Water Utility Worker I

Job Summary

Operates a variety of heavy equipment to install, replace, repair, and maintain the City’s water distribution system including water mains, main valves, pipes, fittings, meters, fire hydrants, and related water system components.

Positions in the Water Utility Worker class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the II-level may be filled by advancement from the I-level through a recruitment process.

The Water Utility Worker I salary range is $76,128 to $93,984 annually.

The Water Utility Worker II salary range is $83,724 to $103,368 annually.

Representative Duties

Operates various light to heavy equipment, including backhoes, hydraulic stompers, tampers, and crane trucks to install, replace, repair, and maintain the City's water distribution system.

Digs trenches and lays heavy pipes and fittings; breaks pavement and removes concrete and asphalt; excavates and backfills trenches; inspects trenches for safety, proper compaction, and compliance with City codes.

Installs, replaces, and repairs water mains, valves, fire hydrants, pipes, fittings, meters, and related water distribution system components; measures, lays out, and wraps pipes and fittings; cuts and solders copper fittings.

Determines the proper sizing and location of new water mains and services; taps water main, installs new services, and ties over service from old water main to new water main.

Locates and marks service locations; inspects water mains and valves and recommends equipment changes or replacement; investigates and repairs water main and fire hydrant failures and service leaks; performs meter reads as required.

Inspects water mains and service installations performed by City staff and contractors.

Flushes, takes samples, and chlorinates new water mains to ensure the safety of the water supply; collects water samples for bacteriological tests as needed.

Responds to public inquires and notifies consumers of water service shutdowns.

Places safety barricades, delineators, and cones to designate job sites and direct traffic; prepares worksite for excavation and permit confined space entry; safely channels and directs traffic around work sites in accordance with applicable work zone safety standards.

Determines appropriate equipment needed for work assignment; tracks and maintains inventory and submits requests for supplies and materials.

Prepares and maintains logs, records, and reports of maintenance and repair activities performed; uses maintenance management software application(s) to perform data entry including opening, closing, and updating of work orders.

Reads and interprets water system maps, blueprints, standards, specifications, and related technical documentation; reviews and revises existing drawings with updates to incorporate into CAD drawings and GIS.

Provides input on the development of replacement vehicle and equipment specifications; monitors and reports on the status of vehicle repairs and safety related issues; oversees the cleaning of vehicles and ensures vehicle parking areas are free of dirt and debris.

Performs routine preventive maintenance and basic repairs on tools, equipment, and vehicles used.

Performs emergency work on water main breaks and related emergencies as required; assists with temporary and emergency water shutdowns.

Maintains shop and working areas in a clean and orderly condition.

Leads and monitors the work activities of a crew.

Utilizes proper safety precautions related to all work performed and performs work in a safe manner following all City and applicable safety regulations, rules, policies, and procedures.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge of:

Principles, practices, and techniques required for installing, maintaining, and repairing facilities found in water distribution systems
Excavation and backfilling principles, practices, and techniques
Principles, practices, techniques, equipment, and tools used in heavy construction and excavation including backhoes, hydraulic stompers, tampers, and crane trucks
Plumbing and piping principles
Soldering techniques
Underground utility markings
Principles and procedures of water flushing, water main chlorination, and the collection of samples
Operational characteristics, use of, and maintenance requirements of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and light to heavy power equipment required for the work
Traffic control procedures and traffic sign regulations
Occupational hazards and standard safety procedures related to the work
Principles of basic mathematics
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility
Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed
Principles of customer service

Ability to:

Perform a variety of tasks in the installation, repair, and maintenance of water distribution systems and facilities
Safely and effectively use and operate various tools, equipment, vehicles, and light to heavy equipment including backhoes, hydraulic stompers, tampers, and crane trucks
Break and remove concrete and asphalt
Excavate and backfill trenches
Flush and chlorinate water mains
Collect water samples for bacteriological tests as needed
Locate and mark utility lines
Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities
Read and interpret maps, schematics, drawings, diagrams, blueprints, and related technical documents
Work safely and adhere to principles of safety when working near traffic or in other environments
Maintain accurate logs, records, work orders, and written records of work performed
Understand and follow oral and written instructions
Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed
Effectively use computer systems, standard office productivity and presentation software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks
Prioritize work and meet deadlines
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
Provide effective customer service

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

Graduation from high school or the equivalent.

Experience:

Three years of recent, paid work experience in the maintenance, construction, and/or repair of plumbing systems or water distribution facilities including one year of experience of heavy construction work involving plumbing or water distribution systems.

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession of, or successfully obtain within 6 months from date of appointment, a valid Forklift Operator certification to be maintained throughout employment

Possession of a valid Grade II (D2) Water Distribution Operator certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board), to be maintained throughout employment.

Possession of a valid Class C California driver’s license. Possession of Class B Commercial or successfully obtain within 6 months from date of employment, to be maintained throughout employment.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply:

Applicants must submit a clear, concise, completed on-line City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline. If you do not submit your on-line application by the filing deadline, you will not be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.

You must attach a copy of your valid Grade II (D2) Water Distribution Operator certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) to your online application. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than the filing deadline. Failure to do so may result in your application being disqualified.

Selection Process:

All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding your work history and qualifications for the position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those applicants determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

Testing may consist of a combination of any of the following and is subject to change as needs dictate:

Training and Experience Evaluation: 100%
Written Exam
Oral Interview

If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list. If fewer than three qualified City employees pass the examination, the appointing authority, in accordance with the City's civil service rules and regulations, can decline to use a promotional list, in which case a promotional list will not be established for this position.

Background Investigation:

Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.

Inclusion & Diversity Statement

The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly-talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.

The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and Marine Park Childcare Center.

Closing Date/Time: 10/10/2024 5:30 PM Pacific

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