Engineering Technician - Cross Connection Control

City of Winston-Salem, NC; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Winston-Salem Utilities Department is seeking an intermediate skilled technician to support water distribution operations with emphasis on cross-connection control and backflow prevention. You will work under supervision within a team to inspect, test, install, and document backflow assemblies and hydrant meters.

Candidates should have a high school diploma or GED, with preferred associates/technical training in drafting, math, or surveying, and be able to operate City-owned vehicles

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED or equivalent required.
• Associates/Technical degree preferred, with coursework in drafting, mathematics, or surveying.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate testing and documentation of new backflow assemblies; act as liaison with City departments and agencies.
• Research, verify equipment, and assist with installation and inspection of hydrant meter assemblies.
• Inspect and test hydrant meter assemblies and backflow prevention components.
• Locate and operate water valves/meters for backflow testing; document findings.
• Perform hydrant and valve inspections/maintenance; assist with water system shutdowns as needed.
• Work with Cityworks service requests for data management of installations.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings/plans; use MS Office and GIS-related software.

Job description

Performs intermediate skilled technical work in a variety of assignments requiring extensive experience and demonstrated technical competency in activities involving water distribution systems, with emphasis on Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Utilities Supervisor within a team environment.

• Coordinates technical work and acts as liaison between City departments, other local and state government agencies, contractors and the public, concerning testing and documentation of new backflow assemblies.
• Researches, verifies equipment, location, and assists with installation and inspection of hydrant meter assemblies.
• Performs inspection and testing of hydrant meter assemblies.
• Locates and operates water valves and water meters for backflow assembly testing.
• Performs hydrant and valve inspections and maintenance.
• Assists ORC tanker inspections.
• Works with Cityworks Service Requests for new installation data management.
• Assists Senior Engineering Technician with water system shutdowns and performing GPS locating backflow prevention assemblies.
  
• Locates and documents water meters and backflow prevention assemblies.
• Operates and is responsible for City-owned vehicle and electronic equipment.
• Responsible for and utilizes various hand tools and backflow prevention assembly testing equipment.

Education and Experience

Minimum High School Diploma or GED and experience in the maintenance of water distribution or in construction work; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in a related technical field is preferred. Associates/Technical degree with coursework in drafting, mathematics, and surveying, or related field is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of the terminology, methods, practices and techniques of utilities design and minimum technical standards; thorough knowledge of engineering maps and records; some knowledge of the basic principles of engineering; ability to reduce, interpret and apply field notes in complex technical duties; experience using Microsoft Office Suite and position specific software applications, including geographic-based information programs; ability to establish effective working relationships with other employees, public and private officials and the general public; detail-oriented person, works well in a group/team environment; ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions; good written and verbal communication is a must. Ability to work after hours and weekends if required. Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and plans. Research skills a plus.

Physical Requirements

This work requires the regular exertion of up to 10 pounds of force, frequent exertion of up to 25 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 75 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel, tasting or smelling and pushing or pulling, frequently requires standing, walking, sitting and reaching with hands and arms and occasionally requires climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, lifting and repetitive motions; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using of measuring devices, assembly or fabrication of parts within arms-length, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work frequently requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions, working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment; work is generally performed in a moderately noisy location (i.e. business office, light traffic, construction site).

Additional Requirements

• Possession of a valid driver's license.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, the following professional certifications:
  • Backflow Prevention Assembly Certified Tester Certificate within one (1) year.
  • Class C Distribution preferred, or ability to obtain within one (1) year.