Cross Connection Specialist

City of Glendora; Glendora (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare stipend

Job summary

The City of Glendora seeks a knowledgeable Cross Connection Specialist to join the Public Works Water Division. This field-focused role involves surveys, backflow testing, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with homeowners, contractors, developers, testers, and agencies.

Under supervision, you will conduct surveys, inspect and test devices, maintain records and data, and provide technical guidance on cross-connection requirements.

Qualifications

• Equivalent to completion of the 12th grade, with related training or coursework.
• Three years of field/office experience in water distribution and cross-connection control, including inspections and data collection.
• Possession of or ability to obtain CA driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
• Certifications in water distribution, treatment, backflow testing, and cross-connection control are highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform technical duties supporting cross-connection control and backflow prevention program development and maintenance, including field investigations and audits.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local drinking water regulations.
• Contact customers to ensure compliance and maintain records of inspections, testing, and corrections.
• Survey plumbing systems for cross-connection hazards and recommend backflow devices with follow-up on compliance.
• Inspect, test, and maintain backflow devices within the service area.
• Prepare inspection reports and maintain program documentation per laws and city procedures.
• Coordinate water quality sampling and check pH, chlorine, and solids; report results to regulators.
• Maintain accurate field data, databases, and records of work performed.
• Handle customer inquiries and explain regulations to customers and contractors.

Skills

Driver's license

Customer service

Written communication

Data management

Analytical thinking

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Water distribution/cross-connection experience (3+ years)

OCwB/California operator certificates (D-3, T-2)

Cross-Connection Control Specialist Certificate

Backflow Prevention Tester Certification

CPR & First Aid Certification (preferred)

OSHA 30-Hour Certification (preferred)

Tools

Regulatory software

Calibration/test equipment

Job description

The City of Glendora is seeking a knowledgeable, technically skilled, and motivated Cross Connection Specialist to join our Public Works Water Division and will be fundamental in protecting the City’s water system. This is an exciting opportunity for a water professional who enjoys working in the field, solving technical programs, interacting with the community, and applying their expertise to real-world water system challenges.

The Cross Connection Specailist will play a key role in administering and advancing the City’s cross-connection control and backflow prevention program. This position offers a diverse combination of field investigations, technical analysis, regulatory compliance, customer service, program administration, and collaboration with property owners, businesses, contractors, developers, backflow testers, and regulatory agencies.

Under general supervision, the Cross Connection Specialist will conduct cross-connection surveys and investigations, evaluate potential hazards, inspect and test backflow prevention assemblies, review testing and compliance documentation, corrective actions, maintain accurate program records and databases, and provide technical guidance regarding cross-connection control requirements. The position will also have opportunities to participate in development review, water quality sampling and investigations, and other specialized Water Division activities.

This position is more than simply inspecting and testing backflow devices. The successful candidate will serve as a technical resource and subject matter expect within the Water Division, helping the City identify potential risks, resolve complex cross-connection issues, improve program processes, and ensure the continued protection of the City’s water system.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

These functions may not be present in all positions in this class. When a position is to be filled, the essential functions will be noted in the announcement of position availability. Letters in parenthesis at the end of each function statement represent the abilities required to perform that function.

1. Performs technical and specialized duties in support of the City’s water system cross connection control and backflow prevention program development, implementation, and maintenance including data management oversight, field investigations, surveys, tests, audits, and oversight of work performed by City contract staff.
2. Ensures all program activities comply with federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations related to current safe drinking water standards.
3. Contacts customers to ensure compliance with backflow device requirements and ensures customers make appropriate repairs; generates and sends initial notices, follow-up notices, and final notices to owners of backflow devices for compliance with annual testing requirements; maintains records and files on backflow prevention devices, locations, inspections, testing, and corrections.
4. Surveys and investigates plumbing systems to evaluate and identify cross connection hazards; explains findings and recommends installation of backflow prevention devices; follows up with customers to monitor compliance; performs tests to ensure proper working condition of devices.
5. Locates, inspects, tests, and repairs new and existing backflow prevention devices within the City’s service area; maintains and installs devices as required.
6. Prepares written inspection reports and related program documentation; maintains inspection documentation and records as required by state, federal laws and in accordance with established City records management procedures.
7. Coordinates and conducts water quality sampling program; collects water samples at designated sample stations, and throughout the water system; checks water samples for pH levels, chlorine residuals, and solids; prepares water quality documentation for submittal to regulatory agencies.
8. Collects, compiles, and maintains field data and test results for documentation and reporting purposes; maintains and ensures the accuracy of detailed databases, files, and records of work performed.
9. Receives and responds to customer complaints, questions, and requests for service; reads, interprets, applies, and explains regulations and standards to customers.
10. Receives and responds to inquiries from contractors, developers, engineers, and the public concerning the City’s rules and regulations regarding the cross-connection control and backflow prevention program.
11. Research new operational methods, techniques, equipment, and with federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulatory requirements; recommends appropriate application and action; requisitions necessary tools, equipment, and supplies after approval.
12. Attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains liaison with other City departments, divisions, businesses, contractors, and other agencies, including regulatory agencies.
13. Performs various other technical and specialized duties related to the inspection and service of recycled water systems as required by the State of California.
14. Maintains necessary supplies, tools, equipment, and vehicles; performs routine maintenance checks and makes recommendations to repair or replace equipment as needed.
15. Observes and complies with federal, state and City safety rules, regulations, and protocol
16. Responds to after-hours emergencies and assists other staff in emergency situations; works with other crews on emergency leaks and system infrastructure repairs; makes decisions on proper actions to take during emergency situations including water quality issues and/or reported backflow events.
17. Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUISITE ABILITIES

The following generally describes the abilities required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

1. Investigate, identify issues, and ensure compliance with the City’s water system cross connection control and backflow prevention program rules and regulations.
2. Install, locate, inspect, test, and repair new and existing backflow prevention devices.
3. Conduct property inspections including cross connection and reclaimed water site inspections.
4. Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
5. Read and interpret maps, blueprints, specifications, and related technical documents.
6. Maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and electronic record tracking systems.
7. Collect water samples for testing.
8. Compile, assemble data and prepare reports and maintain records of testing and findings.
9. Read and interpret a variety of meters, gauges, and recording charts.
10. Make accurate arithmetic and statistical computations.
11. Safely and effectively use and operate a vehicle and tools and equipment required for the work.
12. Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
13. Establish and maintain a variety of filing, recordkeeping, database, records, and tracking systems.
14. Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
15. Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
16. Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
17. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
18. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and/or Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, supplemented by college level coursework or specialized training in environmental studies, water distribution, or a related field. Three (3) years of increasingly responsible field and/or office experience related to water distribution and cross connection control, including inspections, data collection, public contact, and the interpretation and application of policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.

Special Requirements:

Possession of or ability to obtain a Class C California driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.

Licenses and Certifications:

1. Possession of a valid Grade III (D-3) Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the State of California Water Resource Control Board, to be maintained throughout employment.
2. Possession of a valid Grade I (T-2) Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the State of California Water Resource Control Board, to be maintained throughout employment.
3. Possession of a valid Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certificate issued by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) or American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA), to be maintained throughout employment.
4. Possession of, or successful acquisition within eighteen (18) months from appointment, a valid Cross-Connection Control Specialist Certificate issued by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) or USC Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research, to be maintained throughout employment.

Preferred / Desirable Certifications:

1. Completion of an OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification issued by OSHA / U.S. Department of Labor, applicable to field inspection and confined space work encountered during backflow assembly testing, meter vault access, and site surveys.
2. Possession of a current CPR & First Aid Certification issued by the American Red Cross or equivalent certifying body, required as a standard safety qualification for field personnel.
3. Possession of a Confined Space Entry Certification from an OSHA-compliant program, applicable when accessing vaults, meter pits, and underground backflow assemblies during field inspection and testing activities.

Knowledge and Skills:

Knowledge of the principles, practices, equipment, and materials used to install, inspect, test, maintain, and repair backflow prevention devices and related water distribution systems; the operational characteristics and maintenance of inspection equipment, hand and power tools, and vehicles; and the standards and regulatory requirements related to cross-connection control, wastewater discharge source control, and pollution prevention. Understanding of occupational hazards and safety procedures; data collection and report preparation; basic math; recordkeeping practices; and applicable federal, state, and local laws and pertinent regulations. Familiarity with City geography, including street routes and locations of meters and backflow devices. Ability to provide effective customer service and communicate clearly using proper English, as well as utilize modern business equipment, computers, and relevant software programs.