Water Distribution Operator I - PT

City of Covina; Covina (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Covina is seeking a Water Distribution Operator I - PT to support the Public Works Department. Under supervision, you’ll perform entry‑level maintenance on water mains, hydrants and meters, operate related equipment, and assist in service connections and leak repairs.

Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma, a valid CA driver license, and a Grade D1 Water Distribution certificate, with forklift and CPR/First Aid certifications highly valued.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent, plus related college coursework and ≥1 year of water mains/pipe maintenance experience.
• Valid California driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Grade D1 Water Distribution certificate and forklift certification are required or preferred.
• CPR and First Aid training completed or obtainable upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance, repair, installation and cleaning on water mains, hydrants, meters and related appurtenances.
• Assist in taps, valve installations, meter reading and servicing public inquiries.
• Operate trucks and equipment; perform preventive maintenance on valves, meters and fixtures.
• Keep records, ensure safety practices, and respond to after-hours calls as needed.
• Maintain clean work areas and coordinate with the Public Works team.

Skills

Water systems

Maintenance

Meter reading

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

CA driver license

Grade D1 Water Distribution certificate

Forklift certification

CPR and First Aid certification

Tools

Pipe locator

Power and hand tools

Job description

The City of Covina is currently accepting applications for the position of Water Distribution Operator I - PT with the Public Works Department.

DEFINITION

Incumbents in this classification are responsible for performing a variety of broad technical duties related to water utilities moving from entry through experienced and certified technically proficient levels. Incumbents may be required to be on-call and respond to emergency situations.

Under general supervision, performs a variety of unskilled or semi-skilled maintenance work, and operates a variety of equipment in the construction, repair, maintenance, and replacement of City water infrastructure and related systems; operates trucks, equipment, power and hand tools; demonstrate a full understanding of all applicable policies, procedures and work methods associated with assigned duties assists in the training of less experienced personnel; performs other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Water Distribution Operator I is the first level of a three level Water Distribution Operator series. Positions in this classification perform at the entry level of the Water Distribution Operator series. They include employees who have some knowledge of the functions and some basic knowledge of water distribution systems, methods, equipment and terminology. Working under close supervision in a training mode, assignments are routine and repetitive in nature. Decisions are made within established procedural frameworks. The Water Distribution Operator I, is distinguished from the Water Distribution II, which performs journey level work with minimal supervision with only guidance, instruction or assistance, frequently in the absence of a supervisor. Advancement to the "II" level is based on demonstrated proficiency in performing the full range of assigned duties, and is at the discretion of higher level supervisory or management staff. Incumbents in this classification shall be available to work standby or work overtime in accordance with the AFSCME MOU, and respond to after-hours calls as needed.

Level I (entry): Incumbents may perform many of the duties required of the positions at level II, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and exercise little independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is closely supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedure are explained in detail as they arise.

Water Distribution Operator I is part of a multi-level classification:

• Water Distribution Operator I
• Water Distribution Operator II
• Water Distribution Operator Ill

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from a higher-level Water Distribution staff. When required this class may be assigned to the Street Division or other divisions within the Public Works Department for maintenance work.

Include but are not limited to the following

• Performs a variety of maintenance, repair, installation and/or cleaning activities, which may involve: water leaks, water mains, water services, fire hydrants, backflow devices and other related appurtenances.

• Participates and assists co-workers with work methods, techniques, and procedures related to: water, service, water main and valve installation; water leak repairs; main valve replacement; meter reading; locating and marking services for contractors; securing hazardous materials; and/or other related activities.
• Documents work activities and maintains related records and logs and responds to inquiries and requests for maintenance; recommends solutions to problems and issues; assists in starting new service and/or turning off service.
• Troubleshoots problems related to right-of-way maintenance, leaks, fire hydrants, water quality, services, mains, meters, and other related equipment.
• Assists with taps in small mains under pressure and installs valves; installs service pipes using jacking methods or trenching to meter site; flushes and shut-off valves; uses pipe locator and tract maps to isolate leaks and makes the less difficult repairs; performs installation of mains, pipes, valves and hydrants, meters, and other water system appurtenances.
• Performs the installation, reading, and maintenance of water meters, and meter valves; provides and distributes information to the public as required; performs customer service functions in the daily operations of water system maintenance and meter reading.
• Drives trucks of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling and unloading of various equipment, gravel and sand.
• Performs routine inspection on assigned equipment and refers defects or needed repairs to supervisor; cleans equipment.
• Performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards.

• Observes safe work methods, policies and procedures and makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required.

• Maintains work areas, chemical storage area, and equipment in a condition that complies with established safety practices and Cal-OSHA.
• Performs preventive maintenance to valves and other fixtures as scheduled or necessary; tests meters to ensure accuracy; searches for and repairs leaks; installs locks, activates and de-activates meters, reads meters as assigned; ensures meters are functioning properly; reports problems to supervisor.
• Participates in related equipment maintenance and repair activities; maintains inventory of parts and supplies needed in repair and maintenance; identifies and requisitions parts and supplies as necessary; performs parts inventory and ordering as needed.
• Performs semi-skilled cement, carpentry and painting work in connection with water system repairs.
• Performs general maintenance, debris clean up, and assists in skilled carpentry, welding and mechanical work; adheres to safe work methods, procedures and practices.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/ local agencies, City management and staff, and the public.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical

Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping, and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision and hearing within normal audio range with or without correction when performing work and operating assigned equipment. The need to lift, carry and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing 60 pounds or more is also required.

Mental

Operations require almost continuous attention. Employees are required to use written and oral communication skills, read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or new skills; work under deadlines with constant interruptions; and interact with City management, staff, the public and others encountered in the course of work.

Environmental

Incumbents regularly works in outside weather conditions and near moving mechanical parts; frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, vibration and street/road traffic. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb ladders, work at heights over 10 feet, use power and noise producing tools and equipment, drive motorized vehicles and heavy equipment, work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions and often work with constant interruptions. The Incumbent is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock. The incumbents may use materials and chemicals that may expose the employee to smoke, high frequency noise, dirt, dust and air contaminants, grease, oil, and solvents.

(The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.)

Education and/or Experience

Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for a Water Distribution Operator. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess a high school diploma, or equivalent, supplemented with related college level course work, and a minimum of one year of maintenance and construction involving water mains, pipe, culvert, or similar construction work or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

License/Certificates

• A valid Class C California driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.
• Grade D1 Water Distribution certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board
• Forklift Operation certification
• Successful completion of safe driving, CPR and First Aide courses

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS (The following are a representative sample of the KAS's necessary to perform essential duties of the position.)

Knowledge of Methods, materials, fittings, and tools used in repair of water systems and meter equipment; water system mains, services, hydrants, meters and valves; and methods of construction and maintenance of water services; knowledge of pipe laying and fitting; equipment used in maintenance and repair such as front loaders, backhoes, cranes, dump trucks, jackhammers; safety practices, equipment inspection techniques; City maintenance and operations standards; methods and tools required for locating and unearthing water system fixtures; geographic layout of the City; principles of plumbing and mechanical maintenance; techniques and materials used in the maintenance and repair of streets, gutters, sidewalks, valves, sewer lifts, water and sewer lines; safe work methods and safety regulations pertaining to the work, including OSHA; proper placement of cones, barricades and warning devices and directing traffic flow at job sites.

Ability to Follow oral and written directions for safe working practices; communicate effectively and clearly; establish and maintain cooperative relationships with others contacted in the course of work; work with and occasionally lead a small crew; apply safety precaution measures and sound judgment; perform routine mathematical computations; perform safety operations and traffic flagging; perform heavy physical labor; exercise independent judgment and initiative within established guidelines without close supervision; comply with laws, regulations and professional practices governing waterdistribution system operations.

Skill to Use pipe and pneumatic tools and equipment; operate light and heavy-duty trucks; follow written and oral directions and maintain simple records; safely and effectively operate a variety of equipment and power and hand tools used in heavy and light duty equipment repair.

The City of Covina is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Covina provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the City of Covina complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the City has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

The City of Covina expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of the City of Covina's employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

THE CITY OF COVINA RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR REVOKE, WITHOUT NOTICE, ANY OR ALL OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN PRIOR TO THE TIME OF APPOINTMENT, AND TO WAIVE ANY NONSUBSTANTIVE JOB REQUIREMENT AND MAKE SUBJECTIVE DECISIONS INTERPRETING AND ASSESSING THE SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS OF ANY CANDIDATE, INCLUDING THE DETERMINATION THAT NONE OF THE CANDIDATES, EVEN THOSE WHO MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, ARE APPROPRIATE FOR THE POSITION.