Senior Water Distribution Operator

DEFINITION:
Under general supervision of the Water Distribution Supervisor, independently performs and leads highly skilled maintenance duties and activities assigned to maintenance positions; independently performs a variety of highly skilled maintenance activities relative to assigned area of responsibility; operates power-driven maintenance and construction equipment.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Senior Water Distribution Operator is a highly advanced journey level classification within the Water Distribution Operator series. Incumbents in this classification perform work of a manual nature, which requires a higher degree of mental and physical dexterity. This classification is distinguished from the next lower classification of Water Distribution Operator II and has by the performance of more technical and complex duties and responsibilities, which may include operating heavy equipment, maintaining and repairing a variety of water lines. Incumbent assume lead supervision responsibility over distribution crews, assigns work orders, orders materials and performs a variety of other tasks in support of assigned area of responsibility.

Note: Incumbents in this classification are subject to the Alcohol/Drug Testing requirements of the Department of Transportation.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
Exercises direct technical and functional supervision over lower level maintenance crews and staff. EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Perform a variety of skilled maintenance tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.
• Supervise and perform tasks and duties relative to the maintenance and repair of a variety of water services including water mains, water meters, service laterals and new line installations.
• Oversee distribution crews.
• Assign work orders to distribution crews.
• Act as City liaison for new construction.
• Work with other divisional staff as needed.
• Troubleshoot and test water meters and various flow rates.
• Remove and install water meters and fire hydrants.
• Perform general landscaping work in close proximity to water meters, mains and other water services or equipment.
• Locate water mains and lines as needed for construction and maintenance and research records for USA tagging and location of lines; oversee servicing of water meters.
• Instruct maintenance staff in safety procedures and techniques and perform safety tailgate meetings at job sites.
• Maintain records of installations and repairs of meters and other services.
• Perform pipefitting and work with cutting torch as is necessary.
• Exercise water main valves.
• Oversee and perform flushing activities.
• Operate and maintain a variety of maintenance and construction equipment and/or machinery including a dump truck, loader, tractor, chain saws, back hoe and a variety of other heavy and powered equipment; perform routine preventive maintenance checks on assigned equipment.
• Assist in the training of lower level personnel in the areas of work; ensure adherence to safe work methods, procedures and practices; identify training opportunities and needs; make recommendations to higher level staff.
• Respond to questions and concerns from the general public; provide information as is appropriate and resolve service complaints.
• Responsible for the preparation, creation and execution of daily, weekly, quarterly and yearly, preventive maintenance scheduling of water distribution equipment and reporting of PMS to supervisor.
• Create, review and save traffic plans as required. Submit plans to supervisor upon request.
• Maintain prompt and regular attendance.
• Perform other related duties as required.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
A typical way to obtain this knowledge and abilities would be:

Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Supplemented by specialized training in water construction and maintenance, or water technology is highly desirable.
AND
Experience: Five (5) years of experience in the installation, construction, and maintenance of public water system pipelines, valves, and appurtenances or a related field.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of a class B California drivers license with air breaks and tanker endorsements is required. Possession of a class A California drivers license with air breaks and tanker endorsements is desirable.
• Possession of a State Water Resources Control Board Grade III Water Distribution Operator Certificate is required.
• Possession of a State Water Resources Control Board Grade I Water Treatment Operator Certificate is required. Possession of a State Water Resources Control Board Grade II Water Treatment Operator Certificate is desirable.

Additional Requirements:
Depending on the needs of the City, the incumbent of this classification may be required to maintain additional licenses or certificates and Continuing Education Units. The incumbent may be required to work outside the traditional work schedule. May be subject to call out/call back or stand-by scheduling. Knowledge of:
Operation, care and preventive maintenance techniques for heavy equipment and assigned power tools. Methods, materials, tools and equipment relative to assigned area of responsibility including water meters, main equipment and tools, and water main valve exercise equipment. Occupational hazards and standard safety practices. Practices, methods, and materials used in general construction, grounds maintenance, and general maintenance work. Basic OSHA and Cal-OSHA safety regulations. Modern office equipment, including a computer and applicable software. Report writing and record keeping methods.

Ability to:
Operate a variety of heavy equipment. Perform skilled construction and maintenance tasks. Read and interpret maps, sketches, drawings, specifications, and technical manuals. Perform labor-intensive manual tasks for extended periods of time. Supervise and train advance journey level, semi-skilled and unskilled workers. Keep accurate records. Ensure safe working practices. Work independently. Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Communicate clearly and concisely. Operate an office computer for reporting or retrieving information. Establish effective working relationships in the work place Respond to issues and concerns from the community. Hold safety tailgate meetings within the distribution section of the Water Division. Work standby, per the MOU.

Skill to:
Operate a variety of heavy equipment on City streets. Effectively operate a motor vehicle on City streets. Operate computer and applicable software.

Recruitment and Selection Process

The candidates with the most desired qualifications and that best meet the city's needs will be invited to participate in the Oral Board Interview process. Candidates successful in this process will have their names certified to an eligibility list. This list is valid for one (1) year.

Disaster Service Worker Government Code Section 3100