Water Distribution Technician – 955

City of Columbia; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Columbia’s Water Utility seeks two skilled Water Distribution Operators to join the Water Utility. You will inspect, install, and maintain water distribution infrastructure, locate leaks with ultrasonic devices, and respond to service calls while keeping documentation current.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma, 3–5 years in water operations, and a path to DS III certification and Backflow Tester license within six months.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 3–5 years of experience in water distribution operations.
• Willing to pursue DS III certification within six months.
• Valid Class A CDL with no air brake restriction within six months.

Responsibilities

• Operates computerized equipment and ultrasonic listening devices to locate water utilities, survey and pinpoint leaks in the water distribution system.
• Documents work performed.
• Installs, replaces, and performs diagnostic tests on various sizes of water meters and endpoints.
• Performs inspections for compliance and approval of Building Water Connection.
• Monitors and investigates cross connection/backflow assembly inspections for compliance and reporting to Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
• Receives and responds to service calls and provides emergency maintenance and repairs to water distribution infrastructure.
• Performs customer notifications for disconnects/reconnects, outages and private leaks.
• Investigates customer calls and determines corrective action needed to remedy problems.
• Provides high levels of effective customer service.
• Operates hand and power tools, machines, heavy equipment, and commercial vehicles.
• Collects and performs field analysis of water samples to determine source.
• Utilizes a computer or electronic device in a mobile environment to retrieve, collect, and disseminate data using work orders and GIS system applications.

Skills

Customer service

Verbal and written communication

Data entry

Troubleshooting

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

MO1Call system

GIS field tools

Field laptops

Ultrasonic listening devices

Job description

2 POSITIONS AVAILABLE HOURS: Monday – Friday, 7:00AM to 3:30PM SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS: Required to maintain a telephone and permanent residence within 50 road miles of City Hall, 701 E Broadway, Columbia, MO within 90 days of hire. The purpose of this job is to perform skilled technical work in leak detection, metering, building water connections and backflow prevention programs. Performs skilled work in installation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution infrastructure. Provides customer service for water service issues.

• Operates computerized equipment and ultrasonic listening devices to locate water utilities, survey and pinpoint leaks in the water distribution system.
• Documents work performed.
• Installs, replaces, and performs diagnostic tests on various sizes of water meters and endpoints.
• Performs inspections for compliance and approval of Building Water Connection.
• Monitors and investigates cross connection/backflow assembly inspections for compliance and reporting to Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
• Receives and responds to service calls and provides emergency maintenance and repairs to water distribution infrastructure.
• Performs customer notifications for disconnects/reconnects, outages and private leaks.
• Investigates customer calls and detemines corrective action needed to remedy problems.
• Provides high levels of effective customer service.
• Operates hand and power tools, machines, heavy equipment, and commercial vehicles.
• Collects and performs field analysis of water samples to determine source.
• Utilizes a computer or electronic device in a mobile environment to retrieve, collect, and disseminate data using work orders and GIS system applications.
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3 to 5 years’ experience in water distribution operations.

Licenses or Certifications

• Water Distribution System Operator DS III level certification issued by Missouri State Department of Natural Resources within six months of hire.
• Missouri Certified Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester license within six months of hire.
• Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License with no air brake restriction.
• Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certification.

Knowledge of:

• Water main repair and installation.
• Standard practices, methods, materials, tools, and equipment of building trades.
• State and federal drinking water regulations.
• Traffic Safety, Compentent Person, Confined Space Entry, Trenching and Shoring, and OSHA practices and guidelines.
• State anf federal regulations and standards pertaining to cross connection/backflow.

Skill in:

• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one tasks to another of a different nature.
• Operating motorized equipment, including construction equipment, and hand/power tools.
• Communicating verbally and in writing to meet the needs of the audience.
• Applying active listening and asking questions for understanding.
• Developing and maintaining effective work relationships.
• Typing and/or data entry with minimal errors.

Ability to:

• Work from blueprints, plans, and sketches.
• Use and maintain hand and power tools and equipment.
• Provide high levels of effective customer service.
• Use software and field laptops.
• Work independently with minimal supervison.
• Calculate chemical dosages, water volume, and flow rates for proper disenfection of water mains.
• Focus on tasks.
• Use MO1Call system to request emergency and routine locate tickets.
• Work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
• Ability to work on-call and respond at all hours of the day/night.
• Perform heavy physical labor.