Valley Center Municipal Water District is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the position of Water Systems Technician I. Under supervision of the Water Systems Supervisor, incumbents are responsible for performing a variety of routine duties related to operating and maintaining the District’s water distribution system. Incumbents are responsible for performing routine activities while acquiring knowledge and skills to perform higher-level work to include: inspecting system operations, performing preventive maintenance, operating the distribution system and checking water levels and chlorine residuals. Incumbents may work a varied work week, different shifts, assist in standing duty and must be able to respond to emergencies as deemed necessary by the District, and may be required to work in wastewater facilities to include collection, distribution and reclamation.
Salary: $50K - $75K Annually
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Operates the District’s water system; analyzes and determines the District’s need for water; reads and interprets monitoring devices on water usage and distribution; calculates and adjusts chemical dosages; logs and records readings; orders water from County Water Authority; regulates the transfer of water between reservoirs within the District’s distribution system. Routinely monitors and inspects the operation of all pumping stations, reservoirs, aqueduct connections, chlorination facilities, automatic valves, instrumentation and controls, control room and bypass systems to ensure optimum operations; checks water levels and chlorine residuals in reservoirs; adjusts packing on pumps and notifies appropriate personnel of maintenance problems.
May collect and deliver to an accredited laboratory a variety of water samples for analyses; performs standard field laboratory tests and analysis; maintains records of operations; investigates water quality and high/low pressure complaints. Performs a variety of plant and machinery maintenance operations; performs repairs on automatic valves; repairs leaks and responds to other water distribution emergency situations. Drives various vehicles; uses hand and power tools and equipment related to the trade; observes proper safety precautions, particularly in dealing with hazardous chemicals such as chlorine; reads drawings and blueprints. (A more detailed job description can be found on the District’s website http://www.valleycenterwater.org/Jobs).
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
Knowledge of: Water distribution systems; water operations, including pumps, motors, chlorinators, aqueduct connections; preventative maintenance practices and procedures as applied to water distribution systems; advanced electrical troubleshooting techniques; methods, materials, tools and equipment used in the installation, maintenance, repair and operations of water distribution systems and facilities; operation and maintenance of a wide variety of shop equipment, hand, power and motorized tools and machinery used in the work; shop mathematics; applicable laws and regulations; basic first aid and CPR techniques; using computer and related software applications; and, safe work methods and safety precautions related to the work.
Ability to: Operate and maintain tools and equipment used in the work; identify and implement effective courses of action to complete assigned work; instruct and coordinate the work of less skilled employees; rebuild and repair water meters, automatic valves, and other District appurtenances; install, monitor, analyze, instrumentation and controls; diagnose problems and determine appropriate action; interpret and work from sketches, blueprints and specifications; maintain accurate records of work performed; communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, and be understood while using the District’s radio communication system; and, establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and those contacted in the course of the work.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Education: Equivalent to a High School Diploma.
Experience: A minimum of one year of equivalent experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
Licensing Requirements: California Class C Driver’s License. Ability to pass certification exam within two years as condition of employment: State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Water Distribution Operator’s Certificate, Grade D2.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to use hands and fingers to grasp, feel, and reach; climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, hear, and smell. The incumbent frequently is required to sit, stand and walk. The incumbent must regularly lift and/or move from 25 to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. May be required to medically qualify and wear a District approved respirator.
Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is regularly exposed to high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; outside weather conditions; and risk of electrical shock. The incumbent is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and moving mechanical parts. The incumbent is occasionally exposed to vibration. The noise level will range from moderate to very loud.
