Water Service Inspector

City of Rockford; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Rockford is hiring a Water Service Inspector to read, install, and maintain water meters, locate cut-off boxes, and investigate customer complaints about leaks and water usage. The role requires hands-on skill with tools and ability to work with residents.

Includes operating city vehicles, coordinating with Water Supervisors, and using WinGIS and Munis for records and bill-related data. Residency within required area may apply.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or GED and 2 years of water service experience or equivalent.
• Class D or C water operator license preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, and read water meters in residential and commercial settings.
• Turn water off/on at service cut-off boxes and valves as needed.
• Investigate leaks and customer complaints related to water usage and pressure.
• Locate and repair cut-off boxes, valve boxes, and manholes using hand tools and equipment.
• Explain water policies and ordinances to customers.
• Use WinGIS, Munis, and other software to look up measurements and maps.
• Assist Water Distribution staff and train new inspectors as needed.

Skills

Meter installation

Meter repair

Hand tools

Record keeping

Problem solving

Written communication

Verbal communication

Vehicle operation in traffic

Education

High School diploma or GED

2 years water service experience

Water operator license (Class D or C) preferred

Tools

WinGIS

Munis

Plat maps

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

DEFINITION:

Under general supervision performs work of moderate difficulty in reading, installing, inspecting and maintaining water meters; locating and making repairs to City cut-off boxes; turning water off/on investigating customer complaints; investigating and determining responsibility of water leakage inside and outside.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

1. 1. Installs, maintains, and reads water meters in residential and commercial buildings, above ground meter boxes, crawlspace, and also manholes.
2. 2. Turns water off and on at service cut-off boxes, valve boxes and in manholes, for delinquencies, repairs, customer requests, non-compliance with policies and ordinances.
3. 3. Investigates customer complaints such as high-water consumption, high/low pressure, dirty water, noisy pipes, frozen pipes, checks plumbing fixtures for leakage.
4. 4. Locates water cut-off boxes, valve boxes, manholes, and completes repairs to cut-off boxes. Includes utilizing tools to dig around a cut-off-box to varying depths, required for repairs, utilizing concrete saws, as well as other hand tools.
5. 5. Investigates leaks inside and outside structures, including service and main breaks and determines whose responsibility it is to repair leaks.
6. 6. Uses various hand tools, tracing and metal detecting equipment, pipe locating equipment, and water pumps; operates a two-way radio, may operate a forklift.
7. 7. Advises customers about basic plumbing repairs, compliance to water policies and water ordinances.
8. 8. Uses appropriate software to look up measurements of water services and valves and water main plats (WinGIS, plat maps, Munis, Microsoft Outlook).
9. 9. Installs temporary water services and construction meters on fire hydrants.
10. 10. Assists Water Distribution personnel when needed.
11. 11. Assists in training of new Water Service Inspectors.
12. 12. Safely operates assigned City vehicles.
13. 13. Responsible for job daily assignments including completing all required work orders, acting as supervisor when required, performing general labor, and insuring that assigned job site has been cleaned and left without safety hazards.
14. 14. Responsible for the daily maintenance of assigned City vehicle, including checking and maintaining fluid levels, checking vehicle safety features, and washing and cleaning interiors and exteriors.
15. 15. Maintains tools and equipment in good working order.
16. 16. Observes basic safety practices.
17. 17. Performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Water Service Supervisors with considerable latitude in carrying out essential tasks and assignments to completion. Additional guidance is provided through, Supervisors, City ordinances, policies, and procedures. Work is reviewed periodically for adherence to policies and procedures, for timely accomplishment of tasks, for overall results achieved, and for the degree to which work meets established standards.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Working skill in installing, maintaining and repairing meters, in using hand tools, in diagnosing and analyzing mechanical problems, and calculating various types of consumption rates and measurements. Must have the ability to maintain records, interpret instructions, as well as have strong problem-solving and written and verbal communication skills. Skilled in driving a vehicle in heavy traffic and various weather conditions.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

High School or GED. Two (2) years of experience in water service or, any equivalent combination of training and experience. Possession of a Class D or C water operator license is preferred but not required.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work involves frequent walking, standing, kneeling for extended lengths of time, navigating down and upstairs in residences and business, utilizing tools to dig around a cut-off-box to varying depths, required for repairs, crawling or navigating through crawl spaces and tight quarters, climbing, and driving; as well as lifting and carrying of heavy objects (up to 50 pounds). Work also occurs within water vaults and manholes where an employee will need to be able to enter the opening of a vault or manhole utilizing the proper safety gear and techniques.

Work is conducted both inside and outside and may involve regular exposure to adverse conditions and exposure to the rough and uneven terrain and confined spaces.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of a valid Illinois Driver’s License.
• Possession of a valid Class B Illinois Commercial Driver's License within six months of hire.
• Able to enter a manhole or vault structure.
• Able to install meter apparatus in rafters.
• Forklift certification within one (1) year of hire.
• Ability to courteously work with the general public.

Residency Requirement:

Modified November 15, 2021: All employees (except Police Sworn and Fire Sworn) hired on or after June 1, 2018, shall reside anywhere in Winnebago County or within fifteen (15) miles of Rockford City Hall (425 E. State Street Rockford, IL 61104) within six (6) months after their introductory period. Department Heads shall live within the municipal boundaries of the city of Rockford.