Water Distribution Operator in Training

City of Oxnard; California (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Oxnard’s Water Division Department is seeking a Water Distribution Operator in Training to work with team members within the Distribution group. Under general supervision, the Water Operator-in-Training performs various entry-level work, supervised with detailed guidance.

This role follows a four-day, ten-hour work schedule, requiring literacy in English and a willingness to learn and perform semi-skilled tasks such as meter reading, customer service, and basic maintenance within the

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• One year of related maintenance and/or repair experience with customer service.
• Must possess a valid Class C California Driver's License.
• Must obtain Water Distribution Grade 1 within 12 months and Grade 2 within 24 months; Class A within 24 months.

Responsibilities

• Learns to operate hand, pneumatic and mechanical tools and perform minor preventive maintenance and repairs and replacement of the water system.
• Learns to read and install water meters and other system appurtenances.
• Learns to collect samples and perform simple tests for regulator compliances.
• Performs general plant, building, and ground preventative maintenance throughout the facility.
• Learns and assists in traffic control and set up.
• Performs routine fire hydrant maintenance including painting and replacing caps and locks.

Skills

Meter reading

Customer service

Data entry

Safety procedures

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Water meters

Reading devices

Job description

The City of Oxnard’s Water Division Department is seeking a Water Distribution Operator in Training to work with team members within the Distribution group. Under general supervision, the Water Operator-in-Training performs various entry-level work characterized by a routine, unskilled, and often repetitive nature. Work is closely supervised, and changes or deviations are explained in detail.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Learns to operate hand, pneumatic and mechanical tools and perform minor preventative maintenance and repairs and replacement of the water system.
• Learns to read and install water meters and other system appurtenances.
• Learns to collect samples and perform simple tests for regulator compliances.
• Performs general plant, building, and ground preventative maintenance throughout the facility.
• Learns and assists in traffic control and set up
• Performs routine fire hydrant maintenance including painting and replacing caps and locks
• Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned

PAYROLL/CLASSIFICATION TITLE:

Utilities Field Technician

SUPERVISION EXERCISED/SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Receives close supervision and specific direction regarding assignments and deadlines.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This class is the first level in a five-level Utilities Field Operations Series devoted to the specialized maintenance and repair of the City’s water distribution and wastewater collection systems and meter-reading operations and repair. Incumbents perform semi-skilled tasks in meter reading and customer service. Work may include investigating leaks and making repair recommendations; performing recordkeeping; performing basic maintenance; reading meters; assisting with customer service and utility billing processes; and adhering to safety policies and procedures. This classification is distinguished from the Utilities Field Technician, Senior in that it performs semi-skilled work in obtaining and recording meter readings and providing routine customer service.

WORK SCHEDULE:

This position follows a four-day, ten-hour work schedule. The assigned workdays will consist of four days from the following options: Monday through Thursday or Tuesday through Friday. Shifts will be scheduled between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Depending on the work assignment staff may be assigned to a shift that is outside the standard work hours. In addition, this position may be required to be available to work additional hours in response to peaks in workloads and changes in department needs. Employees may be required to work rotational stand‑by assignments outside of normal working hours and report to work on a callback basis, as needed, within a designated response time. Standby assignments are at the discretion of the Division Head.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work may involve exposure to environments requiring the use of respiratory protection and personal protective equipment (PPE). Employees must be able to properly wear and utilize required PPE, meet respiratory fit-testing requirements, and pass periodic medical evaluations in accordance with applicable safety regulations. Employees will be required to be fit‑ready during emergency situations. This class specification represents only the core areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the Department.

• Takes and records meter readings on assigned routes; reviews consistency of meter readings and reports unusual incidents or inconsistent readings; maintains meter boxes and reports defects in water meters.
• Delivers notices regarding delinquent accounts and returned checks; closes and locks meters on delinquent accounts.
• Reports rules and regulations violations related to water consumption; reviews and reports conditions that require a rate change for utility services.
• Identifies addresses for new service and provided notice related to service application process; turns water service on for new customers; obtains weekly route information from system.
• Performs data entry; assists in updating and maintaining meter account information and related files.
• Receives and responds to inquiries and concerns from the public; provides general information on procedures and processes; refers complex inquiries and requests to appropriate resource.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.

The following are minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the classification:

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or GED

EXPERIENCE:

• One (1) year of related maintenance and/or repair experience and customer service

LICENSING/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Valid Class C California Driver's License
• Possession of a valid Water Distribution Grade 1 Certification by the California State Water Resources Control Board within 12 months of hire.
• Possession of a valid Water Distribution Grade 2 Certification by the California State Water Resources Control Board within 24 months of hire
• Valid California Class A Driver's License within 24 months of hire

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to effectively communicate in English, both orally and in writing.

Selected candidate(s) must pass a thorough reference check and background investigation. Some positions that work with or have access to the Police Department may require a polygraph exam. Select positions may require candidates to undergo a pre-employment medical and/or psychological evaluation.

There is currently one (1) full-time vacancy within the Public Works Department

Employees are required to participate in the City's direct deposit plan and are paid on a bi-weekly basis.

UNION MEMBERSHIP:

Positions in this classification are represented by the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE).

NOTE:

For most positions, the City of Oxnard relies on office automation (Microsoft Office/Google) and web-based enabled tools, therefore candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work. Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all positions.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:

The City of Oxnard is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, medical condition, disability or sexual orientation.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:

The City of Oxnard makes reasonable accommodation for individuals/people with disabilities. If you believe you require special arrangements to participate in the testing process, you must inform the Human Resources Department in writing no later than the filing date. Applicants who request such accommodation must document their request with an explanation of the type and extent of accommodation required.

LEGAL REQUIREMENT:

On the first day of employment, new employees must provide proof of citizenship or documentation of legal right to work in the United States in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, as amended. The City participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, please contact DHS. 888-897-7781 dhs.gov/e-verify.

NOTE:

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.

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Vivian Morales at [e-mail].