Water System Operator

First review of applications will be completed on June 18, 2018; therefore, any application received after this date may not be considered for further review.  

CLASS DEFINITION
Performs a variety of skilled and technical tasks in the operation and maintenance of all water production facilities including the monitoring and control of wells, reservoirs and boosters, Metropolitan Water District flow control station, chemical application equipment, storm drain pump stations, sewage lift stations and their respective appurtenances.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This journey-level classification is distinguished by the skilled and technical tasks in the operation and maintenance of the City's water production, waste water and reclaimed water facilities performed under general supervision.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
The incumbent works under the general supervision of the Water Production Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES 

• Uses SCADA system to remotely monitor and operate the water system and sewer and storm drain stations and control systems equipment.
• Installs, repairs, overhauls, operates and maintains water pumps and pump motors.
• Monitors water production, storm drain pumping and sewage lift station facilities; checks pressure, levels and status of pumping, regulating and treatment equipment.
• Inspects, maintains and repairs facility equipment including large electric motors, natural gas engines, pumps, wells, tanks, controls and treatment equipment.
• Read recorders, meters and gauges and makes field computations on adjustments on equipment.
• Operates, maintains, repairs  and sets dosages on chemical injection equipment and conducts laboratory tests for water treatment.
• Operates, overhauls and maintains on-site hypochlorite chlorine generation and sodium fluoride equipment and appurtenances.
• Assists with training of operation on the production systems, storm drain stations, sewage lift station and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.
• Maintains and repairs supporting structures, vaults, fencing and sites and appurtenances at all facilities.
• Maintains pressure reducing, pressure relief and pressure sustaining valves and related pilot controls.
• Collects water samples, as required, for water quality monitoring, regulating, reporting and consumer requests.
• Assists in the control and repairs broken water mains, services and meters
• Assists with Edison efficiency tests on water pumps, including measuring capacity, total load and horsepower input.
• Prepares a variety of reports and maintains records. 
• OTHER JOB-RELATED DUTIES
• Maintains Emergency Escape Breathing Apparatus (EEBA) at production sites and on City vehicles.
• May perform, as needed, technical oversight over Water Maintenance Workers and Temporary Laborers.
• Assists in the overhaul of large stationary engines.
• Disconnects and restores water services.
• Performs water customer service duties as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• College-level coursework in Water Utility Science or a related field is highly desirable.

• Methods materials, equipment and practices used in water works maintenance and construction.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Principles, methods and procedures involved in water production and treatment operations.
• Principles, practices and functions of water pumps, pump motors, valves and controls.
• Diagnose mechanical and electrical malfunctions of water treatment and production equipment, pump stations and sewer lift stations.
• Principles and techniques of effective customer service.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations as they apply to water systems and operations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, City officials, contractors and the public.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Safely operate a motor vehicle and equipment.
• Water sampling techniques and regulations, as required, for water quality monitoring, regulating, reporting and consumer requests.

• Maintains records and writes simple reports, both written and computerized.
• Follows proper procedures involved in the use of monitoring equipment and procedures for confined space entry.
• Solve complicated problems regarding control systems and equipment.
• Work independently and make responsible decisions.
• Work with a variety of personnel including full-time, part-time and contract personnel.
• Lift and carry heavy objects safely.

• Possession of, or ability to obtain within the probationary period, SWRCB Grade I  Water Treatment Operator Certification  is required.
• Possession of SWRCB Grade II Water Distribution Operator certification is required at time of appointment and possession of or ability to obtain SCWRB Grade III Water Distribution Operator certification is required within the probationary period.
•  Backflow and Cross-connection certifications are highly desirable.
• Maintain, at all times, the license and certifications required for this job classification.

• Must be available for standby duty, holidays and weekends as assigned, and is subject to periodic call-out during off-time hours to assist in emergency repairs.