NATURE OF POSITION

Perform skilled duties in the complex implementation of leak detection, utility locates, meter testing, and valve exercising. This is a technical class in the Water Distribution Division with a high level of responsibility including technical trouble-shooting and diagnosing repair needs.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

General direction and oversight are provided by the Water Distribution Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Employees of the City of Walla Walla are expected to model and foster the City’s core values: Service – Integrity – Collaboration – Equity – Leadership - Community
2. Provide exemplary customer service to all individuals by demonstrating a willingness to be attentive, understanding, responsive, fair, courteous, and respectful, and to actively participate in maintaining a positive customer service environment.
3. Conduct water distribution, sanitary sewer, stormwater, power and communication line and appurtenances locates. Read and interpret maps, specifications, drawings, and blueprints.
4. Communicate with personnel from various City departments, regional utilities, contractors and the general public regarding the location and inspection of utilities.
5. Maintain records and drawings related to water distribution operations, installation, repair, and maintenance activities. Send mapping updates to GIS division.
6. Perform weekly delinquent shut-offs and turn-ons, special reads, and meter pulls.
7. Perform mainline valve exercising program in conjunction with system software to accurately record the condition, position (GPS), depth, and size of valve.
8. Perform large meter testing program for accuracy, recalibrating, reprogramming and documenting condition of vault and plumbing.
9. Field operations for supporting the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system including installation, troubleshoot, diagnose, configure, and repair to maintain AMI endpoint communications for optimal system performance. Monitor and analyze reports to investigate and resolve AMI system communication issues and the customer leak notification program.  
10. Flush and clean the water distribution system.
11. Adhere to safe work practices and procedures in field operations; including traffic control, confined space entry, trench safety, use of respiratory equipment, etc., to ensure that all established safety standards are observed while working.
12. Attend and participate in professional meetings; stay abreast of state and federal regulations; research new trends and innovations in the technical fields of water distribution operations.
13. Participate in the seven (7) day on-call rotation. Respond to emergency calls off-hours for operations and repair of the Water Distribution system.  
14. May provide back-up services and/or assist other City Departments/Divisions.
15. Use electronic acoustical correlation equipment and a variety of specialized tools and techniques to identify and locate underground water leaks.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Demonstrate punctual, regular, and reliable attendance, which is essential for successful job performance.
2. Present a positive, professional image; maintain cooperative and effective working relationships; assure excellent customer service with internal and external customers.
3. Execute assignments, projects, and job responsibilities efficiently and within defined timeframes; work independently and effectively with little direction.
4. Demonstrate good judgment and employ critical thinking to execute duties, identify issues, seek solutions, and recommend improvements in support of departmental goals.
5. Provide assistance to staff and higher-level management; participate in resolving operational or interpersonal concerns; participate in training, meetings, and on committees as assigned.
6. Respect the value of diversity in the workplace and the community.
7. Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

1. Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures related to public works, water systems, underground water, power, and street lighting systems.
2. Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions. Specifically, safety measures related to excavation, work on, in, or near a right-of-way, trenches, traffic, hazardous materials, and confined spaces.
3. Operational characteristics of water, including gravity and pumped delivery, and pressure control and reduction.
4. Proper procedures and methods related to the implementation of leak detection equipment, proper operation of locating equipment, valve exercising equipment operation, and other equipment used in system maintenance programs.
5. Ability to learn City water meter locations and local topography and accurately read various meters and diagnose meter problems.
6. Advanced repair and preventative maintenance methods and techniques.
7. Tools and equipment used in the operation, installation, maintenance, and repair of water systems.
8. Principles and procedures of record keeping and reporting.
9. Read and interpret operational and technical manuals, Water Distribution, Sanitary sewer, Street Lighting and Stormwater mapping, blueprints, drawings, and diagrams; prepare as-built drawings for map updates.
10. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
11. Understand and use software programs, electronic browser, SCADA, computerized instrumentation, and Computer Maintenance Management Systems.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Meter testing equipment; valve exercising equipment; leak detection equipment including leak loggers, electronic correlator and electronically enhanced listing devices; underground electronic locator; metal  detector; water pumps ranging from hand pumps to 2” gas powered pumps; a variety of specialized equipment including hand and power tools; GPS recording device; desktop and laptop computers; various office equipment; atmospheric tester; confined space retrieval equipment; meter reading handhelds and wands; chlorine residual analyzer.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate specialized equipment and tools; reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally; standing for extended periods of time; stamina to exert self throughout the workday in all weather conditions; bending at the waist; hearing and speaking to exchange information; lifting heavy objects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Outdoor work environment; driving a vehicle to conduct work; seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions; noise from equipment operation; driving a vehicle during adverse weather conditions; working around moving objects or vehicles; working in excavations and confined spaces; traffic hazards; occasional contact with dissatisfied individuals.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma, GED or equivalent, and 12 months Water Distribution or Treatment Plant experience and an additional 24 months of direct water system related experience. Valid State driver’s license and proof of good driving record.  State of Washington Water Distribution Level 2 certification and Confined Space and Competent person certification or the ability to obtain within one (1) year of hire date. Any equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered that demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Commercial driver’s license Class A with air brakes and taker endorsement preferred. Six (6) years progressively responsible experience in the maintenance and repair of water or related systems and components or equivalent. Municipal or private water distribution systems experience preferred. Bilingual in Spanish.