Water Accountability Technician

Warren County Water District; Bowling Green (KY); On-site; USD 25,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Warren County Water District is seeking a Water Accountability Technician to monitor water systems, identify losses, and support PSC compliance. You'll use SCADA, GIS, AMR/AMI, and field testing to locate leaks and record accurate water data.

Responsibilities include creating work orders in Cityworks, guiding repair crews, conducting meter testing, and maintaining annual reporting. The role requires readiness for after-hours tasks and safety compliance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; relevant utility experience preferred.
• Experience with water systems operations is preferred.
• Willingness to obtain First Aid/CPR certification.

Responsibilities

• Monitor water systems to identify losses using readings, SCADA, and GIS.
• Locate leaks using electronic equipment and traditional methods.
• Create repair work orders in Cityworks and guide field crews.
• Maintain water accountability records and PSC compliance.
• Assist with meter testing and monthly reporting.

Skills

Water distribution systems knowledge

Leak detection techniques

GIS mapping proficiency

Microsoft Excel/Word

Effective communication

Confidentiality

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Water Distribution Operator License encouraged

Tools

GIS software

AMR/AMI software

Cityworks

AMR/AMI data tools

SCADA interfaces

Job description

Job Title: Water Accountability Technician

Position Type: Full time, Hourly

Reports to: Water Accountability Supervisor

Work Schedule: 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday with overtime as needed. Must be able to respond to emergencies.

Revision Date: June 14, 2024

Summary/objective

To provide efficient and effective conservation program for water accountability within established district standards and Public Service Commission rules and regulations. To locate water losses using appropriate leak detection methods, meter accuracy testing, and maintain water accountability records. To stay current on changes in technology and best practices related to job responsibilities performed personally.

Essential functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Monitors all water systems to determine areas of water loss using daily readings, SCADA uses and graphs, acoustic leak sensor software, AMR/AMI software, GIS, CIS Infinity, monthly metering source reports, and other usage reports.
• Employes the most effective detection techniques available to locate leaks or isolate water losses including traditional methods, electronic leak detection equipment, acoustical devices, software systems, and metering devices. Contacts outside agencies such as Kentucky Rural Water Association (KRWA) for assistance when necessary.
• Utilizes equipment including chlorine and fluoride analyzers, ground microphones, correlators, data loggers, leak sensory and temporary meters to isolate and identify water losses.
• Performs field work to isolate service lines leaks, main line leaks, broken meter bottoms, and other occurrences of water loss.
• Creates work orders in Cityworks for repair work when leaks are found on service lines, main lines, gate valves, and meters. Provides advice and guidance to repair crews on site when necessary to locate and repair leaks.
• Assists in maintaining unaccounted for water loss within district standards and total loss within Kentucky Public Service Commission Standards (PSC).
• Assists in preparing the metering reports by source each month for Warren, Simpson, and Butler water systems.
• Performs meter accuracy testing in the meter test shop and in the field and documents results on appropriate meter test forms. Verifies meters are performing within PSC standards.
• Verifies purchased water and sewer disposal invoices each month from BGMU, White House Utility District, and other suppliers.
• Collects and records sewer master meter readings each month.
• Works in conjunction with construction crews and engineering personnel to ensure that all flushing activity is properly accounted for and reported.
• Assists in the valve exercising program and all related data collection and paperwork.
• Assists in completing the meter change out program each year.
• Maintains current knowledge of water lines, sewer lines, and other system facilities.
• Ensures that all maps, including GIS, are current and reflect existing extensions and facilities, new extensions, and improvements.
• Performs after hours operations when scheduled for standby duty.
• Inspects assigned tools, vehicles, and protective equipment daily and recommends replacement when necessary. Personally owned tools are also subject to inspection and replacement when necessary.
• Keeps general manager advised of any informalities internal or external along with any overall personnel and customer problems or other needs within the organization.
• Keeps familiar with Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) reporting on hazardous and toxic chemicals, found or used in the work area.
• Works according to safety standards and polices adopted by Warren County Water District, is responsible for his or her own safety, and reports all incidents to his or her supervisor.
• Complies with all local traffic laws, regulations, and safe practices while operating any company vehicle.
• Must be willing to obtain First Aid/CPR certification upon employment. (not for interns)
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Must have effective working knowledge and understanding of the water distribution systems including operation of meters, pump stations, tanks, and pressure reducing valves.
• Must have knowledge of leak detection techniques and procedures.
• Must have ability to use GIS mapping system effectively to locate main lines, service lines, and gate valves.
• Must understand how water is distributed throughout the system including how to backflow water when necessary.
• Must have knowledge of how water is metered and accurately test different types of meters.
• Obtaining a Water Distribution Operator’s License through the Kentucky Division of Water is encouraged.
• Must have operational knowledge of Windows based computer operating systems and must have detailed understanding of Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Must have mechanical ability and be able to perform service and maintenance operations.
• Must have ability to use various leak detection methods including the use of electronic equipment and devices.
• Must have proficient Windows based computer skills to access records, perform detailed analytics of water system usage data, and utilize functions of the GIS and AMR/AMI systems to perform job functions effectively and efficiently.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with customers and businesses when doing fieldwork.
• Apply confidentiality to all areas of sensitive employee and customer information.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Reporting relationships

• Reports to: Water Accountability Supervisor
• Coordinates with: Manager of Operations, Construction Supervisor, Manager of Engineering, Billing Administrator, Customer Service Supervisor, Operations Coordinator

Work environment

• Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions.
• Must be able to work a forty-hour week plus any extra time the position demands along with standby duty.

Physical demands

Lifting up to fifty pounds is required. Working in confined spaces required.

Travel required

Some travel in and around the system will be required. Must be able to attend classes, as requested, in job-related areas.

Education and experience

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Three years’ experience in water system operations and maintenance or equivalent experience preferred.

Additional eligibility requirements

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Must be willing to obtain First Aid/CPR certification upon employment.
• Must reside within a one-hour response time from work location.

Other duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Warren County Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employerand is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the employment application and interview process. If you require an accommodation to apply for a position or to participate in an interview, please contact Human Resources at 270-842-0052. Requests will be kept confidential and handled promptly.