Utilities Compliance Technician I/II/III

Cities, Inc.; Panama City (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Cities, Inc. seeks a Utilities Compliance Technician to support cross-connection and FOG programs, performing inspections and coordination with the Utilities Director on compliant operations.

The role includes customer outreach, preparing reports, and assisting in enforcement actions per city regulations. Entry to advanced levels depending on experience and certifications, with on-site field work and occasional mentoring of junior staff.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED; some technical education preferred.
• Ability to obtain Florida driver’s license.
• Backflow Tester Certification within 6 months.
• Reclaimed Water Field Site Inspector certification within 12 months.
• Utilities Customer Relations Level I within 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate cross connection and FOG program inspections.
• Assist in customer relations, site visits, and public education.
• Resolve non-compliance issues and assist in enforcement actions.
• Inspect reclaimed and potable water systems for code compliance.
• Assist with budget proposals and invoicing for inspections.

Skills

Public relations

Customer service

Backflow testing

Reading blueprints

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Field inspection tools

Job description

This position performs technical duties in support for the cross-connection prevention and Fats, Oil and Grease (FOG) programs.Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and filled at the appropriate level based on experience and certifications.

Utilities Compliance Technician I: Under general supervision, this is the entry-level class in the Utilities Compliance Technician series.Incumbents generally have no to limited related work experience.Incumbents receive on-the-job training and some instruction or assistance in the performance of inspections and duties. Incumbents’ work may be reviewed during performance and upon completion.

Utilities Compliance Technician II: Under direction, this is the intermediate-level class in the Utilities Compliance Technician series and distinguished from the Utilities Compliance Technician I by the ability to perform the duties assigned with independence and initiative.Incumbents receive minimal instruction or assistance.

Utilities Compliance Technician III: Under direction, this is the advanced-level position in the Utilities Compliance Technician series.Incumbents assigned to this class are expected to perform the full range of inspection work assigned to this class and to work with considerable independence and initiative.Incumbents receive very minimal or no instruction or assistance.Incumbents may be assigned to mentor, train, and often serve as a lead worker over less experienced staff as requested.

Examples of Duties

• Coordinates and provides technical support for the City’s cross-connection and FOG programs.
• Assists in customer relations, phone calls, site visits, and assists in public education programs.
• Works with customers to help resolve non-compliance issues, initiates, and implements enforcement actions, penalty, and permit/user fee assessments.
• Works with the Utilities Director on reclaimed and potable water systems and FOG program enforcement and reporting in accordance with the City sewer use ordinances and applicable federal/state regulations.
• Coordinates connections to the reclaimed water system; inspects new and existing reclaimed water applications for code compliance.
• Monitors and enforces backflow prevention compliance with the City’s cross connection control program for commercial and residential customers.
• Responsible for aiding in the development and establishment of the FOG Program through annual inspection schedules; interacting and educating consumers on operating and maintaining equipment.
• Locates, identifies, inspects and monitors new and existing FOG producing utilities customers establishments for compliance.
• Performs annual and follow-up inspections of commercial and industrial waste contributors to ensure adherence to applicable federal, state, and local sewer ordinances and regulations. Inspections target proper operation and maintenance of grease interceptors/traps and oil/water separators.
• Compiles evidence for illicit discharges and verifies maintenance for FOG program.
• Prepares and maintains documentation, records and computer databases; produces regulatory and inspection results reports for both the cross connection and FOG control programs.
• Updates customer contact information and schedules inspections.
• Prepares invoices for additional inspections due to non-compliance and work performed for outside agencies and aiding in the preparation of budget proposal estimates.
• Performs related duties.

Utilities Compliance Technician II:

In addition to major duties listed above

• Coordinates assigned operational activities and services.
• Completes assigned special projects.

Utilities Compliance Technician III:

In addition to major duties listed above

• Ensures that professional standards, policies, and procedures are followed.
• Assess & resolves complex and controversial problems, issues and concerns.
• May assist in evaluating efficiency and effectiveness and make recommendations to improve the operations and delivery of service.
• May provide function supervision or train less experienced technicians.
• May draft and recommend code enforcement procedures.

Typical Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Utilities Compliance Technician I:

• High School diploma or GED. Some post high school education in a technical field preferable.
• Previous experience to obtain familiarity of plumbing systems, materials, and components.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Florida for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Possession of or the ability to obtain BackflowTester Certificationissuedby theFlorida Water & Pollution Control Operators Associationwithin six (6)months.
• Possession of or the ability to obtain ReclaimedWater Field SiteInspector certification withintwelve(12) months.
• Possession of or the ability to obtain Utilities Customer Relations Level I certification from Florida Water & Pollution Control Operators Associationwithin twelve (12)months.

Utilities Compliance Technician II

In addition to the requirements of Utilities Compliance Technician I:

• Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in utilities compliance, utilities maintenance and inspections, including cross connection control inspections.
• Possession of or the ability to obtain Utilities Customer Relations Level II certification from Florida Water & Pollution Control Operators Associationwithin six (6)months.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Utilities Compliance Technician III

In addition to the requirements of Utilities Compliance Technician II:

• Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in utilities compliance, utilities maintenance and inspection, including cross connection control inspections.
• Possession of Utilities Customer Relations Level III certification from Florida Water & Pollution Control Operators Association within six (6) months.
• Completion of lead worker training.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Supplemental Information

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

Utilities Compliance Technician I:

• Knowledge of plumbing systems, techniques, practices and materials.
• Knowledge of water distribution systems and hydraulics.
• Knowledge of cross connection protection principles.
• Knowledge of the acceptable uses of reclaimed water.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety principles, including confined space.
• Knowledge of water and wastewater sample collection methods.
• Knowledge of Fats, Oils and Grease practices, procedures and techniques, including the associated hazards and applicable safety precautions.
• General knowledge of chemicals and toxins affecting wastewater treatment.
• General knowledge of the current literature, trends and developments in the field of industrial treatment.
• Ability to develop, establish and ensure adherence to annual inspection schedule as required by laws, regulations and/or permit restrictions.
• Skill in educating the public and commercial customers.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in the safe and lawful operation of a motor vehicle.
• Ability to properly read plumbing plans.
• Ability to conduct a variety of backflow tests.
• Ability to recognize potential backflow problems.
• Ability to analyze problems and the development and implementation of solutions.
• Ability to develop, establish and ensure adherence to annual inspection schedule as required by laws.
• Ability to organize and maintain accurate and complete records.
• Ability to coordinate and track plans at various stages of the review and approval process.
• Ability to provide quality customer service.
• Ability to deal firmly and tactfully with contractors, property owners, and management companies to resolve issues.
• Ability to prioritize work and meet established deadlines.
• Ability to work from a broad direction with limited supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, business owners, homeowners or renters, contractors, and community members.

Utilities Compliance Technician II:

In addition to previous requirements:

• Skill in conducting cross connection and backflow site inspections.
• Skill in analyzing and solving technical problems pertaining to utility systems, cross connection, and backflow devices, including recommending modifications for meeting requirements.
• Skill in resolving conflicts.
• Skill in understanding and responding to customer needs.
• Skill in the preparation of clear and precise reports.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and specifications.
• Ability to effectively coordinate the operational aspects of the Cross Connection Control Program with other City departments/divisions and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).
• Ability to use initiative and independent judgment appropriately.

Utilities Compliance Technician III:

In addition to previous requirements:

• Skill in reading, interpreting, understanding, complying, and communicating regulations, standards, and laws and exercising sound judgment.
• Skill in assessing and resolving complex and controversial problems, issues and concerns pertaining to daily operations.
• Ability to regularly exercise discretion and independent judgment for daily operations.
• Ability to draft and recommend procedures.
• Ability to train and lead other less experienced employees.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Utilities Director assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include Florida statutes, the Florida Administrative Code, AWWA guidelines, and City and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of related technical duties. Customer non-compliance contributes to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to perform technical duties in the enforcement of cross connection control program standards. Successful performance reduces the chances of cross connection contamination.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city personnel, contractors, representatives of homeowners’ associations, business owners, homeowners and renters, and the general public.
• Contacts are typically to exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light and occasionally heavy objects, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.
• The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, and contagious or infectious diseases.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

**These are intended only as illustrations of various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.**