around work areas and adheres to safe work practices.
• Operates construction equipment including dump trucks, backhoes, front loader, tractor, and a variety of power, pneumatic, and hand tools including air compressors, jack hammers, vibration plates, soil compactors, skill saws, sand blasters, grinders, concrete saws, shovels, and wrenches.
• Observes and complies with all District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Works on a computer; uses software to create and maintain a variety of records and reports; maintains operating logs and records.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Materials, methods, practices, and equipment used in water distribution systems and water meter installation, maintenance, and repair.
• Basic water utility plumbing and construction principles and practices.
• Operation of a variety of hand, pneumatic, and power tools, and heavy equipment.
• Techniques for providing a high-level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
• Safety equipment and safe work practices.
• The structure and content of the English language to effectively perform the work.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers, tablets, smartphones, and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Effectively learn and perform work assignments in water distribution systems and water meter installation, maintenance, and repair.
• Operate a motor vehicle and power-driven equipment and tools used in water distribution systems and water meter installation, maintenance, and repair.
• Follow verbal and written instructions.
• Participate in rotational on-call assignments.
• Regularly and predictably attend work.
• Organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

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:

High school graduation or equivalent; and

One (1) year of responsible experience in maintenance and construction work.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of and ability to maintain a California Class C driver's license.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within twelve (12) months from appointment, a Water Distribution Operator 1 (D1) certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.

Supplemental Information

Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform moderate 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; possible entry into confined spaces, to climb and descend ladders, to operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District sites; and vision to inspect and operate equipment. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 100 pounds, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals on a case-by-case basis.

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, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants.