WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATOR I

Western Virginia Water Authority; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Virginia Water Authority is seeking a Water Distribution System Operator I to perform routine semi-skilled technical tasks in daily operations, including reading and maintaining water meters, services and the distribution system. You will start/stop water service for customers and inspect for cross connections.

Graduation from high school or GED is required; prior experience preferred. A Virginia driver's license is required, with ability to obtain within 60 days.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience in water operations preferred.
• Valid Virginia driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 60 days.

Responsibilities

• Read water meters and program/read systems.
• Install water meters and firmware/radio read equipment.
• Start/stop water service for customers and inspect for cross connections.
• Perform routine vehicle maintenance and related billing tasks.
• Work varied shifts and be available for standby/emergency hours.

Skills

Basic tool use

Meter reading

Meter installation

Communication

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

GIS system

Radio read systems

Job description

JOB POSITION: WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATOR I

Division: Customer Operations (Field Operations)
Status: Non-Exempt
Grade: 102
Job Code: 890
Reports to: Water Distribution Supervisor
Date: 07-01-07
Revised Date: 04-01-22
Last Reviewed Date: 04-01-22

SUMMARY OF JOB

Performs routine semi‑skilled, technical work in daily operations, reading and maintenance of water meters, water services and the water distribution system. Performs routine semi‑skilled, technical work in daily operations of reading/maintenance of water meters/water services/water distribution system. Starts/Stops water service for customers for new or nonpayment. Inspect for illegal connections/cross connections. Verify customer accounts are occupied/vacant. Repairs leaks around a water meter. Replaces meter boxes/lids/manholes/other accessories. Performs billing related work order. Performs routine vehicle maintenance. Must work varied work shifts including standby/emergency hours as assigned. Graduation from high school/GED equivalent. Previous experience preferred. Basic knowledge of power/hand tools and plumbing and fixtures required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Basic knowledge of power and hand tools.
• Basic knowledge of plumbing and fixtures.
• Interprets a GIS system, maps, drawings and schematics.
• Reads water meters.
• Installs water meters.
• Program and troubleshoot water meters and radio read systems.
• Starts and stops water service for customers.
• Turn water on and off for nonpayment.
• Inspect for illegal connections and cross connections on customers' accounts.
• Verify customer accounts are occupied or vacant.
• Repairs leaks around a water meter.
• Replaces meter boxes, lids, manholes and other accessories.
• Performs necessary billing related work order to task at hand.
• Performs routine vehicle maintenance.
• Subject to twenty‑four (24) hour call and works varied shifts as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work safely and obey all safety rules.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbal and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with coworkers, other Water Authority departments and the general public.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, maps and procedure manuals.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in writing, oral or diagram form.
• Ability to work alone or in a team environment.
• Ability to be self‑motivated and address issues with minimal to no direction.
• Must possess and maintain a good work ethic with a strong emphasis on good attendance, reporting to work on time, completing job assignments in a timely manner, maintaining a good work attitude, performing all job duties as assigned and/or scheduled.

PROMOTIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Display competence in investigating and troubleshooting water quality related service calls.
• Display competence in investigating and troubleshooting water pressure related service.
• Display competence in investigating and troubleshooting water break related service.
• Display competence in water, fiber optic, and sewer line locating and use of Polaris Software.
• Sufficient experience as determined by Water Operation Management in the following duties: Reading water meters, Installing water meters, Program water meters and radio read systems, Investigate and repair leaks around meters and all billing related work orders.
• No disciplinary actions in file for the last 6 months.
• Shows good attendance and reliability.
• Follows all safety procedures and policies.
• Promotion recommendation received from management team.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent. Previous experience preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.

CERTIFICATE, LICENSE, REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

Must possess a valid Virginia driver's license or have the ability to obtain one within 60 days of employment date. No more than six (6) demerit points on driving record if required to drive Water Authority vehicles.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB

• Walk, stand, sit; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear.
• Vision: ability to adjust focus. If corrective lenses are noted on driver's license, the lenses must be worn when operating Authority vehicles.
• Repetitive movement using equipment is involved.
• Stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, climb, balance or crawl regularly.
• Stand for extended periods at the job site.
• Walk several miles during the day.
• Regularly reach overhead.
• Lift, carry and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally 100 pounds. Assistance required on weight amounts above those listed.

WORK ENVIRONMENT ENCOUNTERED IN THIS JOB

• Exposure to moderate or high noise level, extreme outside weather conditions, uneven, steep, slippery terrain, dusty and wet/humid conditions.
• Exposure to moving mechanical parts and heavy equipment operation.
• Roadway hazards (traffic).
• Outside hazards (poison ivy, bees, spiders, dirt, animals).
• Confined spaces (sewer manholes, water vaults, wastewater pits, and/or protected trenches).

GENERAL STATEMENT AND SELECTION GUIDELINES

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work assigned to this job position. They should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties or tasks performed by personnel so classified.

The following will identify the selection guidelines for job placement:

• WVWA application.
• Rating of education, experience, training and qualifications.
• Reference checks.
• Interview with WVWA management team.
• Applicant must pass a pre‑employment physical and drug/alcohol test.
• A criminal background check and social security number verification will be performed. The results must match information provided by the applicant on the WVWA application.
• Job related test might be required and would be administered to all applicants applying for the position.