Water Distribution Senior Operator

The City of Livermore is currently accepting applications for the position of Water Distribution Senior Operator. This recruitment is open until filled. Apply immediately as recruitment may close at any time. For a copy of the job announcement, CLICK HERE .

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, organizes, assigns and reviews the work of water distribution operators engaged in the operation and maintenance of potable and recycled water distribution systems; performs a broad range of skilled duties associated with the operation, maintenance and repair of major potable and recycled water facilities, including those requiring specialized knowledge; provides administrative support to supervisor; and performs other duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Water Distribution Senior Operator is a multi-skilled position required to perform a variety of tasks including, but not limited to, precautionary disinfection and process calibration, maintenance, quality control, safety, and problem solving. This is the advanced journey and lead level in the Water Distribution Operator series that is distinguished from other classes in the series by the level of responsibility assumed, complexity of duties, special projects assigned, independence of action taken, system-wide operational analysis, and by the nature of the interactions with the public. Employees provide lead direction to operations personnel and perform the most difficult and responsible assignments within this series. Employees at this level are required to be fully proficient in all procedures related to assigned areas of responsibility. It is further distinguished from the Water Distribution Supervising Operator in that the Supervisor Operator is the first line supervisor classification with primary responsibility for the overall supervision of staff assigned to the section, including completion of employee performance evaluations.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

General supervision is provided by the Water Distribution Supervising Operator and the Water Distribution Operations Manager.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May provide training and project direction to Water Distribution Operator Trainees, I, II, III, and temporary employees assigned to the section.

Lead Functions

Plans, prioritizes, and reviews the work of staff assigned to a variety of potable water and recycled water distribution operations and maintenance duties; develops schedules and methods to accomplish assignments ensuring work is completed in a timely and efficient manner; ensures appropriate staffing level is on duty; calls in personnel as needed; assumes responsibility for covering a part of the work assignments of other personnel during short absences; adjusts work assignments of on-duty personnel as needed.

Maintenance Functions

Performs difficult and/or complex repair and maintenance work; performs construction and improvement projects; operates a variety of hand and power tools and equipment; maintains tools and equipment in safe and proper working condition; and maintains work areas in a clean and orderly condition.

Water Distribution Functions

Troubleshoots difficult and complex operations issues and resolves problems; performs comprehensive oversight of data and systems, and provides solutions; monitors work of consultants; monitors and finalizes inspections of work in the field; participates in the inspection of water meters and water service lines; identifies and determines the cause of abnormally high consumption levels; opens and closes valves and performs related adjustments to ensure proper distribution pressure levels within each pressure zone, as necessary; initiates and discontinues water distribution to residential and commercial establishments; performs and directs the collection and transport of water samples for lab analysis; conducts bacteriological testing and monitors chlorine levels; flushes distribution system to maintain good water quality; inspects and repairs pressure reducing valves to maintain safe pressure levels; performs inspections of storage tanks and pump station buildings; programs pump stations; conducts the most difficult troubleshooting, diagnosis, and problem solving; monitors water system for unauthorized and improper connections to prevent damage to the water distribution system and injury; performs cross-connection control surveys, tests and inspection on potable and recycled water systems; responds to waterline emergencies as needed; performs and directs the installation, maintenance, and repair of water meters, and related service lines; services, adjusts and repairs motors, pumps, fire hydrants, and other equipment; and operates a hand held radio.

Administrative Support Functions

Accurately maintains records and documentation; reviews and initiates actions needed to respond to or comply with memoranda and other instructions; receives service requests and complaints from service users and the public; investigates and takes actions needed to respond to service needs; prepares records of service calls and complaints and submits follow-up reports; prepares drafts and final copy of written procedures, instructions and other materials; responds to utility service alerts on behalf of the system; monitors supply inventories; places orders to replenish supplies; receives and receipts materials and supply deliveries; records and submits administrative documentation; identifies operating requirements; creates documentation needed for operations as necessary; reviews manuals, diagrams, blueprints, and other equipment and system documentation; responds to information requests and conducts potable water and recycled water system tours for regulatory inspectors, potential bidders on system projects, and City personnel; prepares and presents formal reports and recommendations as appropriate; participates in City-wide committees; participates in teams engaged with process and customer service improvements, cross-training, and team evaluations; assists with the orientation and training of water distribution operation personnel; and performs other assigned work consistent with the responsibilities of the classification and necessary for effective potable water and recycled water systems and City operations.

Demonstrated Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of technical and functional supervision and training; current and advanced principles, practices, and equipment applied to the operation and maintenance of water distribution systems including major components of pumping plants, reservoirs and rate control valves; principles, methods and practices of water distribution and energy management within a multiple, complex cascade system; related equipment servicing and repair; mechanical, electrical and hydraulic principles; safety rules, codes, and regulations including confined space procedures; Federal, State and local legal and regulatory requirements and related technical terminology used in potable water and recycled water distribution and regulatory activities; general intent and specific application of administrative operating policies and procedures common to water distribution organizations; uses and principles of computerized electronic equipment in the collection, storage and interpretation of operational data related to monitoring and control of raw water and treated water distribution facilities and equipment; routine operating report generation; principles and practices of servicing, repairing and calibrating water distribution system equipment; current technological developments in water distribution and water quality; and specific situations requiring use of protective gear and equipment.

Demonstrated Skills to:

Perform the most difficult and complex duties related to operation and maintenance of potable and recycled water distribution systems and related facilities; operate water distribution system equipment including automatic control devices and distribution system equipment using advanced SCADA systems, techniques and complex analyses of water distribution system requirements; analyze problem equipment and operational systems; implement and comply with safety rules; identify safety hazards; interpret work orders; collect potable water and recycled water samples and perform standard field sample analyses; observe, interpret, and record measurements indicated on gauges, meters and similar measuring devices; maintain safe and reliable water supply to customers; service, repair and calibrate equipment; actively participate in multi person operation by giving feedback and offering constructive recommendations for operational problems; perform operations and maintenance tasks without immediate or detailed supervision; interpret and understand the contents of technical manuals, drawings, specifications, blueprints, layouts and schematics; prepare summary or detailed reports involving narrative comment and statistical and financial data; instruct and train others in specific policies and procedures used in distribution system and equipment operations; perform basic mathematical calculations common to the work; operate water distribution system equipment, controls and safety devices; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; exercise diplomacy and tact in controversial situations; establish and maintain effective working relationships; and exemplify an enthusiastic, resourceful and effective service attitude with those contacted in the course of work.

Ability to:

Recognize unusual, inefficient, or dangerous operating conditions and take appropriate action; compile, evaluate and analyze operational data and information and take appropriate action; establish and maintain effective communication with co-workers at all levels of the organization; work effectively with others; and exhibit and instill in co-workers a high customer service priority.

Experience, Education, and Training Guidelines:

Any combination of experience, education, and training that would provide the best qualified candidate. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

Experience: Three years of performing journey level operations and maintenance duties in potable water distribution. Lead direction experience is highly desirable.

Education: Equivalent to graduation from high school.

Training: Any recent training such as academic courses and certification programs which are relevant to this job classification.

Certification: Requires possession and maintenance of the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Water Distribution Operator Grade III Certificate at time of appointment. An (AWWA) Cross-Connection Control Specialist Certification and a SWRCB Water Distribution Operator Grade IV Certificate is required prior to the completion of the probationary period.

License: Possession and maintenance of a valid California Class A driver's license with appropriate endorsements.

Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) Requirement: Incumbents in this job classification may be called upon, at any time, to perform safety sensitive functions, and therefore, may be subject to the Federal Highway Administration D.O.T. regulations and the City's policy concerning drug and alcohol testing as a continuing condition of employment with the City of Livermore.

Other Requirements: Willingness and ability to work scheduled and emergency overtime; work outdoors in all weather conditions; work at night, in confined and awkward spaces, in heavy traffic, and in the presence of noxious odors, toxic chemicals, biological agents, and sewage; work in potentially hazardous areas; wear and use appropriate safety clothing and equipment, including self-contained breathing devices; and attend meetings, workshops, and seminars during work and non-work hours.

Special Requirements : Essential duties require the mental and physical ability to drive a variety of vehicles and operate equipment; detect odors and running water; identify mechanical noises; converse on the telephone, two-way radio, and in person, often over the noise of machinery; bend, stoop, climb, and stand for long periods of time; read fine print with no color deficiencies to detect color-coded wires and read results of water color tests; manipulate small parts and components; safely lift and maneuver equipment and supplies such as fire hydrants, water meters, grates, large PVC pipe, wire spools, meter boxes, jackhammers, and other equipment and supplies weighing up to 100 pounds; and safely wear self-contained breathing apparatus while entering and working in confined spaces.

The City of Livermore is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity.