Water Distribution Operator I - PT

About the role

The City of Covina Public Works Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Water Distribution Operator I - PT. This recruitment will establish an Eligibility list for future vacancies.

Responsibilities

• Performs a variety of maintenance, repair, installation and/or cleaning activities, which may involve: water leaks, water mains, water services, fire hydrants, backflow devices and other related appurtenances.
• Participates and assists co-workers with work methods, techniques, and procedures related to: water, service, water main and valve installation; water leak repairs; main valve replacement; meter reading; locating and marking services for contractors; securing hazardous materials; and/or other related activities.
• Documents work activities and maintains related records and logs and responds to inquiries and requests for maintenance; recommends solutions to problems and issues; assists in starting new service and/or turning off service.
• Troubleshoots problems related to right-of-way maintenance, leaks, fire hydrants, water quality, services, mains, meters, and other related equipment.
• Aids in the installation of mains, pipes, valves and hydrants, meters, and other water system appurtenances.
• Installs service pipes using jacking methods or trenching to meter site; flushes and shut-off valves; uses pipe locator and tract maps to isolate leaks and makes the less difficult repairs; performs installation of mains, pipes, valves and hydrants, meters, and other water system appurtenances.
• Drives trucks of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling and unloading of various equipment, gravel and sand.
• Performs routine inspection on assigned equipment and refers defects or needed repairs to supervisor; cleans equipment.
• Maintains work area, chemical storage area, and equipment in a condition that complies with established safety practices and Cal-OSHA.
• Performs preventive maintenance to valves and other fixtures as scheduled or necessary; tests meters to ensure accuracy; searches for and repairs leaks; installs locks, activates and de-activates meters, reads meters as assigned; ensures meters are functioning properly; reports problems to supervisor.
• Participates in related equipment maintenance and repair activities; maintains inventory of parts and supplies needed in repair and maintenance; identifies and requisitions parts and supplies as necessary; performs parts inventory and ordering as needed.
• Performs semi-skilled cement, carpentry and painting work in connection with water system repairs.
• Performs general maintenance, debris clean up, and assists in skilled carpentry, welding and mechanical work; adheres to safe work methods, procedures and practices.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies, City management and staff, and the public.

Requirements

• Education and/or Experience: Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for a Water Distribution Operator. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess a high school diploma, or equivalent, supplemented with related college level course work, and a minimum of one year of maintenance and construction involving water mains, pipe, culvert, or similar construction work or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
• Licenses and Certificates: Possess at time of appointment and maintain the following: A valid Class C California driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record. Grade D1 Water Distribution certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board is required at entry. Current City employees must obtain within 11 months from date of appointment to WDO I. Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License is highly desirable. Possess within 11 months of hire and maintain the following: Forklift Operation certification. Successful completion of safe driving, CPR and First Aide courses.

Skills

• Knowledge: Methods, materials, fittings, and tools used in repair of water systems and meter equipment; water system mains, services, hydrants, meters and valves; and methods of construction and maintenance of water services; knowledge of pipe laying and fitting; equipment used in maintenance and repair such as front loaders, backhoes, cranes, dump trucks, jackhammers; safety practices, equipment inspection techniques; City maintenance and operations standards; methods and tools required for locating and unearthing water system fixtures; geographic layout of the City; principles of plumbing and mechanical maintenance; techniques and materials used in the maintenance and repair of streets, gutters, sidewalks, valves, sewer lifts, water and sewer lines; safe work methods and safety regulations pertaining to the work, including OSHA; proper placement of cones, barricades and warning devices and directing traffic flow at job sites.
• Ability: Follow oral and written directions for safe working practices; communicate effectively and clearly; establish and maintain cooperative relationships with others contacted in the course of work; work with and occasionally lead a small crew; apply safety precaution measures and sound judgment; perform routine mathematical computations; perform safety operations and traffic flagging; perform heavy physical labor; exercise independent judgment and initiative within established guidelines without close supervision; comply with laws, regulations and professional practices governing water distribution system operations.
• Skill: Use pipe and pneumatic tools and equipment; operate light and heavy-duty trucks; follow written and oral directions and maintain simple records; safely and effectively operate a variety of equipment and power and hand tools used in heavy and light duty equipment repair.