PW Utilities Technician

Pickering Barn; Issaquah (WA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A local municipality is seeking an experienced Utilities Technician to join the Public Works team in Issaquah, WA. You will ensure the safe operation of drinking water systems and maintain regulatory compliance. Candidates must have extensive experience with water systems and hold relevant certifications. The role requires problem-solving skills in various environments and the ability to interact professionally with the community. The position involves outdoor work in various weather conditions and includes significant manual labor.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Qualifications

• Five or more years of experience in water and sewer system maintenance.
• CDL Class A with air brake endorsement required or ability to obtain.
• Valid WA State driver's license with a good driving record.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular water quality sampling and testing.
• Maintain and operate the SCADA system.
• Perform inspections for new construction and upgrades of water facilities.

Skills

Communication

Technical knowledge in water systems

Problem-solving

Education

High school diploma or G.E.D.

Tools

SCADA system

Water treatment equipment

Job description

Join our Public Works team as a Utilities Technician and play a vital role in keeping essential services running smoothly for our community.

Positions in this class perform complex specialized and technical work related to the City’s utility systems to ensure that drinking water is safe, water production and treatment facilities function as necessary. Incumbents perform regular sampling of water, investigate water quality issues, and perform a variety of specialized technical tasks in support of the City’s water distribution system and pump stations. Additionally, incumbents perform plan review and inspections, and engage in enforcement activities in support of the City’s cross connection control program.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Distinguished from positions assigned to the Public Works Maintenance Worker series level of technical expertise and responsibility for the City’s utility systems. Incumbents independently perform a variety of specialized tasks to ensure water systems are functional and water quality meets federal, State, and local requirements. Incumbents have a high level of technical knowledge and understanding of the City’s overall utility systems to be able to troubleshoot issues as they arise.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

• Provides direction to positions assigned to the Public Works Maintenance Worker series and other skilled and technical positions in the Public Works Operations Department.
• General supervision is provided by the Public Works Operations Manager or Director.

* Pay range is subject to 2.7% COLA pending ratification of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

EQUITY STATEMENT

The City of Issaquah strives to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We value a variety of perspectives and life experiences and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply. Applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under federal, state and local laws. We believe diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to the success of our City operations.

• Monitors and maintains the city’s supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system to ensure the water facilities operate normally; responds to and addresses abnormal conditions and alarms; conducts testing to ensure normal operations.
• Develops, implements, and monitors the City’s cross connection control program. Performs plan review; attends pre-construction meetings to explain requirements; performs inspection for cross connection control and signs off on building permits for certificate of occupancy; maintains a database of all backflow prevention assemblies and ensures they are tested in accordance with local, State, and federal law; performs enforcement actions when necessary.
• Conducts plan review and performs inspections for new construction and upgrades of water facility projects.
• Coordinates with Utility Billing on the City’s meter reading program. Performs monthly meter reading; installs and repairs meters as necessary; ensures proper functioning of meter readers.
• Ensures water quality meets local, state, and federal requirements. Collects and tests drinking water samples; maintains water treatment systems; monitors and maintains water treatment analyzers; orders supplies to ensure continuous operations and emergency preparedness; safely handles hazardous chemicals.
• Inspects and maintains pump stations and reservoirs. Conducts scheduled and unscheduled inspections; performs and/or coordinates repairs when necessary.
• Gathers and compiles data; prepares weekly, monthly, and annual reports.
• Develops, updates, and revises City water system plans, standard operating procedures, water construction standards, and other documents.
• Uses a variety of hand and power tools and equipment to perform maintenance and repairs as necessary.
• Responds to public inquiries and complaints related to assigned area; ensures prompt and courteous answers to questions or concerns, informs Senior Lead or Manager as necessary.
• Prepares and maintains accurate records and reports of activities, including work orders, parts used, labor hours, and safety issues.
• Responds to emergency situations as necessary.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Five or more years of experience in water and sewer system maintenance, construction, or repair, including specialized training in water quality and cross connection control.
• CDL Class A with air brake endorsement, or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• CPR certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Flagger certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Water Distribution Manager II certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Waste Water Collection Specialist I certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Cross Connection Control Specialist certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Backflow Assembly Tester certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Valid WA State driver’s license with a driving record that meets City standards.
• Or any combination of training and experience that would provide the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed primarily outdoors in all kinds of weather frequently exposing the employee to inclement weather. Work involves the hazards of active construction sites, uneven ground, bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling, lifting of heavy objects, working in confined spaces, climbing ladders and towers, working in and around a variety of heavy equipment, exposure to chemicals, and performing significant manual labor. Frequently requires lifting up to 100 pounds, heavier lifting occasionally required. This position requires driving. Incumbents are exposed to the hazards involved in digging up and repairing water and sewer lines as well as gas and electrical lines. Incumbents may be called in off-duty to respond to staffing needs or emergency situations.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Standards, methods, and techniques used in water quality and cross connection control.
• Methods and techniques of underground utility locating.
• Applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
• Maintenance equipment and tools.
• Principles and practices involved in the construction, repair, and maintenance of water systems.
• Departmental standard operating procedures.
• Safe work practices as prescribed by OSHA,WSHA, and departmental standard operating procedures.
• Principles and practices of emergency management.
• Technical aspects in field of specialty.
• Telemetry, hydraulics, mechanics.

SKILL IN:

• Using maintenance tools and equipment.
• Using computers and applicable software programs.

ABILITY TO:

• Communicate effectively with City staff, co-workers, contractors, and the general public.
• Communicate technical information and requirements in a clear and accurate fashion.
• Enforce local and State laws, rules, and regulations.
• Read and interpret plans, drawings, and blueprints.
• Follow written and oral instructions.
• Use all special equipment in area of specialty.
• Obtain and maintain all certifications required.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records and files.
• Work independently and cooperatively.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, contractors, and the general public.
• Meet the physical requirements of the job, and work in the conditions described.
• Respond to emergencies on a 24-hour basis.