Water Distribution Technician I/II

Summary

Water Distribution Technician I: $57,398 - $76,919/annual
Water Distribution Technician II: $63,357 - $84,904/annual

Written/Practical Exam: Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Oral Interview: January 2025 (Date TBD)

If you want to join a hardworking team that shares a commitment to provide top-quality municipal services in a prime North County location, consider a career with the City of Escondido. We have an opening for the position of Water Distribution Technician I/II in our Utilities Department/Water Division. For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's website.

Under supervision (Water Distribution Technician I) or general supervision (Water Distribution Technician II), performs a variety of semi-skilled and manual work involved in the maintenance, installation, and repair of the City's water distribution system to ensure the proper operation of the system to deliver a safe drinking water supply to the public.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Water Distribution Technician I: This is the entry-level class in the Water Distribution Technician series. This class is distinguished from the Water Distribution Technician II by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series. Assignments are generally limited in scope, contain fairly routine tasks, and are performed within a procedural framework established by higher-level employees. As experience is acquired, incumbents perform with less immediate supervision and continue to learn the full scope of duties and responsibilities. Advancement to the "II" level is based on demonstrated proficiency in performing the assigned functions, possession of required licenses and certifications, completing the progression criteria established by the Department, and upon review and approval of the department head.

Water Distribution Technician II : This is the full journey-level class in the Water Distribution Technician series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Water Distribution Technician I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned including serving as lead worker on small crews as assigned. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by progression from the Water Distribution Technician I level when experience and required licenses and certifications are obtained and progression criteria met, or when filled from the outside, require prior directly related experience and possession of required licenses and certifications.

Key Responsibilities

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Performs a full range of general repairs duties related to the City's water distribution system; repair broken water lines including transmission mains, distribution mains, and residential and commercial water service lines; performs hot taps under pressure; disinfects new water pipes or parts used for repairs and utilizes other proper repair techniques to provide sanitary water to the public.

Performs a full range of system maintenance duties including to install and maintain all appurtenances associated with the water distribution system; maintains and replaces commercial and residential fire hydrants; installs new and maintain existing blow off valves used to flush water to maintain quality.

Performs a full range of general maintenance duties including to clean and maintain properties that are part of the water system; maintain vegetation and overall cleanliness of reservoirs, pump stations, pressure regulator vaults, and all parts of the City yard.

Maintains valves used to operate the water system; performs a variety of maintenance on gate and butterfly type lines and hydrant valves; locates and raises valves that are not exposed; operates automated machine to operate valves for year round valve exercise program; reads water atlases, construction blueprints, and other records to locate valves; updates and modifies records following new installations of valves in the system.

Performs a full range of maintenance duties related to lakes and dams; cleans and maintains water storage reservoirs; cleans and maintains pump stations including general landscape maintenance and trash pick-up; maintains City dams including to perform inspections and test for water seepage, perform well reads, and provide general security; checks weather station; performs tests on lake water including dissolved oxygen levels and water clarity and performs other water sample analysis at the City lab; takes water samples throughout the City water system.

Performs a full range of meter maintenance and exchange duties; repairs leaks; tests and replaces meters of various sizes; installs new meter service lines for newly developed properties; accounts for the installation of meters for new housing tracts; reads meters and performs shut-offs as required.

Performs utility locates; locates mainlines and services with electronic detectors; marks location of underground City water lines.

Flushes water lines to ensure water quality; utilizes chlorine level testing device and other testing instruments.

Performs a full range of general maintenance and repair duties related to the City's recycled water system; locates and flushes recycled water system lines.

Repairs asphalt and concrete after repairs to water distribution system; repairs concrete sidewalk panels; assists patch crews in laying new asphalt in the streets; makes temporary street patches as necessary.

Operates a variety of vehicles, equipment, and tools including service trucks, dump trucks, water trucks, backhoe, hydro excavator, trenching machine, concrete and asphalt cutting saws, jackhammer, soil compacting tamper, and hand and power tools; loads and unloads vehicles and equipment.

Inspects and maintains assigned equipment and vehicles; performs safety checks and checks fluid levels of vehicles and equipment; inspects and maintains safety related equipment including air monitoring devices, signs used for traffic control, shoring jacks and pumps, fall protection gear, and first-aid kits; cleans assigned vehicles and equipment.

Performs work in confined spaces; performs necessary precautions prior to entering vaults and other confined spaces with potential hazardous atmospheres; use air quality monitors and ventilators.

Sets traffic control including safety devices, signs, and barricades; ensures safety of public and work crew.

Serves in emergency standby capacity; provides customer service and performs all aspects of distribution system maintenance and repair during after hours periods including holidays and weekends.

Provides courteous customer service; responds to questions and inquiries from the general public; responds to customer problems or complaints including minor leak repairs, water quality and pressure complaints and other customer concerns; provides water shutdown notifications.

Maintains records of basic operations, maintenance and work performed.

May serve as crew leader as assigned over a small crew including temporary workers and lower level employees; participates in training new employees in work practices and in how to apply policies, procedures, and standards to specific situations.

Performs related duties as required.

May be assigned as the Rincon Hydroelectric Power Plant Operator in which case these become essential job functions:

Operates the Rincon Hydroelectric Power Plant; includes putting online and taking offline. Makes adjustments to water flow; monitors and records gauges and meters to maintain operation within proper perimeters (water flow, kilowatts, pipeline, alarms)

Maintains Hydroelectric Power Plant; includes sweeping, cleaning, oiling, maintenance of generators, and repairing Power Plant as necessary. Cleans the intake debris screens as needed and does minor pipeline lead repairs.

Maintains surrounding Power Plant grounds. Includes repair of fences, cutting grass, setting up gopher traps, and maintaining irrigation as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Operational characteristics of water distribution systems.
Materials, methods, techniques, and terminology used in maintenance and repair activities related to the maintenance and repair of water distribution infrastructure including how repair parts are applied to the water system including hydrants, pumps, valves and all types of pipe.
Operational characteristics of maintenance and construction equipment and tools used in work activities.
Proper procedures used in the maintenance and repair of hand and power tools.
Practices and procedures of traffic control.
Basic mathematical principles.
Pertinent federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations including state and City mandated construction codes for a potable water system.
Basic principles and practices of record keeping.
Occupational hazards and standard safety practices including those associated with working on a high-pressure water system and those associated with working in vaults and confined spaces.
Principles and practices of customer service.

Ability to:
Perform a variety of manual and semi-skilled tasks involved in the maintenance and repair of the City's water distribution system including pipe laying and repair and maintenance of valves, pumps, and hydrants.
Perform a variety of tasks for extended periods of time and in unfavorable weather conditions.
Perform heavy manual labor.
Read maps, blue prints, and diagrams.
Read water meters and pressure recorder devices.
Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
Ensure safety around work areas in high traffic.
Prepare and maintain records including time and material use records.
Interpret and apply policies, procedures, and standards to specific situations.
Perform mathematical calculations including percentages, fractions, decimals, and ratios.
Respond to distribution system maintenance/repair emergencies.
Safely drive and skillfully operate equipment and machinery including service trucks, dump trucks, water trucks, backhoe, trenching machine, concrete and asphalt cutting says, jackhammer, soil compacting tamper, and a variety of hand and power tools.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Serves in emergency standby capacity; provides customer service and performs all aspects of distribution system maintenance and repair during after hours periods including holidays and weekends.
Provides courteous customer service; responds to questions and inquiries from the general public; responds to customer problems or complaints including minor leak repairs, water quality and pressure complaints and other customer concerns; provides water shutdown notifications.
Maintains records of basic operations, maintenance and work performed.
May serve as crew leader as assigned over a small crew including temporary workers and lower level employees; participates in training new employees in work practices and in how to apply policies, procedures, and standards to specific situations.
Performs related duties as required.
May be assigned as the Rincon Hydroelectric Power Plant Operator in which case these become essential job functions:
Operates the Rincon Hydroelectric Power Plant; includes putting online and taking offline. Makes adjustments to water flow; monitors and records gauges and meters to maintain operation within proper perimeters (water flow, kilowatts, pipeline, alarms)
Maintains Hydroelectric Power Plant; includes sweeping, cleaning, oiling, maintenance of generators, and repairing Power Plant as necessary. Cleans the intake debris screens as needed and does minor pipeline lead repairs.
Maintains surrounding Power Plant grounds. Includes repair of fences, cutting grass, setting up gopher traps, and maintaining irrigation as needed.

Minimum Requirements

Water Distribution Technician I/II

Education/Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Water Distribution Technician I

Experience:

One year (full-time equivalent) of general maintenance or construction experience. Experience in pipe laying is highly desirable.

License or Certificate

Possession of a valid Class C driver’s license at time of appointment. Must obtain a Class A commercial driver’s permit within six months of hire into position and obtain Class A commercial driver’s license within the probationary period. Possession of, or ability to obtain CPR certification. Backhoe training certification, Trenching and Shoring certification, and other job-related certifications required and/or provided by the City.

Water Distribution Technician II

Education/Training:

Completion of progression criteria established by Department.

Experience:

One to two years (full-time equivalent) of responsible experience performing duties comparable to a Water Distribution Technician I in the City of Escondido or comparable experience performing water distribution system maintenance and repair duties.

License or Certificate:

Possession of a valid Grade 2 Water Distribution Operator certificate.

Possession of a valid Class A commercial driver’s license. Possession of, or ability to obtain, CRP certification, Backhoe training certification, Trenching and Shoring certification, and other job-related certifications required and/or provided by the City.

Supplemental Information

NOTE: For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's web site. The City of Escondido is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace. All applicants will be subject to fingerprint investigation before a conditional offer of employment is extended. A pre-employment medical examination will be conducted following a conditional offer of employment for all positions. Safety sensitive positions will include a pre-employment drug screen. Positions subject to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations will be subject to DOT pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates will be invited to appear for testing. All positions require the ability to read, write and speak English. Types of tests may include written and/or oral examination, physical agility, practical exam or other appropriate job-related selection process. When testing is completed, candidates will be ranked on an eligibility list in the order of their test score. Selection for appointments is made from names certified on the eligibility list.

All appointments are subject to the successful completion of background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting, and will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. Qualification by a medical examination will be required at the time of appointment. After appointment, classified employees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period to be eligible for regular status. In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all new employees must produce proof of eligibility to work in the United States within the first three days of their employment. The City of Escondido participates in E-Verify®.

The Loyalty Oath will be administered to all new employees on their first day of hire. New employees hired into positions that require a driver's license must provide proof of a valid California Driver's License of the appropriate class level on their first day of employment.

Additional information regarding the essential functions and physical, environmental and communication demands of the position may be obtained from the Human Resources Department. If you require reasonable accommodation in the testing process, such as an alternate means of testing, you must contact the Human Resources Department by the final filing date to complete a Request for Reasonable Accommodation form. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

Note: Pursuant to California Civil Code section 1786.53, the City of Escondido shall provide to all job candidates a copy of any records of arrest, indictment, conviction, civil judicial action, tax lien or outstanding judgment which was obtained in the course of conducting an evaluation for employment, assignment, and/or promotion. A copy of this information, if received by the City, will be given to candidates within seven days of the City's receipt.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE

Eligible individuals are those who meet the following criteria:

• Served in the U.S. armed forces
• Received an honorable discharge
• Did not retire from military service
• Seeking employment with the City of Escondido for the first time.

Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes does not qualify for veterans' preference. Proof of eligibility (copy of DD-214) must be submitted at time of application, or later if the promulgation of the eligibility list will not be delayed. Veterans' preference credit will only be applied to eligible applicants who attained a passing grade (total score exclusive of credit) on the final open examination.

ABOUT OUR CITY
The City of Escondido is a prominent agricultural, commercial hub and residential center of North San Diego County. Located a short 30-minute drive from the beach, the mountains or downtown San Diego, Escondido residents enjoy the pleasure of a rural lifestyle with all the benefits of suburban living. Escondido is a diverse, vibrant community with many amenities. The city offers attractive homes in a wide range of prices, two lakes, several parks, a sports center, golf courses, restaurants, wineries, shopping centers, a variety of art galleries, entertainment venues, and a state of the art hospital. Established in 1888, the city's rich past brings charm and stability to the community; yet integrated with Escondido's treasured heritage is a progressive future, bright and brimming with promise.

EOE The City of Escondido does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, sex, age, national origin, or sexual orientation. We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.

The City of Escondido offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

The Benefits of Choice program offers you a range of benefits. You choose the coverage that is right for you, your family and your budget. Read this e-Guide for an overview of your options, with links to additional details and forms.

For a more detailed overview of this benefits package, please visit the Maintenance & Operations Benefit Summary.

Closing Date/Time: 12/2/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

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• City of Escondido

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