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Cross Connection Specialist

The City of Glendora is seeking a knowledgeable, technically skilled, and motivated Cross Connection Specialist to join our Public Works Water Division and will be fundamental in protecting the City's water system. This is an exciting opportunity for a water professional who enjoys working in the field, solving technical programs, interacting with the community, and applying their expertise to real-world water system challenges.

The Cross Connection Specialist will play a key role in administering and advancing the City's cross-connection control and backflow prevention program. This position offers a diverse combination of field investigations, technical analysis, regulatory compliance, customer service, program administration, and collaboration with property owners, businesses, contractors, developers, backflow testers, and regulatory agencies.

Under general supervision, the Cross Connection Specialist will conduct cross-connection surveys and investigations, evaluate potential hazards, inspect and test backflow prevention assemblies, review testing and compliance documentation, corrective actions, maintain accurate program records and databases, and provide technical guidance regarding cross-connection control requirements. The position will also have opportunities to participate in development review, water quality sampling and investigations, and other specialized Water Division activities.

This position is more than simply inspecting and testing backflow devices. The successful candidate will serve as a technical resource and subject matter expert within the Water Division, helping the City identify potential risks, resolve complex cross-connection issues, improve program processes, and ensure the continued protection of the City's water system.

Essential Job Functions

These functions may not be present in all positions in this class. When a position is to be filled, the essential functions will be noted in the announcement of position availability. Letters in parenthesis at the end of each function represent the abilities required to perform that function.

1. Performs technical and specialized duties in support of the City's water system cross connection control and backflow prevention program development, implementation, and maintenance including data management oversight, field investigations, surveys, tests, audits, and oversight of work performed by City contract staff.
2. Ensures all program activities comply with federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations related to current safe drinking water standards.
3. Contacts customers to ensure compliance with backflow device requirements and ensures customers make appropriate repairs; generates and sends initial notices, follow-up notices, and final notices to owners of backflow devices for compliance with annual testing requirements; maintains records and files on backflow prevention devices, locations, inspections, testing, and corrections.
4. Surveys and investigates plumbing systems to evaluate and identify cross connection hazards; explains findings and recommends installation of backflow prevention devices; follows up with customers to monitor compliance; performs tests to ensure proper working condition of devices.
5. Locates, inspects, tests, and repairs new and existing backflow prevention devices within the City's service area; maintains and installs devices as required.
6. Prepares written inspection reports and related program documentation; maintains inspection documentation and records as required by state, federal laws and in accordance with established City records management procedures.
7. Coordinates and conducts water quality sampling program; collects water samples at designated sample stations, and throughout the water system; checks water samples for pH levels, chlorine residuals, and solids; prepares water quality documentation for submittal to regulatory agencies.
8. Collects, compiles, and maintains field data and test results for documentation and reporting purposes; maintains and ensures the accuracy of detailed databases, files, and records of work performed.
9. Receives and responds to customer complaints, questions, and requests for service; reads, interprets, applies, and explains regulations and standards to customers.
10. Receives and responds to inquiries from contractors, developers, engineers, and the public concerning the City's rules and regulations regarding the cross-connection control and backflow prevention program.
11. Research new operational methods, techniques, equipment, and with federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulatory requirements; recommends appropriate application and action; requisitions necessary tools, equipment, and supplies after approval.
12. Attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains liaison with other City departments, divisions, businesses, contractors, and other agencies, including regulatory agencies.
13. Performs various other technical and specialized duties related to the inspection and service of recycled water systems as required by the State of California.
14. Maintains necessary supplies, tools, equipment, and vehicles; performs routine maintenance checks and makes recommendations to repair or replace equipment as needed.
15. Observes and complies with federal, state and City safety rules, regulations, and protocol
16. Responds to after-hours emergencies and assists other staff in emergency situations; works with other crews on emergency leaks and system infrastructure repairs; makes decisions on proper actions to take during emergency situations including water quality issues and/or reported backflow events.
17. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requisite Abilities

The following generally describes the abilities required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

1. Investigate, identify issues, and ensure compliance with the City's water system cross connection control and backflow prevention program rules and regulations.
2. Install, locate, inspect, test, and repair new and existing backflow prevention devices.
3. Conduct property inspections including cross connection and reclaimed water site inspections.
4. Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
5. Read and interpret maps, blueprints, specifications, and related technical documents.
6. Maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and electronic record tracking systems.
7. Collect water samples for testing.
8. Compile, assemble data and prepare reports and maintain records of testing and findings.
9. Read and interpret a variety of meters, gauges, and recording charts.
10. Make accurate arithmetic and statistical computations.
11. Safely and effectively use and operate a vehicle and tools and equipment required for the work.
12. Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
13. Establish and maintain a variety of filing, recordkeeping, database, records, and tracking systems.
14. Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
15. Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
16. Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
17. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
18. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and/or Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, supplemented by college level coursework or specialized training in environmental studies, water distribution, or a related field. Three (3) years of increasingly responsible field and/or office experience related to water distribution and cross connection control, including inspections, data collection, public contact, and the interpretation and application of policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.

Special Requirements: Possession of or ability to obtain a Class C California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.

Licenses and Certifications:

1. Possession of a valid Grade III (D-3) Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the State of California Water Resource Control Board, to be maintained throughout employment.
2. Possession of a valid Grade I (T-2) Water Treatment Operator Certificate issued by the State of California Water Resource Control Board, to be maintained throughout employment.
3. Possession of a valid Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certificate issued by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) or American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA), to be maintained throughout employment.
4. Possession of, or successful acquisition within eighteen (18) months from appointment, a valid Cross-Connection Control Specialist Certificate issued by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) or USC Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research, to be maintained throughout employment.

Preferred / Desirable Certifications:

1. Completion of an OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification issued by OSHA / U.S. Department of Labor, applicable to field