Distribution Operator I/II/III

About the role

EMWD’s mission is to deliver value to our diverse customers and the communities we serve by providing safe, reliable, economical and environmentally sustainable services. EMWD is a leader in sustainability efforts that provide long-term benefits to the environment and establishes EMWD as an industry front-runner in adapting to climate change. We have invested in solar energy programs that provide significant environmental benefits, are modernizing our fleet vehicles to be further reliant on clean energy, and have a long-term strategic priority to further reduce our carbon footprint while reducing financial impacts to customers.

Responsibilities

• Inspects, operates, maintains, services and performs operational repairs to facilities and equipment used in the storage, treatment and distribution of potable and reclaimed water
• Serves as a leader on assigned projects with responsibility for directing and reviewing the work of project staff
• Performs operational adjustments to the distribution system to ensure compliance with quality and regulatory requirements
• Responds to water leak and emergency repair situations
• Assists in the treatment and operation of systems through monitoring, inspecting and maintaining the potable and reclaimed water production, storage, pumping equipment and distribution systems, including reading meters, pressures, chlorine residuals, basic total dissolved liquids (TDS) and nitrate levels and samples
• Interprets and determines problems in the system from information on gauges, meters, charts and graphs; operates pumps, valves and related equipment to regulate flows and pressures
• Performs operational adjustments to the distribution system to ensure compliance with quality and regulatory requirements, including flushing trouble areas and pulling samples for lab and determining a plan to correct water quality problems; calculates chemical treatment and blends at wells and makes daily systems changes to plants, wells and storage sites
• Performs preventive maintenance program tasks on pumps, valves, engines, motors and related production, storage and distribution system equipment and facilities; performs pump testing using various head and flow instruments
• Collects and analyzes water samples from various locations within the distribution system to monitor and maintain water quality daily
• Receives chemical shipments, participates in the unloading process and records into inventory; inspects shipments received for standards compliance
• Inspects production, treatment, storage and distribution facilities for maintenance and cleaning needs, including climbing on top of tall steel tanks, climbing down into reservoirs, vaults and other confined spaces, working in large reservoirs, and climbing on ladders to inspect, service and clean pumps and other equipment or facilities; maintains building and grounds in a clean and orderly manner; follows District safety standards
• Responds to and confirms the existence of water main breaks, leaks, hydrants, etc.; contains and repairs minor leaks in accordance with safety guidelines; places safety signs and traffic-control barricades, isolates main breaks by operating distribution system valves; makes emergency shut-downs; notifies customer of shut downs; assists in establishing alternate routes and system operations to meet emergency demands; sets up temporary water where needed; coordinates activities with other departments, outside agencies, and contractors
• Responds in person to inquiries and investigates and resolves customer complaints as directed
• Transports and installs chlorine gas cylinders at disinfection facilities; responds to chlorine leaks to test air quality with a gas detector to verify leak and notify appropriate individuals; follows established regulations, guidelines, policies and procedures in the handling and transporting of hazardous materials
• Documents and maintains a variety of records and reports advising on overall system operations and shutdowns
• Observes and complies with all District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols

Requirements

• Principles, methods and techniques for operating pumps, valves, electric motors, diesel and natural gas engines and electronic, computerized and manual control systems
• Functions and servicing requirements of the equipment used in a water distribution system
• Safe working practices including those related to the transportation and handling of hazardous materials
• Methods and techniques of inspecting, maintaining and repairing a diverse range of equipment
• Operational characteristics of water distribution systems
• Principles, practices, methods and techniques utilized in chemical, bacteriological, and biological analyses
• Basic mathematics
• Principles and practices of record keeping
• Federal and state safe drinking water laws and regulations
• District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed

Skills

• Operate a variety of pumping, treatment, control and transmission equipment and machinery, including digital control equipment
• Accurately read meters, gauges, valve books, blueprints and schematic drawings
• Operate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), chlorine leak detector, gas detector, fall arrest system and ventilation equipment in accordance with safety standards
• Make mathematic calculations, including metrics
• Prepare basic records and reports of work performed
• Operate and maintain hand and power tools pertaining to the work
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

Qualifications

• Any combination of experience and education that provides the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, along with the specific licenses/certifications as outlined below
• One (1) year of experience operating and maintaining pumps and valves similar to those used in a large water distribution system
• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade
• A valid California driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District’s Vehicle Insurance Policy
• State of California Water Treatment Operator Certificate, Grade I; or the ability to obtain such within fifteen months from date of hire
• State of California Distribution Operator Certificate, Grade I; or the ability to obtain such within fifteen months from date of hire

Physical demands

Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; possible entry into confined spaces and the use of confined entry equipment, to climb and descend ladders, to operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District sites; and vision to inspect and operate equipment. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, which may include working on live electrical wires. Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50 pounds or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff. Employees must wear and use the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Work environment

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust and air contaminants. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.