Water Utility Worker I/II

Description

The City’s Water Certificate Pay Program for Water Division employees who possess valid Water Certificate(s) issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board will receive $100 (one-hundred dollars) per month above their unadjusted base salary rate for each Certificate.

Class specifications are only intended to present a descriptive summary of the range of duties and responsibilities associated with specified positions. Therefore, specifications may not include all duties performed by individuals within a classification. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and do not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.

DEFINITION:

Under general supervision, performs a variety of tasks in the construction, routine maintenance, and repair of water distribution systems and related equipment and facilities; performs other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Water Utility Worker I

The Water Utility Worker I is the entry/trainee level class in the Utility Worker series that allows the incumbent to develop journey level knowledge and abilities. Initially, under immediate supervision, incumbents perform the more routine and less complex assignments within an established procedural framework, where there are minimal consequences of error, including a wide variety of maintenance and construction tasks in water distribution systems construction, maintenance, and repair. As experience is gained, there is greater independence of action within established guidelines. This classification is distinguished from the next higher level classification of Water Utility Worker II by the performance of work requiring a lesser skill in construction, maintenance, and repair of water distribution systems.

Water Utility Worker II

The Water Utility Worker II is the journey level class in the Water Utility Worker series in which incumbents are expected to independently perform the full scope of assigned duties and demonstrate experience in installation, preventative maintenance, and repair activity of water distribution systems. This classification differs from the next higher classification of Senior Water Utility Worker in that the latter performs more complex assignments, performs lead duties, and acts with a greater degree of independence.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED:

Water Utility Worker I

Receives immediate supervision or direction from the Senior Water Utility Worker depending on assignment to work crews. Incumbents in this class do not routinely exercise supervision.

Water Utility Worker II

Receives general supervision from the Senior Water Utility Worker. May provide technical and functional supervision to entry-level water utility personnel, seasonal, and/or temporary staff.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (include but are not limited to the following)

Performs various tasks involved in the maintenance and repair of water distribution systems, and related facilities and equipment, including water mains and lines, well fields, water meters, hydrants, reservoirs, and sprinkler systems; performs building maintenance.

Participates in installing, removing, and repairing large and small services; cutting, fitting, laying and repairing water mains, cleaning and flushing water mains; repairing mains, valves, and hydrants; inspecting, testing, and operating valves, fittings, and related water distribution equipment; keeping truck stocked with supplies and materials; repairing fire hydrants and flow testing related equipment; locating, excavating, and repairing water lines and related facilities; inspecting water projects for leaks and spills; installing barricades and routing traffic in a safe manner; installs water meters, and related equipment involved in water hook-ups; participates in the reading, maintenance, and repair of water meters; maintains daily records of meter maintenance and repair activities.

As directed, operates heavy equipment, such as crane trucks, loaders, dump trucks, backhoes, and other power-driven equipment; cleans and performs routine maintenance on tools and small motorized equipment.

Reads water meters; records readings and makes necessary calculations; checks to determine consistency of meter readings and reports unusual readings to the supervisor; replaces water meters and meter boxes; may perform minor repairs to water meters.

Patches, and otherwise repairs roadways; repairs sidewalks, curbs, and gutters.

Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, State/local agencies, City management and staff, and the public.

OTHER DUTIES: (include but are not limited to the following)

Answers emergency calls from the public and other agencies taking appropriate action.

Assists water production workers in related activities.

May receive and investigate customer complaints and requests for services; turns water services on and off; responds to inquiries related to water quality such as odor or color; performs emergency turn-ons or responds to "no water" complaints. Checks on customer complaints regarding water pressures and flow; performs leak testing to ascertain apparent leakage in customer lines; notifies customers when service is to be shut off due to unpaid bills; tactfully responds to citizen inquiries.

May be exposed to confidential and privileged information during the course of duties, which should be maintained as such.

Performs other related duties as required.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Position requires sitting, standing, walking on 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 75 pounds or more, at times on a continuous basis, is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in this outdoor position works in all weather conditions, including wet, hot, and cold. The incumbent may use chemicals, which may expose the employee to fumes, dust, and air contaminants, and be exposed to mechanical and electrical hazards. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb ladders, work at heights over 10 feet, use power and noise producing tools and equipment, drive motorized vehicles and heavy equipment, and work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions. The incumbent will perform heavy manual labor and physically strenuous tasks on a regular basis. The incumbent may be required to respond to after hours emergency call-outs, preferably within 60 minutes, and perform routine standby duties.

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

The City of Whittier encourages applications from qualified Individuals with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and California Fair Employment and Housing Act. Individuals who require accommodation in the testing process should contact the Human

Resources staff at least 5 days prior to the testing process so that a reasonable accommodation may be made. Persons requesting a reasonable accommodation will be required to provide documentation of such need. Seeking or receiving an accommodation by the City will have no negative impact on an applicant's or employee's application or employment.

Typical Qualifications

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

Education and/or Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for a Water Utility Worker I/II. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of:

Water Utility Worker I

Willingness to learn and perform duties associated with the installation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution systems.

Water Utility Worker II

In addition to the above, one year of experience in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution systems and satisfactory job performance equivalent to that of a Water Utility Worker I in the City of Whittier.

License/Certificate:

Possession of a valid Class B California driver's license within one year of appointment. Must maintain DL 51A health certification and possession of California endorsements required to operate applicable City vehicles and/or equipment.

Water Utility Worker I

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Grade I Certificate in Water Distribution as issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board within their one year probation period. Failure to obtain a certificate within allotted time will result in dismissal.

Water Utility Worker II

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Grade II Certificate in Water Distribution as issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS: (The following are a representative sample of the KAS's necessary to perform essential duties of the position. The level and scope of the knowledge and abilities listed below vary between the I and II levels)

Knowledge of: Equipment and procedures involved in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution systems, and related equipment and facilities; procedures, equipment, materials, and tools used in the operation of motors, pumps, compressors, valves, and other equipment; domestic water sampling techniques; mathematical principles related to the computation of flow and volumes in water storage and distribution systems; skill in the use of hand and power tools, operation of a variety of equipment and vehicles, including grinder, jackhammer, loader, dump truck, forklift, backhoe, boom truck, chainsaw and cutting torch; related laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures; applicable Federal, State and local laws, codes, and regulations; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; traffic laws, ordinances and rules related to truck and heavy equipment operations; modern office procedures, practices, methods, and equipment, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation; proper English, spelling, and grammar; and occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Ability to: Maintain and repair water distribution systems; accurately read gauges and testing equipment; collect water samples; calculate chlorine dosages, reservoir volumes, and water production; keep routine records; read and interpret plans and maps; work effectively in the absence of supervision; interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations; read, interpret, and record data accurately; organize, prioritize, and follow up on work assignments; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; investigate and determine reasons for unusual water consumption, low water pressure and other service problems; operate assigned light and heavy equipment in maintenance and repair work; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Skill to: Safely and effectively operate a variety of diagnostic equipment and power and hand tools used in water production and distribution systems maintenance.

Supplemental Information

Prior to hiring, candidates will be required to submit proof of U.S. Citizenship or employment authorization if not a U.S. Citizen.

Medical: Applicants will be required as a prerequisite to employment to successfully pass a physical examination, including a drug screen, the cost of which will be paid by the City.

Exam Information: March 11, 2025 Written Exam (Pass/Fail)

Oral Interview: 60%

Performance Exam: 40%