Entry Level Valve Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Career Description DEFINITION Under immediate supervision, performs a variety of skilled work in the operation, maintenance, and repair of the City's water infrastructure systems, including servicing water main and service lines; performs meter reading, water connection and disconnection services, and field inspections; maintains and repairs water meters; and performs related duties as assigned. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives immediate supervision from assigned supervisory or management staff. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS Water Meter/Distribution Operator I: This is the entry-level classification in the Water Meter/Distribution Operator series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform water systems infrastructure maintenance and repair. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently.

Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Water Meter/Distribution Operator II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Positions in the Water Meter/Distribution Operator class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the Water Meter/Distribution Operator II level are normally filled by advancement from the Water Meter/Distribution Operator I level; progression to the Water Meter/Distribution Operator II level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the Water Meter/Distribution Operator II level. Duties EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only) Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Positions at the Water Meter/Distribution Operator I level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity.

Performs inspections, troubleshooting, and skilled maintenance, repairs, and replacements of water systems transmission/distribution main and service lines; conducts work in compliance with state and federal environmental and water quality laws and regulations and City policies and standards. Troubleshoots meter reading connection issues; programs meters to end points; replaces broken meters and boxes; replaces broken shut-off valves; orders new meters; turns water functions on and off. Receives and responds to customer complaints, including water meter leaks, low pressure issues, high water bills, and missing meter box lids; inspects and diagnoses issues and performs required repairs; provides information and explanations to customers.

Ensures safe digs for water service line maintenance and water leak servicing; contacts underground utility location services to identify utility lines in affected areas; excavates areas properly marked for digging. Utilizes specialty equipment to locate and track water lines to water mains and confirm service line leaks. Safely operates medium and heavy equipment including vacuum trucks, backhoes, tractors, forklifts, dump trucks, water trucks, and utility trucks; safely uses various hand and power tools; cleans and maintains vehicles, tools, and equipment; performs maintenance as directed.

Inspects and maintains water and wastewater systems infrastructure equipment and components. Performs the City's dead end fire hydrant main flushing and valve exercising; operates valve exercising machine; repairs leaks at valve stems; repaint hydrants as directed. Sets up work zones and equipment in safe operating conditions; notifies supervisor of maintenance and repair issues; reports unsafe conditions, accidents, injuries, security issues, and illegal activities.

Orders and maintains stock to ensure parts are available, as necessary. Interprets plans, diagrams, blueprints, sketches, and specifications. Utilizes work orders, log sheets, and electronic recording equipment; records data on spreadsheets; documents and records activities; prepares monthly reports of meter change outs.

Observes and complies with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols. Performs related duties as required. Qualifications QUALIFICATIONS Positions at the Water Meter/Distribution Operator I level may exercise some of these knowledge and abilities statements in a learning capacity.

Knowledge of: Methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in water systems operations, repairs, and maintenance. State and federal laws and regulations governing water/wastewater utilities and emergency response. Safe work practices and occupational hazards.

Techniques for use and storage of chemicals, including OSHA Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for hazardous chemicals used in the workplace. Methods and techniques of water transmission and distribution system installations, troubleshooting, and repairs. Basic computerized systems for equipment data logging and fieldwork recording.

OSHA guidelines related to water transmission/distribution system operations. Underground utility location services specifications and guidelines. City 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 City staff. Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed. The structure and content of the English language to effectively perform the work.

Ability to: Follow standardized methods and procedures, and verbal and written instructions. Effectively perform water systems maintenance activities. Identifying unsafe conditions and mechanical problems.

Read and understand manufacturer manuals and equipment specifications. Following safe work practices. Safely operate a variety of equipment such as vacuum trucks, backhoes, tractors, forklifts, dump trucks, water trucks, utility trucks, and various hand and power tools.

Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments. Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines. 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 in the English language at a level necessary for successful job performance. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.

A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Education: Water Meter/Distribution Operator I/II: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade. Experience: Water Meter/Distribution Operator I: Two (2) years of experience in public works repair and maintenance or general construction. Licenses and Certifications: Possession of a valid Class B California Driver's License with endorsements for air brakes and tanker, to be maintained throughout employment.

Possession of a valid Forklift certification, to be maintained throughout employment. Water Meter/Distribution Operator I: Possession of a valid Water Distribution Certification Grade I (D-1) from the California State Water Resources Control Board, to be maintained throughout employment. Additional Information 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 City sites; and vision to inspect and operate equipment.

The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. 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 25 pounds or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS 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 divisional policies and procedures.. WORKING CONDITIONS City employees are expected to work overtime, weekends, evenings, and holidays as required to accommodate the City's needs, in addition to responding as a Disaster Services Emergency Worker (California Government Code Section 3100-3109).