Field Operations Technician I/II

About the role

A Field Operations Technician I performs routine tasks and many of the duties required of a Field Operations Technician II but is not expected to perform at the same skill level. A Field Operations Technician I exercises less independent judgment and discretion and has a narrower scope of responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Reads, records, and reports potable and recycled water meter readings, cleans face of meters and clears meter boxes and areas around the meter boxes so that meter can be read.
• Generates and reviews computer reports to identify unusual usage; based on report results, determines need for confirmation of specific reads; rereads meters indicated to be reading too high or too low on computer summaries; rereads meters on which customer concerns have been received; investigates potential causes for unusual readings and documents findings.
• Accesses computer programs for records regarding customer accounts and meter information; researches customer accounts and meter records for information and data.
• Maintains records on meter history, repairs and maintenance.
• Utilizes and maintains documentation and systems used in the performance of duties including maps, drawings, prints, schematics, operational and compliance records, work orders, procurement documents, geographical information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), and other systems and tools.
• Responds to customer service calls for a variety of requests, questions, and concerns such as requests to turn on/off service and questions/concerns regarding high water use, leaks, no water, water pressure, billing, and other issues; confers with customer to determine full extent and nature of problem; investigates presence and probable causes of difficulties; advises customer of findings and possible remedies; records and reports findings for customer records.
• Conducts preliminary investigations of water quality complaints; informs customer of findings; prepares report and refers, as necessary, to appropriate District personnel for further investigation.
• Investigates high and low pressure difficulties; reads District maps and schematics to assess potential causes; reports findings to appropriate District staff and may assist with activities for remediation; advises customer of findings; explains District course of action or reasons that pressure problems cannot be remedied.
• Performs maintenance and repairs to a variety of equipment including meters and meter boxes, automatic meter reading (AMR) and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) equipment, pressure regulators, vaults and other water service appurtenances such as broken angle stops, pipe coatings, customer hand valves, broken lids, and boxes.
• Performs preliminary investigation of leaks on mains and service lines; determines extent of leak and takes appropriate action, such as total dissolved solids (TDS) testing, main valve shutoff, notification to customers and other appropriate District personnel; responds to emergency calls pertaining to issues such as main leaks and sheared/downed fire hydrants.
• Performs water audits/surveys at customers’ properties and assists with recycled water surveillance, cross connection inspections, and backflow testing and maintenance.
• May participate in varied construction activities, including pouring concrete, large meter change out, raising vaults, traffic control, etc.
• Maintains yard, shop, vehicle, stock parts, and equipment inventory in clean, organized, and working order.

Requirements

• DEMONSTRATED KNOWLEDGE OF AND PERFORMANCE IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: Common hand tools and their use; Tools, materials, methods and equipment used in testing and repairing water meters; Shop practices and the operation of common shop machines; How to install and replace meters and perform minor field repairs; Water conservation techniques, public relation skills, leak detection methods; Basic computer skills and general record keeping; Safe work practices and procedures; Customer service methods, practices, and techniques.
• ABILITY TO: Understand and follow oral and written instructions and work independently; Use basic hand tools to perform minor repair and maintenance tasks; Understand and use of water meter reading systems; Investigate and resolve a variety of technical issues pertaining to the delivery of potable and recyled water services; Read and interpret technical documentation such as maps, drawings, prints, and schematics; Utilize geographic information system (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), and other programs utilized in the course of work; Operate office equipment, including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database applications; Apply and evaluate new and existing methods and standard operating procedures; Prepare and maintain a variety of records and reports; Perform basic mathematical calculations. Read water gauges, meters and record figures rapidly and accurately; Deal tactfully and effectively with the public; Perform work in a safe manner and in compliance with safety and health policies, procedures, and practices.

Qualifications

• EDUCATION: High school diploma or equivalent is required
• EXPERIENCE: Field Operations Technician I - One (1) year of experience in dealing with the public in a customer/field service capacity and/or one (1) year of experience working in a construction or mechanical repair activity. Field Operations Technician II - One (1) year of experience as a Field Operations Technician I or comparable experience in potable water systems.

Skills

• DEMONSTRATED KNOWLEDGE OF AND PERFORMANCE IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: Common hand tools and their use; Tools, materials, methods and equipment used in testing and repairing water meters; Shop practices and the operation of common shop machines; How to install and replace meters and perform minor field repairs; Water conservation techniques, public relation skills, leak detection methods; Basic computer skills and general record keeping; Safe work practices and procedures; Customer service methods, practices, and techniques.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance Coverage
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Vacation
• Holidays
• Deferred Compensation Plan

Pay

• Initially earned at 4 hours per bi-weekly pay period up to a total of 6.46 hours per pay period.

Schedule

• Flexibly staffed series.