Water System Operator I (Temporary/Part-Time)

City of Downey; Downey (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

City of Downey, Public Works Department, Utilities Division, seeks two part-time vacancies to support water, sewer and storm water operations. An eligibility list may be used for additional part-time openings. Hours average twenty per week.

Part-time positions do not include City benefits, except those required by law. Responsibilities include installing and repairing water lines and meters, flushing hydrants, turning valves, and cleaning lines.

Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent required.
• Ability to read and follow work orders and instructions.
• Effective oral and written communication; customer service mindset.
• Knowledge of basic safety practices and hazard recognition.

Responsibilities

• Assist in basic operation and maintenance tasks in water/sewer/storm water sections.
• Install and repair water lines, services and meters; flush hydrants; turn valves; clean lines.
• Respond to service requests and public inquiries; adhere to safety procedures and wear protective gear.

Skills

Read and follow work orders

Effective communication

Customer service

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Water meters

Valve turning equipment

Job description

Note: This recruitment may close until the needs of the Department are met, and may close at any time without notice.

This recruitment is to establish an eligibility list of qualified candidates to fill two (2) current part-time vacancies. The eligibility list may be utilized to fill other part-time vacancies as needed.

The position is utilized in the Public Works Department, Utilities Division and under direct supervision, performs routine duties relating to the basic functions in the operation and maintenance of assigned section. This position may be assigned to the Water Distribution, Sewer and Storm Water, Water Supply, or Customer Service sections of the Division.

Temporary/Part-Time Appointments: Work hours are flexible with an average of twenty (20) hours per week.

Temporary/Part-time appointments do not qualify for City benefits, except for those required by law. The City does not belong to the Social Security system; however, enrollment in an alternative retirement program is mandatory which requires an employee contribution of 7.5% of base earnings. The City contributes 2.5% and the employee contributes 5% of base earnings. There are no rights to employment and employment may end with or without cause or advance notice.

Certain City operational budgets may not include funding for mandated CalPERS employer contributions; therefore, a qualified candidate who is a current member of CalPERS may be restricted from temporary/part-time employment with the City of Downey.

Part-Time shifts may not exceed 999 hours on a fiscal year basis (July 1 through June 30).

• Assist in the performance of basic tasks related to the basic operation and maintenance of assigned section, including but not limited to: installing and repairing water lines, services and water meters; flushing fire hydrants, turning valves, cleaning sewer and storm drain lines; etc.


• Utilize adequate and appropriate tools, equipment, and materials for each task assigned; implement necessary changes in work methods, practices, and priorities as directed.


• Assist in the response to service requests, issues of regulatory compliance and complaints from the public.


• Participate in required training; perform work in a safe and efficient manner including proper and safe operation and maintenance of equipment.


• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required skills, knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the skills, knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: None required. Some Work experience within a municipal water, sewer, or storm water agency or district is desirable.

Education: High school graduate or equivalent.

Knowledge of: Water, sewer, and storm water systems; general construction and maintenance procedures; traffic laws; tools and equipment used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water/sewer/storm water facilities; state laws and regulations related to water, sewer, and storm water; safety precautions and procedures used in operation, maintenance, and repair work; customer service delivery; current computer technology, modern office practices, methods, and equipment.

Ability to: Read and follow work orders and instructions; use hand and power tools; follow safety practices and recognize hazards; carry out work assignments as instructed; maintain accurate records; communicate effectively orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

License Required: Due to the performance of field duties a valid California Class C Driver's License is required to carry out the essential functions of the position and an acceptable driving record at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System: An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent’s driving record and Driver’s License status on a periodic basis to the City of Downey. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.

Physical Abilities:

• Physical mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties assigned.


• Ability to drive a City vehicle or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation to travel to different work sites and locations to carry out job-related duties.


• Ability to stand for long periods and/or walk long distances. Some walking may occur on sloping, slippery and/or uneven surfaces.


• Mobility to sit, stand, kneel, crawl, climb, crouch, stoop, reach, twist, and bend.


• Ability to twist at the lower body, at the waist, and at the upper body.


• Mobility of both arms to reach and dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate small and large objects or tools, from overhead to the ground positions.


• Perform work, which involves hand/arm and upper/lower body dexterity to grasp, lift, push, pull, move and drag objects, which may weigh approximately 75 pounds and up to 100 pounds.


• Based on job assignment, required to wear protective apparel including hardhats, gloves, goggles, respirators, face protectors, ear protection, aprons, coveralls, and steel-toed shoes.


• Based on job assignment, may be required to work at heights above ground level.


• Utilities Division job assignments may require work in confined spaces and wearing of required protection devices for confined space entry.


• Based on job assignment, may operate power equipment requiring hand, arm, and upper body strength (includes, but not limited to the following: electric drills, circular saws, reciprocating saws; pneumatic jackhammers, clay spades, impact wrenches; vibratory plate compactors and rollers; grinders, air compressors, trash pumps, pipe threaders, power drain snakes; rototillers, power trenchers; chain saws, and, hand tools such as shovels, rakes, lutes, hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, chisels, scrapers, crowbars, pry-bars, manhole picks, pipe cutters, bench vises.


• Work performed in an office environment requires the performance of duties which require the ability to speak, hear, touch and see. Also required is the ability to exert a small amount of physical effort in sedentary to light work involving moving from one area to another; occasionally bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing and pulling (drawers opened and closed to retrieve and file information); occasionally lifting and carrying materials that weigh less than 25 pounds. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter, or calculator; requires sufficient hand/eye coordination to perform semi-skilled repetitive movements, such as typing on a keyboard, filing, data entry and/or use of a personal computer or other office equipment and supplies; may involve sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time.

Environmental Conditions/Exposures: Work is primarily performed outdoors in the field with exposure to the weather. Based on job assignment, exposures may also include: contact with hot and cold surfaces, loud noises and exhaust fumes from equipment and vehicle engines, vibrations, working in close proximity to moving mechanical parts (mechanical hazards), electrical current (electrical hazards), vehicular traffic and confined spaces; and, contact with potential natural irritants such as vegetation, dust, soil, tree pollens, sawdust, etc. The incumbent stands and walks on level and uneven/slippery surfaces. Other work is performed in an office environment with moderate noise levels. Based on job assignment, may be exposed to chemicals including but not limited to: gasoline, diesel, motor oil, grease, paint thinner, strippers, solvents, ammonia, bleach, cleansers, volatile organic compounds, fertilizers and non-restricted pesticides.