Water Systems Operator III (Water Supply Section)

ABOUT THE POSITION

NOTE: This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and may close without prior notice. Testing will be conducted based on a reasonable pool of qualified applicants.

Effective the start of the pay period that includes April 1, 2025, employees will receive a four percent (4.0%) across the board pay range increase.
Under general supervision by an assigned Water System Lead Worker or Water System Supervisor, participates in the work of others in operation and maintenance of assigned section. This position may be assigned to Water Distribution, Sewer and Storm Water, Water Supply, or Customer Service sections of the Utilities Division of the Public Works Department.
Currently there is one (1) opening in Water Supply Section.
In addition to the above compensation, this position is eligible for certificate level one pay for incumbents that maintain a CWEA Grade 1 at a rate of $115 per month, certificate level two pay for incumbents that maintain a CWEA Grade 2 and/or D2/T2 at a rate of $265 per month, and certificate level three pay for incumbents that maintain a CWEA Grade 3 and/or D3/T3 at a rate of $295 per month.

The City also offers competitive benefits including 100% City paid medical insurance coverage, a generous tuition reimbursement program, and a "9/80" work schedule.

Under general supervision by an assigned Water System Leadworker or Water System Supervisor, participates in the work of others in operation and maintenance of assigned section. This position may be assigned to Water Distribution, Sewer and Storm Water, Water Supply, or Customer Service sections of the Utilities Division of the Public Works Department.
This is the journey level class in the Water Operator job series and is distinguished from the Water Operator II class due to its additional years of Downey experience in the Utilities Division and demonstrated knowledge and expertise in any one or more of the following Division sections: Water Distribution, Sewer and Storm Water, Water Supply, or Customer Service. Incumbents are expected to be able to work independently and exercise appropriate judgment, effective interpersonal skills, and self-initiative. Positions at this level generally receive minimal instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

This class is distinguished from the Water System Leadworker in that the Leadworker is responsible for direct technical and functional supervision of lower-level Utilities staff and is capable of performing the more complex work assigned to the function in support of Division operations, including administrative duties. The Water Operator III may oversee lower-level Utilities staff assigned for the duration of a specific project or task.

This Water System Operator III classification may be assigned to work as part of a crew or on occasion as operation needs require, may be assigned to assist in the training of new employees, work alone or as part of a multiple staff assignment or special project wherein the Water System Operator III takes the lead in providing direction and control as needed for a specific assignment, including communications with both employees and contract workers.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following examples are intended to describe the general nature and type of work performed at a journey level by an incumbent. Depending on assignment, duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Respond to service requests, issues of regulatory compliance and complaints from the public; respond to emergency calls, including after hour calls from the public and other agencies, coordinating with other City staff as necessary; notify customers of interruption of services; explain priorities, programs and policies to the public; provide appropriate follow-up
• Assist in the training of new employees or lead a work project as assigned; perform special projects requiring specialized skills and knowledge which may require independent work or working as part of a multiple staff assignment; takes control and direction of special projects as assigned; completes assigned work projects and gathers materials needed to perform assigned repairs and maintenance
• Assist in requisitioning and maintaining inventory of equipment, tools, parts, and supplies used in the maintenance and repair duties; exercises appropriate judgment and decision making in new or unusual situations and understands when to notify higher level supervisory personnel for assistance
• Inspect work in progress; assist crews in resolving difficult work problems; instruct crew members in work techniques, use of equipment, and safety precautions and requirements
• Explain the effect of work projects to members of the public and other concerned parties; refers complex customer complaints or requests to the Water System Lead Worker or Supervisor
• Prepare sketches of new installations and prepare written and electronic work records and brief reports to document work performed and equipment and materials used
• Collecting and inputting data into spreadsheets and/or databases using desktop and mobile computers and equipment for compliance and infrastructure management programs
• Perform other related duties as assigned

In addition to the above when assigned to the Water Supply Section :

• Rehabilitate and maintain groundwater wells including, but not limited to: video logging, wire brushing, swabbing, induced resonance; removing and replacing motors, electrical panels, probes, transducers, SDADA radios and associated equipment, production meters, pump bowls, and other associated appurtenances.
• Conduct well flushing and water quality sampling; pump testing of newly installed pumps/motors; and motor/pump efficiency testing with Southern California Edison.
• Read, review, analyze, and troubleshoot groundwater well, lift station, and imported water connection, and distribution system flows and pressures via Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA).
• Maintain and replace water supply facility improvements including groundwater well site fencing/walls, lighting, piping, valves, well housing, and other appurtenances; reservoir and pump station maintenance and repairs; sewer/storm lift station maintenance and repairs; and monitoring and upkeep of emergency and imported water connections.
• Assist with the coordination and provide technical guidance to, inspectors, consultants, contractors, vendors and other agencies in support of Utilities Division water supply projects and programs.

The preceding duties have been provided as examples of the essential types of work performed by positions within this job classification. The City, at its discretion, may add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination includes:

Education: High school graduate or equivalent. Recently completed college level coursework in Water, Sewer, Storm Water, and/or Environmental Science, Engineering, or other related field is desired.

Experience: Two (2) years of full-time equivalent journey level work experience in Water Distribution, Sewer and Storm Water, Water Supply, or Customer Service utilities construction, operation, and maintenance with experience performing the essential functions listed above and evaluated work experience with the City of Downey Utilities Division of the Public Works Department which demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position is required.

Work experience within a municipal water, sewer, or storm water agency or district is preferred.

Knowledge of: Effective journey level methods, techniques, tools and the operational characteristics of mechanical equipment and proper safety rules, procedures, and practices for any of the operating sections assigned in the Utilities Division of the City of Downey Public Works Department; traffic laws, ordinances and regulations relating to the operation of assigned equipment; operation of water, sewer, and storm water facilities; operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of pumps/motors; rehabilitating groundwater wells; performance and coordination of electrical and electronic work; operation, maintenance, and analysis of SCADA systems; water meter reading and repair; pipe laying and pipe fitting; tools and equipment used in the installation, maintenance and repair of water/sewer/storm water mains, water services, water meters, water valves, sewer and storm water manholes and associated facilities; state laws and regulations related to water, sewer, and storm water; the safety precautions and procedures used in water, sewer, and storm water service work; customer service delivery; current computer technology, modern office practices, methods, and equipment.

Ability to: Provide direction and control as needed for a specific assignment; serve as a Division resource for special project work or technical expertise in solving problems in the field; effectively train, review, and correct as needed the work of assigned personnel in a particular section or project; present ideas and communicate effectively in oral and written form; establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relations with those contacted in the performance of duties including the public and co-workers; meet schedules and time lines; follow City work rules and Department policies and procedures; perform work using a personal computer and mobile computerized equipment.

Certification: When assigned to the Water Supply section: A State of California Grade Two (2) Water Distribution Operator Certificate and a Grade One (1) Water Treatment Operator Certificate are required at the time of appointment.License: Due to the performance of field duties which requires operation of a City vehicle, a valid California Class C Driver's License to carry out the essential functions of the position and an acceptable driving record are required at the time of appointment and throughout employment.
Employees employed with the City on or after January 1, 2022, in the Sewer and Storm Water section are required to obtain a commercial Class B Driver's license with Air Breaks and Tanker Endorsements within twelve (12) months of appointment. Employees employed with the City on or after January 1, 2022, in the Distribution or Water Supply sections are required to obtain a commercial Class A Driver's license with Air Breaks and Tanker Endorsements within twelve (12) months of appointment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

A Commercial License Driver (Class A or B) is subject to the alcohol and drug testing requirements of the Department of Transportation, Federal Highways Administration. Upon hire, drug and alcohol testing will be administered as follows:

• post accident;
• reasonable suspicion;
• random testing under the DOT;
• return to work; and
• follow up testing.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System: An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver's License status on a periodic basis to the City of Downey. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.

PHYSICAL TASKS/ABILITIES: Physical mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties assigned.

Ability to drive a City vehicle or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation to travel to different work sites and locations to carry out job-related duties.

Ability to stand for long periods and/or walk long distances. Some walking may occur on sloping, slippery and/or uneven surfaces.

Mobility to sit, stand, kneel, crawl, climb, crouch, stoop, reach, twist, and bend.

Ability to twist at the lower body, at the waist, and at the upper body.

Mobility of both arms to reach and dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate small and large objects or tools, from overhead to the ground positions.

Perform work, which involves hand/arm and upper/lower body dexterity to grasp, lift, push, pull, move and drag objects, which may weigh approximately 75 pounds and up to 100 pounds.
Based on job assignment, required to wear protective apparel including hardhats, gloves, goggles, respirators, face protectors, ear protection, aprons, coveralls, and steel-toed shoes.

Based on job assignment, may be required to work at heights above ground level.
Utilities Division job assignments may require work in confined spaces and wearing of required protection devices for confined space entry.

Based on job assignment, may operate power equipment requiring hand, arm, and upper body strength (includes, but not limited to the following: electric drills, circular saws, reciprocating saws; pneumatic jackhammers, clay spades, impact wrenches; vibratory plate compactors and rollers; grinders, air compressors, trash pumps, pipe threaders, power drain snakes; rototillers, power trenchers; chain saws, and, hand tools such as shovels, rakes, lutes, hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, chisels, scrapers, crowbars, pry-bars, manhole picks, pipe cutters, bench vises.

Required to respond to emergency situations, during on and off regular hours of work.
Work performed in an office environment requires the performance of duties which require the ability to speak, hear, touch and see. Also required is the ability to exert a small amount of physical effort in sedentary to light work involving moving from one area to another; occasionally bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing and pulling (drawers opened and closed to retrieve and file information); occasionally lifting and carrying materials that weigh less than 25 pounds. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter, or calculator; requires sufficient hand/eye coordination to perform semi-skilled repetitive movements, such as typing on a keyboard, filing, data entry and/or use of a personal computer or other office equipment and supplies; may involve sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time.

Environmental Conditions/Exposures: Work is primarily performed outdoors in the field with exposure to the weather. Based on job assignment, exposures may also include: contact with hot and cold surfaces, loud noises and exhaust fumes from equipment and vehicle engines, vibrations, working in close proximity to moving mechanical parts (mechanical hazards), electrical current (electrical hazards), vehicular traffic and confined spaces; and, contact with potential natural irritants such as vegetation, dust, soil, tree pollens, sawdust, etc. The incumbent stands and walks on level and uneven/slippery surfaces. Other work is performed in an office environment with moderate noise levels.

Based on job assignment, may be exposed to chemicals including but not limited to: gasoline, diesel, motor oil, grease, paint thinner, strippers, solvents, ammonia, bleach, cleansers, volatile organic compounds, fertilizers and non-restricted pesticides.

Selection/Testing Process : For consideration, an employment application and supplemental questionnaire must be thoroughly completed. Failure to complete the information requested may result in an application being removed from consideration.

The acceptance of an employment application depends upon whether or not an applicant has provided adequate information that demonstrates meeting the qualifications for the position as stated above. Please complete the application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and completely. Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" or attaching a resume is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.

Those applicants, who most closely match the desired qualifications, will be invited to participate in the examination process which will consist of an appraisal examination weighted 100%. The appraisal examination may consist of performance testing and/or an oral interview to assess the applicant's knowledge, education, experience, and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Candidate(s) who complete selection testing with acceptable results will be placed on an Eligible List of qualified candidates for the position. An Eligible List is generally in effect for one year, unless exhausted sooner. The List will be considered by the Department hiring authority to fill authorized vacancies. Prior to an employment offer, a background check is conducted that will include references and employment history checks and fingerprinting. An offer of employment is conditioned upon acceptable results from a job-related pre-placement medical exam to assess a candidate's physical ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office at (562) 904-7292 at least 72 hours in advance.Closing Date/Time:

• 

• City of Downey

• 562-904-7292

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