Water Distribution Operator I/II

City of Rohnert Park; Rohnert Park (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Rohnert Park is recruiting two Water Distribution Operators for the Utilities Division in the Public Works Department. Vacancies may be filled at Operator I or II level based on skills and qualifications.

Operators will maintain and operate about 100 miles of mains and 9,283 service connections, perform tests, and ensure safe, efficient distribution. Applicants must meet licensing requirements and be prepared for fieldwork. Salary and benefits reflect California municipal standards.

Qualifications

• Completion of the twelfth grade (high school diploma) or equivalent.
• Possession of a valid California Class A or B CDL with tank and air brake endorsements (within one year of appointment).
• Possession of a Grade I Water Distribution Operator Certificate (D1) by appointment; Grade II (D2) by date of appointment for Operator II.
• Ability to perform manual labor and work in field conditions; willingness to obtain required licenses timely.

Responsibilities

• Repairs and maintains water facilities and infrastructure using hand tools, heavy equipment and specialized machinery.
• Operates and drives a variety of light and heavy equipment used in utility maintenance and construction.
• Digs and shores trenches; installs, repairs, and replaces mains, services, and appurtenances.
• Performs water quality field tests and maintains related records.
• Provides customer service and responds to citizens' questions and concerns.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

The City of Rohnert Park is recruiting for 2 Water Distribution Operators to join the Utilities Division within the Public Works Department. The current vacancies may be filled at the Water Distribution Operator I or II level, depending on skills and qualifications.

The City of Rohnert Park’s water distribution system consists of approximately 100 miles of water mains and about 9,283 service connections. Water Distribution Division maintains and operates all transmission mains throughout the City’s water piping network. Water Distribution staff are also responsible for maintaining and operating all service lines, hydrants, and valves.

DEFINITION

Under direct or general supervision, learns to perform and performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled activities and functions related to the operation, maintenance, and repair of the City’s water distribution facilities and appurtenances; and performs related duties, as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direct or general supervision from the Water Distribution Supervisor. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. May exercise technical and functional direction over and provide training to lower-level staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Water Distribution Operator I:

Initially under close supervision, incumbents with basic water distribution experience perform work such as the operation of equipment, vehicles, and power tools. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Since this class is often used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience. This class is distinguished from other Water Distribution Operators in this series based on experience and licenses required at time of hire.

Water Distribution Operator II:

This is the journey level class of the Water Distribution Operator series. Incumbents are competent to independently perform a number of assigned tasks skillfully and safely. Positions at this level are distinguished from the I level by the performance of the full range of duties, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. The Water Distribution Operator I and Water Distribution Operator II are distinguished from the Water Distribution Operator III, in that the latter performs a broader range of skilled work and may act in the lead capacity over other Water Distribution Operators.

Positions in the Water Distribution Operator class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the II-level are normally filled by advancement from the I-level after gaining the required experience, meeting satisfactory performance standards, obtaining all professional certifications, and after demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Repairs and maintains water facilities and infrastructure using hand tools, heavy equipment and specialized machinery.
• Installs, repairs, and replaces underground water mains, services, and associated appurtenances using basic plumbing tools, tapping machine, pipe cutters, pipe wrenches and associated tools.
• Digs and shores trenches using proper methods.
• Operates and/or drives a variety of light and heavy-duty equipment and vehicles typically used in utility maintenance and construction activities.
• Installs, repairs, and replaces asphalt and concrete, including removal and patching, and assists with replacement related to utility work.
• Performs and collects water quality field tests.
• Follows safe work practices and observes safety rules and regulations.
• Works in confined space environments such as vaults and pits; uses air monitoring equipment to detect unsuitable air quality.
• Determines and sets up safe work zone traffic control and maintains a safe work environment.
• Provides timely and responsive corrective action to citizens’ questions, concerns, complaints, and claims.
• Uses a computer to assist with the logging and/or tracking of daily work assignments; maintains other work-related records as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

In performing the duties described above, the incumbent is expected to:

• Provide outstanding and friendly customer service.
• Create and maintain a respectful and collaborative working environment.
• Communicate honestly and behave in a manner that is ethical, legal and fiscally responsible.
• Demonstrate care for the organization, customers, and coworkers.
• Perform work of the highest quality possible.
• Practice and encourage initiative and innovation to improve the workplace.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Safe practices in using a variety of mechanical and power tools and equipment in constructing, maintaining, and repairing a variety of City facilities and infrastructure.
• Traffic laws, ordinances, rules and regulations involved in the operation of vehicle and heavy equipment operations.
• Basic electrical principles.
• Techniques for working with concrete, welding, plumbing, and carpentry.
• Arithmetic sufficient to calculate volumes, areas, lengths, percentages and conversions.
• Safe work practices, including safety precautions for operating power equipment, working in traffic and under hazardous conditions.
• Construction and maintenance materials, methods, standards, and terminology.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.
• Computers and software programs to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.

ABILITY TO:

• Operate a variety of mechanical and power tools and equipment used in constructing, maintaining, and repairing City parks and landscape features.
• Perform varied and complex mechanical maintenance and repair work.
• Diagnose problems and determine appropriate action.
• Interpret and work from sketches, plans, and specifications.
• Learn and utilize new technology.
• Perform heavy, manual labor under adverse working conditions.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Learn and understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Water Distribution Operator I/II:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.

Water Distribution Operator I:

Six (6) months of experience performing manual labor in general construction or maintenance.

Water Distribution Operator II:

Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in the construction, maintenance, and/or repair of water distribution systems, facilities, and related appurtenances. The incumbent must possess the required licenses and certifications.

LICENSESE AND CERTIFICATIONS:

Water Distribution Operator I:

• Possession of a valid California Class “C” Driver’s License by time of appointment and a satisfactory driving record.
• Possession of a valid California Class “A” or “B” commercial driver’s license with tank and air brake endorsements (or greater equivalent), within one year of appointment.
• Possession of a Grade I Water Distribution Operator Certificate (D1) issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board within one year of appointment.
• Possession of a Grade I Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate (T1) issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board is desirable.

Water Distribution Operator II:

In addition to the minimum requirements for the Water Distribution Operator I:

• Possession of a valid California Class “A” or “B” commercial driver’s license with tank and air brake endorsements (or greater equivalent), is required by date of appointment.
• Possession of a Grade II Water Distribution Operator Certificate (D2) issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board, by date of appointment.
• Possession of a Grade I Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate (T1) issued by theState of California Water Resources Control Board, by date of appointment.
• Possession of a Grade III Water Distribution Operator Certificate (D3) issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board is desirable.
• Possession of a Grade II Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate (T2) issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board is desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, to work in confined spaces and around machines, to climb and descend ladders, to operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 70 pounds, or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment and assistance from other staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS:

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

May provide twenty-four-hour standby service.