Senior Water Utility Worker

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

Benefits offered by this job

CalPERS retirement

Generous leave programs

Health insurance

Other benefits

Job summary

The City of Lakewood (CA) seeks a field crew leader to install, maintain and repair water services, mains, hydrants and meters under general supervision. A current D2 Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the SWRCB must be submitted with the application.

Responsibilities include safety planning, customer service, and operating heavy equipment, with opportunities for training and advancement within the Water Distribution team. Public works opportunities and benefits are provided.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience in the installation, repair and maintenance of water services, mains, hydrants and related equipment.
• Welding coursework or skills are helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain and repair water services, mains, hydrants and valves.
• Read, install and replace water meters.
• Respond to customer inquiries regarding water service and quality.

Skills

Water distribution experience

Safety compliance

Customer service

Reading water meters

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Arc welding equipment

Gas welding equipment

Job description

Under general supervision, performs as a field crew leader to install, maintain and repair water services, valves, mains, hydrants and meters; and may be assigned additional responsibilities in the absence of the Water Distribution Lead Worker.

A current D2 Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) must be submitted along with application. Applications submitted without a current D2 Water Distribution Operator Certificate will be considered incomplete and not given consideration.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following activities:

• Confers with Lead Worker on work projects and assignments.
• Plans and implements safe work areas, including traffic control measures, trenching and shoring, confined space, AC pipe handling, and other safety programs within regulatory guidelines and city policies and procedures.
• Performs skilled and semi-skilled work in installation and repair of water services, mains, meters, valves, fire hydrants and related appurtenances.
• Reads, installs, and replaces water meters.
• In accordance with N.P.D.E.S. program requirements and procedures flushes water system to maintain water quality.
• Collects water quality samples.
• Conducts inspections of water service protection, water line construction and repairs as assigned.
• Performs customer service activities which include: Responding to customer inquiries regarding water quality, water service, and conservation or locating leaks; verifying meter readings; delivering notices door-to-door; and turning water services on/off.
• Reads consumer water meters and records readings as needed.
• Operates backhoes, trucks, forklifts, jackhammers, power saws, tapping machines and other miscellaneous powered equipment and hand tools.
• Performs data entry using mobile devices or computers.
• Assists with the supervising and training individuals or a small crew as assigned.
• May serve as the designated "Competent Person" capable of identifying and eliminating existing and predictable hazards in and around job sites as recommended by OSHA.
• Serves as a disaster service worker as directed and responds to after-hour and/or emergency calls.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Employees with welding skills may be assigned to perform skilled arc and gas welding to fabricate and repair structures and equipment, including but not limited to pipe and other materials which must withstand high pressure, tools, guards, locks, traffic lids, and other equipment and materials.

Education & Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying, such as graduation from high school (or GED equivalent) and three years of experience in the installation, repair and maintenance of water services, mains, hydrants, valves and related equipment and construction. College level welding coursework (welding safety, welding fundamentals, beginning arc welding, and structural fabrication) helpful but not required.

Licenses/Certifications:

1. Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles with a good driving record.
2. Possession of a D2 Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).
3. Possession of a T1 Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the California State Resources Control Board (SWRCB) is highly desirable.

A current D2 Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) must be submitted along with application. Applications submitted without a current D2 Water Distribution Operator Certificate will be considered incomplete and not given consideration.

Knowledge of:

Municipal water system facilities; health codes and regulations that govern public drinking water systems; methods, materials, equipment and practices used in water maintenance and construction projects; record keeping practices and techniques; computers and hand held devices; principals and practices of customer service; safe work practices and appropriate safety regulations; tools and equipment used in the installation, maintenance and repair of water mains, services, meters, hydrants and valves; concrete work and forming; and, when assigned, arc and gas welding.

Skills & Abilities to:

Repair, install and maintain water services, mains, hydrants, meters and valves; establish and maintain effective working relations with employees and the public; operate power-driven equipment used in water service work; read water meters and accurately record figures manually or with the use of a mobile device or computer; perform data entry; learn and use city's software programs; learn and use city's software programs; obtain and maintain appropriate certifications to safely operate equipment as required; work irregular hours and/or overtime including standby duty as assigned; perform heavy manual labor in a construction environment and ability to obtain and maintain appropriate certificates to safely operate equipment as required. When assigned, skill in fabricating and repairing structures and equipment using arc and gas welding.

Physical and Mental Demands:

Coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs to operate hand tools, heavy equipment and work at heights; physical effort to perform moderate to heavy work, such as any combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing, pulling, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds without assistance; use hands and feet to operate or drive vehicles and equipment; stand and walk for extended periods of time; perform work in confined spaces; must wear personal protective equipment including respirators as required; read, write, and speak clearly over the radio, person to person and in small groups; and recognize and identify degrees of similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, shapes, sounds, odors and textures associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks.

Environmental Conditions:

Exposure to sun, dust, fumes, wetness, noise, vibrations, slippery surfaces, common allergens, electrical hazards, asbestos, AC Pipe, low or high temperature, humidity, traffic, chemicals, work at heights, walk on uneven ground, work near hazardous equipment and machinery, drive trucks and other moving equipment and work in confined or tight spaces.

The benefits package associated with regular full-time positions includes:

• Retirement Formula- The City participates in the CalPERS retirement system 2% at 55 for "classic" CalPERS members and 2% at 62 for "new" CalPERS members 2. The City does not participate in Social Security
• Generous Leave Programs- 13 paid holidays; sick leave; and two weeks annual vacation (three weeks after three years, four weeks after 15 years)
• Health Insurance- Cafeteria benefit plan includes medical and dental options (City participates in the CalPERS medical insurance plans). Employee cafeteria allowance for single employee only coverage is $1,359.02 per month; for employee +1 eligible dependent coverage is $1,640.00; and for employee + 2 or more eligible dependents coverage is $1,900.00. City paid life insurance, long-term disability and vision insurance for the employee.
• Other Benefits: Longevity pay beginning at the completion of 9 years of qualified service; career medical retiree benefit programs

1. Benefits package information is based on current benefit information and subject to change, based on labor agreements; federal, state and/or local laws or resolutions.

2.For qualified public employees who are "classic" CalPERS members and City employees with membership into CalPERS prior to 1/1/2013 enrollment will be into the 2% at 55 formula. Pension benefits for employees hired on or after 1/1/2013 and are "new" CalPERS members are subject to the Public Employees Pension Reform Act provisions and will be enrolled into the 2% at 62 formula.

Selection Procedure

All properly submitted applications will be reviewed and evaluated. Those candidates appearing to have the best qualifications for the position will be invited to participate in the examination process which may require any combination of the following: a written examination, a performance examination, and one or more oral interviews. Not all applicants may be tested or interviewed.

Important Information

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Applications should be completed fully and clearly demonstrate how the minimum qualifications are met. All information provided is subject to verification. False or misleading statements may result in disqualification, removal from the eligible list, or termination of employment. Resumes may be included as a supplement but will not be accepted in place of the City’s application form. All application materials become the property of the City of Lakewood and will not be returned.

COMPENSATION:

City employees are paid on a bi-weekly basis, therefore, published monthly salary is for illustration purposes only, rounded to whole dollars. Actual salary is based on hourly rate rounded to four decimal places.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:

The City of Lakewood does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability status, gender expression, gender identity, transgender, or other protected class in its employment actions, decisions, policies and practices.

ACCESSIBILITY AND ACCOMMODATIONS:

The City of Lakewood is committed to providing equal access to employment opportunities. If you need assistance or would like to request a reasonable accommodation during any part of the selection process, including assessments and interviews, please contact [e-mail] or call 562-866-9771 ext 2210. Requests are encouraged as early as possible to allow time for coordination.

IMMIGRATION REFORM & CONTROL ACT OF 1986:

In compliance with the Act, all new employees must verify their identity and entitlement to work in the United States by providing required documentation.

FINGERPRINTING:

Applicants who are selected for hire are fingerprinted during the pre-placement processing period. All fingerprints will be processed with the Department of Justice to verify criminal records or absence thereof.

RESTRICTIONS ON NEPOTISM:

The employment of relatives can create undesirable results, particularly in connection with performance evaluation, discipline, and general morale of other workers. Therefore, it is the city's policy that no relative of any City officer or employee to which this resolution applies shall be employed, if said City officer or employee is in a supervisory, lead or subordinate position over said relative in the areas of hiring, setting compensation, discipline or termination. "Relatives" for this purpose include son, daughter, mother, father, brother, brother-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, mother-in-law, father-in-law, aunt, uncle, nephew, niece, stepparent, stepchild, grandparent, grandchild, or persons living in the same household. The City does not prohibit employment of two people who are married to each other or who are the registered domestic partners of each other pursuant to the California Family Code (section 297 et seq.). Nonetheless, the City will not employ spouses or registered domestic partners in the same division or facility in situations where such an action is determined to be inappropriate because of reasons of supervision, safety, security or morale.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION:

Employment offers are conditional, based upon the successful completion of a medical examination which includes drug and alcohol screening for safety-sensitive positions. Physicals are performed by the City's designated physician at the City's expense. Candidates are cautioned not to quit their jobs or give notice to their current employers until they are determined to be medically qualified.

TUBERCULOSIS TESTING:

Candidates selected to work in a position requiring contact with children must submit a certificate or notice documenting that within the last two years they have been examined and found to be free of communicable tuberculosis. The certificate or notice must be signed by a licensed examining physician or public health agency.

POSSESSION OF A VALID CALIFORNIA DRIVER'S LICENSE:

Employees in classifications requiring possession of a valid California driver's license will be enrolled in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Government Employer Pull Notice program, which confirms possession of a valid driver's license and reflects the driving record.

LOYALTY OATH OR AFFIRMATION:

All City employees are required to sign a loyalty oath or affirmation prior to actual employment.

EMERGENCY SERVICE:

All City employees are required to perform assigned Emergency Service duties in the event of an emergency or disaster.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:

Employees appointed to positions in the classified service are required to serve a probationary period of not less than six months. All other employees are considered at-will and serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority.