Water Wastewater Worker

DEFINITION:

Under general supervision, performs a variety of routine to semi-skilled operations, maintenance and construction work, operates a variety of equipment in the construction, operation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of sewer, street, storm drainage systems, water distribution systems, wastewater collection systems and/or at treatment facilities.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

The Water and Wastewater Worker is a journey level maintenance class responsible for performing collection systems, treatment plant facilities, water distribution systems maintenance and operation activities with direction from specialists in mechanical, paintings and coatings, electrical/instrumentation, water distribution and wastewater facilities operations and related projects in work crews.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

This position receives direct or general supervision from a designated supervisor or manager.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

The Water/Wastewater Worker exercises no supervision.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following examples.

• Conducts sewer line inspection for proper flow, restrictions, water and root intrusion, vector control, manhole and cover condition; removes debris from lines and manholes; cleans sewer line using hydrorodder, hydro/vacuum unit and rod unit; operates video system to inspect sewer line.
• Serves in the capacity of a mechanic’s, electrician’s and/or painter’s helper by assisting skilled trades workers in such preventive maintenance and/or emergency repair tasks as job set-up, surface preparation/coating application, servicing equipment, carpentry work and traffic control.
• Performs tasks associated with the daily operations and services of a wastewater treatment plant including repairs and equipment maintenance; takes meter, gauge and control panel readings and observes variations in operating conditions; collects and performs routine biological and chemical tests/analyses; interprets information to determine processing requirements; learns to monitor and change flows.
• Performs a variety of maintenance and repair tasks on water distributions systems and lines; cleans dead-end lines by discharging water; performs leak tests and uses pressure gauge to determine pressures; collects water quality samples for laboratory testing; tests as needed.
• Repairs meters in the shop and at site; cleans and replaces parts and reassembles meters; lubricates pumps and motors as necessary.
• Operates front-end loader to compost sludge with wood chips and/or other organic matter or to clean sludge/composting beds; samples compost mix and records temperature.
• Paints and inspects valves, valve caps, fire hydrants, meter boxes and other water appurtenances as necessary.
• Fuels and washes mobile and/or stationary equipment, checks fluid levels and performs other routine maintenance tasks; prepares reports of work performed; assists in development of safety and operating procedures.
• Records residential and commercial water meters on an assigned route; enters meter reading in record books and logs; notes and records readings, prepares reports on maintenance, leaks and other repair issues.
• Turns water service on for new customers; closes and locks meters on delinquent accounts; distributes customer notices.
• Acts as District field representative providing information/suggestions on water saving techniques; responds to customers regarding complaints on low pressure, high pressure, and water quality.
• Cleans and picks up litter in and around plant facilities; performs landscape maintenance using manual and power equipment; removes brush, debris and trash.
• Performs other related duties as requested.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Any equivalent combination of experience and education that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience performing industrial painting or general maintenance work in water distribution and/or wastewater treatment facilities operations.

Education:

Equivalent to a high school diploma.

License/Certificate:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class B California driver’s license, and a driving record acceptable for insurability.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

The following are a representative sample of the KSA necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge of:

• Tools and equipment commonly used in mechanical repair, construction and/or the painting trades, as well as landscape and general maintenance activities.
• Safe work practices. Basic mathematics and record keeping.
• Materials and equipment used in water service maintenance and repair work.
• Customer service techniques.

Ability to:

• Perform routine, semi-skilled maintenance in building, carpentry, landscape, electrical, painting, surface preparation/coating application, carpentry work and collection system maintenance tasks.
• Operate assigned equipment.
• Understand verbal and written instructions.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Deal tactfully and courteously with the public.
• Maintain accurate records to document work performed.
• Follow safe work practices.
• Read water meters and perform basic arithmetical calculations.
• Perform repetitious, routine maintenance and repair tasks.
• Read and understand distribution maps and drawings.
• Respond to emergency situations, assess problem and, as needed, request appropriate assistance.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Position requires sitting, standing, walking on uneven, level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties.  The position also requires both near and far vision when inspecting work and operating assigned equipment.  The need to lift, carry and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing up to 100 pounds.  Additionally, the incumbent in this outdoor position works in all weather conditions including wet, hot and cold.  The incumbent may use cleaning and lubricating chemicals which may expose the employee to fumes, dust and air contaminants.  The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb ladders, use power and noise producing tools and equipment, drive motorized vehicles, work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions and often work with constant interruptions.  Work involves working with hazardous chemicals, sewer influent and wastewater effluent and may require working in confined spaces which involves the wearing of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.