Utility Operations Technician I or II

Utility Operations Technician I

$31.76 to $38.69 hourly

Utility Operations Technician II

$36.83 to $44.87 hourly

*Interviews are tentatively scheduled for mid/late October and candidates must be available to interview in person. 

**This position may be filled as Utility Operations Technician I or II based on qualifications & certifications.

***An Eligibility List may be created and used to fill future openings.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

4/10 Schedule

DEFINITION 

Under close and then general supervision, learns and performs a variety of manual, semi-skilled and skilled duties associated with the operation, maintenance, installation, and repair of the potable water and recycled water distribution, treatment, and sanitary sewer lines, infrastructure, equipment, and facilities in accordance with applicable regulations and standards; installs new or repairs existing potable water distribution, treatment, recycled water, and sanitary sewer mains and service lines; locates and marks agency facilities in accordance with underground service alert responsibilities; troubleshoots various operational problems, including, but not limited to, leaks, malfunctioning equipment, and appurtenances, and incorrect meter reads; and performs other related duties as required. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS  

The Utility Operations Technician I is the entry-level classification in the Utility Operations Technician series. This class is distinguished from Utility Operations Technician II in that incumbents in this class perform the more routine duties assigned to the series with less independence, working in a training capacity while acquiring the knowledge, and experience needed to perform the full scope of journey level work. Positions in this classification are flexibly staffed and may advance to the Utility Operations Technician II level after two years of experience. The Utility Operations Technician I is expected to gain sufficient proficiency, knowledge, and ability to qualify for a promotion to the Utility Operations Technician II 

The Utility Operations Technician II is the first journey-level classification in the Utility Operations Technician series in which incumbents are expected to independently perform the full scope of assigned duties. This class is distinguished from Utility Operations Technician I in that incumbents in this class perform more complex duties, are expected to work with greater independence, and apply moderate discretion and judgment in resolving issues. This class is distinguished from the Utility Operations Technician III in that the latter routinely operates heavy equipment. This class is distinguished from the Senior Utility Operations Technician in that the latter provides oversight and training to subordinate employees and crews in the field. Positions in this classification are flexibly staffed and incumbents may advance to the Utility Operations Technician III level gaining sufficient proficiency and expertise in operating heavy equipment to qualify for a promotion to the Utility Operations Technician III.  

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED  

Utility Operations Technician I 

Receives immediate and general supervision from the Utility Operations Supervisor. May receive direction from the Senior Utility Operations Technician and/or the Lead Utility Operations Technician. Incumbents in this class do not exercise direction over agency staff. 

Utility Operations Technician II

Receives general supervision from the Utility Operations Supervisor. May receive direction from the Senior Utility Operations Technician and/or the Lead Utility Operations Technician. Incumbents in this class do not exercise direction over Agency staff.  

Examples of Duties

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only) 

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. 

Utility Operations Technician I 

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:  

• Installs new or repairs existing potable water distribution, treatment, recycled water, and sanitary sewer mains and service lines; performs all required work associated with the installation and repair including, but not limited to pressure testing, chlorinating, and dechlorinating lines, disinfection, flushing, and placing in service. 
• Installs, maintains, and repairs fire hydrants, system valves, hydraulic control valves, air and vacuum valves, blow offs, sample tap stations, meters, vaults, and a variety of other controls and appurtenances related to the potable water distribution, treatment, recycled water, and sanitary sewer systems.  
• Reads, reviews, interprets, and locates and marks agency facilities in accordance with underground service alert responsibilities; uses construction water plans and specifications (both paper and electronic), surveys and shoots topographic measurements and proposes plans; may make field assessments, evaluating plan and provide as built design changes to water plans. 
• Uses pipe location equipment, leak detection equipment, and other equipment to locate, operate, maintain, and construct underground potable water distribution, treatment, recycled water, and sanitary sewer systems.  
• Troubleshoots various operational problems which includes responding to customer complaints related to, , but not limited to, leaks, malfunctioning equipment and appurtenances, and incorrect meter reads.  
• Performs a variety of measurements, tests, and evaluations to verify performance of equipment, systems, and components, as applicable. 
• Reports customer complaints received in the field; resolves complaints and problems within the assigned scope of authority and competence.  
• Performs a wide variety of routine grounds and facility maintenance when needed, including, but not limited to, washing, painting, weeding, digging, oiling, greasing, adjusting, and repairing equipment and/or facilities.  
• May perform a variety of masonry work, as well as temporary asphalt patching. 
• Operates and performs minor mechanical adjustments and repairs to utility trucks, dump trucks, backhoes, forklifts, vacuum excavation equipment, loaders, skid steers, excavators, and pneumatic digging and pavement breaking tools, chop saws, and compaction equipment.  
• Reads, reviews, and understands water plans and specifications (both paper and electronic formats); utilizes field mobile devices and software to perform maintenance and other related activities. 
• Reviews construction drawings (paper and electronic), meets with internal staff and external contractors to identify, locate, and mark Agency facilities in accordance with underground services alert responsibilities. 
• May assist in composing bids for new installations or the relocation of water lines or potable water distribution, treatment, recycled water, and sanitary sewer systems. 
• Provides monitoring and inspection services at construction sites for the accuracy of underground utility locations of potable water distribution, treatment, recycled water, and sanitary sewer systems. 
• Operates agency vehicles and equipment, including but not limited to compressors, locating equipment, and generators used in the operation, maintenance, repair, construction, and locating of potable water distribution, treatment, recycled water, and sanitary sewer systems. 
• May at times, be asked to operate heavy equipment, as needed; such as a backhoe, loader, dump trucks, or excavator, crane, skid steer, vacuum excavator, water truck, etc. depending on training and licensure.  
• Installs, replaces, maintains, and reads customer service meters.  
• Sets-up traffic control, signs, barricades and direct traffic around work sites. Off-Duty/On-Call responsibilities include, but are not limited to response to water system issues, security alarms, equipment failures, and customer service calls and emergencies..  
• Operates a computer and assigned software. 
• Performs other related duties as required. 

Utility Operations Technician II

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:  

• Installs new or repairs existing potable water distribution, treatment, recycled water, and sanitary sewer mains and service lines; performs all required work associated with the installation and repair including, but not limited to pressure testing, chlorinating, and dechlorinating lines, disinfection, flushing, and placing in service. 
• Installs, maintains, and repairs fire hydrants, system valves, hydraulic control valves, air and vacuum valves, blow offs, sample tap stations, meters, vaults, and a variety of other controls and appurtenances related to the potable water distribution, treatment, recycled water, and sanitary sewer systems.  
• Reads, reviews, interprets, and locates and marks agency facilities in accordance with underground service alert responsibilities; uses construction water plans and specifications (both paper and electronic), surveys and shoots topographic measurements and proposes plans; may make field assessments, evaluating plan and provide as built design changes to water plans. 
• Uses pipe location equipment, leak detection equipment and other equipment to locate, operate, maintain, and construct underground potable water distribution, treatment, recycled water, and sanitary sewer systems.  
• Troubleshoots various operational problems which includes responding to customer complaints related to, but not limited to, leaks, malfunctioning equipment and appurtenances, and incorrect meter reads.  
• Performs a variety of measurements, tests, and evaluations to verify performance of equipment, systems, and components, as applicable. 
• Reports customer complaints received in the field; resolves complaints and problems within the assigned scope of authority and competence.  
• Performs a wide variety of routine grounds and facility maintenance when needed including, but not limited to, washing, painting, weeding, digging, oiling, greasing, adjusting, and repairing equipment and/or facilities.  
• May perform a variety of masonry work, as well as temporary asphalt patching. 
• Operates and performs minor mechanical adjustments and repairs to utility trucks, dump trucks, backhoes, forklifts, vacuum excavation equipment, loaders, skid steers, excavators, pneumatic digging and pavement breaking tools, chop saws, and compaction equipment.  
• Reads, reviews, and understands water plans and specifications (both paper and electronic formats); utilizes field mobile devices and software to perform maintenance and other related activities. 
• Reviews construction drawings (paper and electronic), meets with internal staff and external contractors to identify, locate, and mark Agency facilities in accordance with underground services alert responsibilities. 
• May assist in composing bids for new installations or the relocation of water lines or potable water distribution, treatment, recycled water, and sanitary sewer systems. 
• Provides monitoring and inspection services at construction sites for the accuracy of underground utility locations of potable water distribution, treatment, recycled water, and sanitary sewer systems. 
• Provides input and recommendations of projects and jobs for consideration in the budget process; including for the purchase of tools, parts, and materials. 
• Operates Agency vehicles and equipment, including but not limited to compressors, locating equipment, and generators used in the operation, maintenance, repair, construction, and locating of potable water distribution, treatment, recycled water, and sanitary sewer systems. 
• May operate heavy equipment as needed; such as a backhoe, loader, dump trucks, or excavator, crane, skid steer, vacuum excavator, water truck, etc., depending on training and licensure.  
• Installs, replaces, maintains, and reads and customer service meters.  
• Set up traffic control, signs, barricades, and direct traffic around work sites. 
• Off-Duty/On-Call responsibilities include but are not limited to response to water system issues, alarms, equipment failures, and customer service calls. and emergencies.  
• Operates a computer and assigned software. 
• Performs other related duties as required. 

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS   

This position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and/or stooping in the performance of daily activities.? The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in making repairs.? Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in making mechanical and system repairs. Incumbents are required to turn valves. The need to lift, drag, and push materials, supplies, and equipment weighing up to 90 pounds also is required. 

Work is primarily performed outdoors in varied weather conditions including heat, rain and cold, and with potential exposure to road traffic, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, and confined spaces. 

These requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations. 

Minimum Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.) 

Utility Operations Technician I 

Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential job duties of the position is qualifying. Incumbents will possess the most desirable combination of training, skills, and experience, as demonstrated in their past and current employment history. A typical example includes: 

Education: 

• A high school diploma or equivalent GED. 
• Previous utility work or related manual labor experience. 

Experience: 

• Previous utility work or related manual labor experience. 

Licenses and Certifications 

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be considered on a case-by-case basis.   A Class A license is preferred. 
• Possession of a valid Grade I Distribution Operator certification issued by the California Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, is required within twelve (12) months of appointment. 

Utility Operations Technician II

Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential job duties of the position is qualifying. Incumbents will possess the most desirable combination of training, skills, and experience, as demonstrated in their past and current employment history.  A typical example includes: 

Education: 

• A high school diploma or equivalent GED. 

Experience: 

• Two (2) years of experience in the operation and maintenance of water distribution, treatment, recycled water, and sanitary sewer at a level comparable to Utility Operations Technician I with the Agency. 

Licenses and Certifications 

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 
• Possession of a valid Grade II Distribution Operator’s certification issued by the California Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, is required.? 
• A Class A California driver’s license is desirable. 

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES (The following are a representative sample of the KSA’s necessary to perform essential duties of the position.)  

Utility Operations Technician I 

Knowledge of: 

• Basic principles, methods, tools, and equipment related to water distribution, treatment, recycled water, and sanitary sewer maintenance infrastructure operation and repair.  
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices related to areas of assignment. 
• Basic mathematics including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division. 
• Basic recordkeeping. 
• Office practices, procedures, and equipment. 
• Operation of a computer and assigned software. 
• Safe driving practices. 
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy. 

Skills/Ability to: 

• Understand and follow oral and written instructions. 
• Follow related federal, state, and local standards and regulations associated with the operation, maintenance, repair, replacement, installation, and construction of potable water distribution, treatment, recycled water, and sanitary sewer systems.  
• Learn to use and use pipe location equipment, leak detection equipment, and other equipment to locate, maintain, repair, replace, and install underground potable water distribution, treatment, recycled water, and sanitary sewer systems. 
• Learn to use and use precision measurement devices. 
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. 
• Learn to perform preventative maintenance and repair activities on water distribution, treatment, recycled water, and sanitary sewer systems. 
• Learn to adjust and troubleshoot regulators to control water pressure and flow for normal operating conditions, leaks, and emergency purposes. 

Learn to troubleshoot operational deficiencies of mechanical equipment. 

• Learn to read, review, and understand water plans and specifications in both paper and digital formats.  
• Learn to utilize field mobile devices, software, and other technical equipment to perform maintenance, monitor, track, and maintain records of water system operations, and perform other related activities.  
• Learn to identify water distribution, treatment, recycled water, and sanitary sewer system issues and develop and implement an appropriate response. 
• Perform manual work and operate construction and maintenance related vehicles, equipment, and tools. 
• Work independently and as part of a team.  
• Track and maintain information. 
• Make sound decisions within established guidelines.  
• Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; learn occupational hazards and safety practices related to areas of assignment, including, but not limited to confined space entry, trench shoring, hot work permitting, and traffic control.  
• Communicate clearly and concisely.  
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with agency staff, outside agencies, and the public. 

Utility Operations Technician II

Knowledge of: 

• The principles, materials, methods, techniques, equipment, and technologies used in the maintenance, operation and repair of potable water distribution, treatment recycled water, and sanitary sewer lines, infrastructure, equipment, and facilities. 
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility. 
• Water hydraulics and pneumatics. 
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices related to areas of assignment, including but not limited to confined space entry, trench shoring, hot work permitting, and traffic control. 
• Basic mathematics, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division. 
• Basic recordkeeping. 
• Office practices, procedures, and equipment. 
• Operation of a computer and assigned software. 
• Safe driving practices. 
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy. 

Skills/Ability to: 

• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.  
• Follow related federal, state, and local standards and regulations associated with assigned duties.  
• Use pipe location equipment, leak detection equipment, and other equipment to locate, maintain, repair, replace, and install underground potable water distribution, treatment, recycled water, and sanitary sewer systems. 
• Use precision measurement devices. 
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimal. 
• Perform preventative maintenance and repair activities on potable water distribution, recycled water, and sanitary sewer systems.  
• Adjust and troubleshoot regulators to control water pressure and flow for normal operating conditions, leaks, and emergency purposes. 
• Troubleshoot operational deficiencies of mechanical equipment. 
• Read, review, and understand water plans and specifications in both paper and digital formats.  
• Utilize field mobile devices, software, and other technical equipment to perform maintenance, monitor. track, and maintain records of the water system operations, and perform other related activities.  
• Identify water distribution, recycled water, and sanitary sewer system issues and develop and implement an appropriate response. 
• Perform manual work and operate construction and maintenance related vehicles, equipment, and tools. 
• Work independently and as part of a team.  
• Track and maintain information. 
• Make sound decisions within established guidelines.  
• Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.  
• Communicate clearly and concisely.  
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with agency staff, vendors, contractors, regulatory agencies, and the public. 

Selection Process

HOW TO APPLY

Read the job notice thoroughly, note the minimum requirements of the position, and compile any information or documents necessary for the application. Complete and submit your application along with supporting documents such as resume and cover letter. It is important that your application is complete and thorough. Please include all requested information including education, certifications, and relevant experience.

Be advised that, while you may submit a resume with your application, resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. Incomplete applications will likely be rejected.

SELECTION PROCESS

Human Resources administers the Agency’s recruitment procedures to ensure a fair and unbiased selection. Applications may be removed from the process if they are incomplete or where the applicant does not meet the minimum qualifications. Accepted applicants will interview before an unbiased, multiparty interview and scoring panel. Interviewed applicants will be scored on areas such as education, experience, demonstrated qualifications, communication skills, and interview presentation, among others. While seniority is considered, the Agency will choose the best qualified candidate regardless of time at the Agency. The Agency strives to fill each position with the most qualified candidate.

RECRUITMENT STATUS

Applicants will be provided notification electronically to the email provided in the application. To check the status of a submitted job application and to track the recruitment process, log in to governmentjobs.com by clicking the “Applicant Login” button on the Agency’s Job Opportunities page. Once you sign in, you will be directed to your Applications page where you can view the status of Submitted (and Incomplete) applications.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Agency selects applicants on the basis of applicant qualifications and prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religious or political affiliation, creed, citizenship status, military service status, marital status, pregnancy, age (over 40), national origin, ancestry, medical condition, physical or mental disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION OF DISABILITIES

The Agency will make reasonable accommodations for disabilities, both in the application process and in the performance of the job. Any applicant who requires an accommodation in the application process should contact Human Resources for assistance.

Questions or concerns related to the Agency’s Equal Opportunity Employer policy or any request for reasonable accommodation should be directed to Human Resources at (661) 297-1600.