Water Distribution Technician

Salary: $29.66 - $37.80 Hourly

 

Average amount of water you need to consume in a day – 11 to 15 cups.  Average amount of water in the human body – 60%.  Average amount of water used per person at home per day – 80 to 100 gallons.  Landing a job that is a great step for your career and on a team that values the work and you – priceless.
  
This role focuses on maintaining, repairing, and operating one of the City’s most vital assets, our water distribution system.  The Water Distribution Technicians are a small and highly effective team that ensures all businesses and households in our community have access to top quality water.   In this position you will work closely with citizens to solve water related issues, such as the common water heater dip tube problem, teach the public about water heater thermal expansion, and assist in the detection and prevention of leaks.
 
Working for this community means join a team of dedicated, hard-working professionals who ensure the City's assets are well maintained and are serious about doing it.  You will succeed in this role because of your ability to contribute to and learn from a committed, public service focused work environment that leverages your passion for both the intricacies and the science of water distribution.  What you'll bring to the table is a proactive, can-do, multitasking work ethic and a problem solving focus; forward looking ideas bolstered by a firm foundation in utility maintenance, construction, or inspection experience; a detail oriented approach that drives results; and an ability to thrive as a member of a multi-talented team.
  
 This position might be perfect for you if:

• You want to make a distinct contribution to the community you serve.
• You're highly organized and can juggle multiple projects and tasks.
• You're looking for a team committed to your growth through training, mentoring, and team building opportunities.
• You enjoy working with others to teach and pass on your knowledge.
• You have a strong commitment to superior customer service.
• You want to join a forward-thinking team that will bring the best out of you.
• You thrive in a fast-paced environment.... there's never a dull moment here!

 If you are someone who thinks differently, expects more, and doesn't want to settle for the status quo, Wilsonville is the place for you. This is not just another job – this is a place to expand your career. Sound interesting? Apply today!  Please ensure you complete all sections of the application, including fully answering all supplemental questions. Do not use "refer to resume" in the application. More information about essential functions and minimum requirements of this role can be found below.  
The Water Distribution Technician performs a variety of journeyman level work in maintenance, repair, and operation of the City's water distribution system.
 
This position reports directly to the Utilities Supervisor, but the incumbent may receive direction from other Public Works Supervisors, the Public Works Director and/or Engineering Division Managers.  At the request of the Supervisor, this position may direct the work of temporary employees and assist other divisions.
 
The Water Distribution Technician performs a full range of duties required to ensure that the City's water distribution system is maintained in good working condition while providing excellent customer service and protecting the public health of the community. Responsibilities include performing a wide variety of tasks in a timely manner, including inspection, maintenance and repair of the water distribution system. This position is distinguished from the Utilities Maintenance Specialist (UMS) by the level of certification and training, the amount of technical and functional direction allowed over lower-level staff and the intrinsic level of complexity and responsibility required to perform high level work independently.

 

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The following tasks are representative and not to be considered all inclusive.
 
Water Distribution System

• Inspects water distribution infrastructure to assess general condition and ensure compliance with City construction standards.
• Maintains water distribution infrastructure consistent with industry-related operations and maintenance practices.
• Performs plan review, punch list development and final inspections as needed for City infrastructure maintained by the Utilities Division.
• Performs utility locating for all city owned utilities.
• Retrieves data, maintains accurate records and files, assists contractors and city staff as required to locate underground city owned utilities according to the OUCC/OUNC Standards Manual.
• Installs, repairs or replaces water main, water service lines, water meters/boxes/lids, fire hydrants, blow offs, air reliefs and other water distribution appurtenances.
• Performs work orders and various customer service tasks such as troubleshooting and investigating customer concerns, checking for leaks, locking/unlocking water meters and reading meters upon request.
• Operates and maintains reservoirs, wells, instrumentation, chemical delivery systems, control valves, flow meters and booster pumps.
• Monitors SCADA system to manage operating parameters and reservoir levels.
• Delivers customer service notices and turns water services ON/OFF as needed.
• Performs routine landscaping duties around water meters, hydrants, valves, meter vaults, air reliefs and utility easements.
• Performs tasks related to annual utility maintenance programs, including valve actuation, water main flushing, hydrant maintenance, cathodic protection, leak detection and water meter replacements.
• Identifies cross connections and potential cross connections with the public water system; works with the Building Division to ensure deficiencies are corrected.
• Mitigates public hazards related to ice and snow during inclement weather.
• Provides support to City and/or interagency response to hazardous materials spills, vehicle accidents and environmental incidents.
• Operates trailer mounted hydro-excavator and combination cleaner truck.
• Completes assigned tasks, collects data and manages asset records using the City's approved asset management program.
• Performs water quality monitoring and sampling as mandated by the Oregon Health Authority and USEPA.

Equipment Operation and Maintenance

• Safely operates equipment necessary to perform work.
• Performs routine inspection and maintenance necessary for the efficient and safe operation of the equipment (safety inspection, grease and oil, hydraulic systems, etc.)
• Correctly operates equipment and vehicles to reduce waste, limit noise pollution, and maximize effectiveness.
• Promptly reports equipment and vehicle problems to Fleet Services personnel.
• Use desktop computers and mobile devices in accordance with City policy.

Department Organization

• Effectively communicates orally and in writing with employees from all departments and outside agencies to efficiently coordinate and implement the work program.
• Effectively communicates with the general public in order to coordinate work and provide general information in support of City activities.

Assists other divisions and completes other tasks as assigned.

Customer Service Standards for Employees
These standards are to ensure the organization is focused on providing high quality service to the public and other employees. Employees are expected to meet these standards as part of their job responsibilities.
 
Communication

• Acknowledge customers when they enter a city facility by greeting them with a smile and positive tone of voice whether in person, on the phone or in email.  
• Gather necessary information to assist the customer. Where possible, handle issues/questions/requests without transferring customer to someone else.
• Seek out answers to questions first; if unsuccessful provide name/contact information of someone who can assist. 
• Listen, understand, and clarify to gain in depth understanding of the needs to ensure they are being met.
• Address difficult or contentious issues in a constructive manner.
• Be positive and enthusiastic when speaking with customers. 

Respect

• Be courteous and polite.
• Treat customers with dignity and respect.  
• Understand customer's expectations and treat them as a priority.
• Actively listen and give customer undivided attention.
• Appreciate differing perspectives, opinions, and needs.
• Demonstrate integrity and build trust through credibility, reliability, commitment, and ethical behavior.

Responsiveness

• Provide prompt and reliable service.
• Respond to phone/email as soon as possible.
• Follow through in a timely manner on commitments made to customers and provide estimated timeline for completion.
• Change voicemail and email when out of office/unavailable and provide alternate contact person for customers.
• Demonstrate a "can-do" approach.
• Exhibit problem-solving skills leading to sound judgment and quality decisions.

 

Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or GED

Experience: Requires at least 3 years combined experience in construction, operation and/or maintenance of water, wastewater or stormwater systems. Alternatively, the same requirement may be met with 2 years combined experience and 1 year of relevant post high school education in Water & Wastewater or closely related field.

Certifications/Licenses: Possess or obtain within six (6) months of hire 

• Water Distribution Level 2
• Cross Connection Specialist Certification
• Oregon Commercial Driver's License – Class B with tanker endorsement
• First Aid, CPR, AED Certification
• Flagger's Card (traffic safety)
• Competent Person Identification Card

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to operate various types of equipment and tools.
• Ability to perform repairs and maintenance on various water distribution system infrastructure, equipment, and chemical delivery systems.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment to install, repair and maintain water distribution system infrastructure.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to learn and adhere to City policies, procedures, and requirements related to procurement, safety, and operations.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures applicable to area of assignment.
• Ability to apply knowledge of safety standards, best industry practices, and approved procedures relating to the essential functions of the position.
• Knowledge of safe and effective operating practices for vehicles and applicable equipment.
• Knowledge of maintenance, construction and repair methods and procedures used in assigned area.
• Basic knowledge of and ability to learn about techniques of flagging and traffic control.
• Ability to adapt to changing technologies and learn functionality of new equipment and systems, including computer software and mobile devices necessary for the job.
• Ability to perform heavy manual work under confined conditions and in inclement weather.
• Ability to determine appropriate resources needed for a project.
• Ability to interpret construction plans.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to work as a team member.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job.

 

Additional Information

Work Environment:  Work is mainly performed outdoors regardless of weather conditions.  Field work may occur in developed areas as well as active construction zones, including rights-of-way. The responsibilities of the position frequently place the employee in close proximity to heavy construction equipment, open excavations, uneven terrain, and paving projects. Incumbent may be required to work in extreme weather conditions, utilize chemicals, and work in active traffic zones.
 
Physical Requirements: Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, to work in confined spaces, around machines, and to climb and descend ladders, and operate varied hand tools, power tools and construction equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screens; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, tablet, and/or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 75 pounds and heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.
 
Cognitive Functions: Work is performed with a high level of independence within well-defined policies and procedures yielding some latitude. Problems encountered can be of moderate difficulty; however, precedent is generally available.
 
Tools/Equipment Used: Including but not limited to backhoes, utility vehicles, dump trucks, combination sewer cleaner truck, weed trimmers, backpack sprayers, mowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, generators, compressors, trailer mounted vacuum excavator, concrete saw, chipper, paint sprayers, utility locating equipment, water service tapping equipment, freeze kits, hydraulic pipe cutter and various electric, and manually powered hand tools; leak detector, atmospheric monitors, volt meter, pH meter, chlorine residual tester, gas cutting torch, trailers, mini-excavator, and tractors with attachments.  General office equipment including but not limited to: desktop computers and mobile devices, printer, telephone, fax machine, and copy machine; computer software including but not limited to: word-processing, spreadsheet and web applications necessary for the job.