Water Systems Technician I

DEFINITION

Initially under immediate and then general supervision, learns, and performs a variety of skilled and specialized duties associated with the installation, construction, maintenance, operation and repair of water treatment and distribution pumping, production, storage, and disinfection systems, such as booster pumps, motors, valves, transducers, motor control centers, switches, wiring, chemical feed equipment, pumping stations, reservoirs, and wells; performs preventive and predictive maintenance on assigned equipment and facilities; conducts diagnostic and performance analysis tests on equipment and facilities; assists in the construction of new or replacement equipment and related facilities; and performs other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Water Systems Technician I is the entry level of the Water Systems Technician class series. Positions in this class may be assigned to support either production or distribution/mechanics. This class is distinguished from Water Systems Technician II in that incumbents in this class perform the more routine duties assigned to the series with less independence while acquiring the knowledge and experience needed to perform the full range of journey level work.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED

Receives immediate and general supervision from a Water Systems Supervisor. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. Does not regularly lead other employees.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

When assigned to Production, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs a variety of skilled and specialized duties associated with the installation, construction, maintenance, operation and repair of water distribution facilities and equipment, including pumping, production, storage, and disinfection systems.
• Maintains and repairs booster pumps, analyzers, onsite generation facilities, mixers, dosing tanks, SCADA equipment, and other assigned equipment/facilities.
• Removes, dissembles, cleans, reinstalls, and repairs pump/motor assemblies, equipment, and components; adjusts and replaces packing; greases and changes oil on motors; replaces leaky fittings and equipment.
• Monitors and maintains hydro station system pressures; balances surge tanks.
• Cleans chlorinator tablet feeders; changes oil and filters; rebuilds and changes out pumps; adjusts flows and dosages; checks residuals and water quality.
• Maintains, rebuilds, cleans, and troubleshoots analyzers, mixers, and tanks; calculates and titrates chemical dosages.
• Samples for chloramines at onsite generation facilities.
• Upgrades and installs SCADA panels, transducers, antennas, towers, and radios; conducts electrical tests; programs equipment.
• Pours, cuts, replaces, and repairs concrete.
• Installs and replaces electrical fuses, wiring and conduit; hooks up electrical generators.
• Performs field water quality analysis, including pH, temperature, chloride, nitrates, and chloramines; reviews water quality results and calculates blending for constituents in the water as needed to comply with state and federal water quality standards.

When assigned to Distribution/Mechanics, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Inspects, adjusts, and repairs mechanical and hydraulic equipment such as pumps, motors, valves, transducers, motor control centers, switches, wiring, chemical feed equipment, and related devices.
• Performs predictive and preventive maintenance on mechanical and hydraulic equipment.
• Assists in the construction of new or replacement mechanical and hydraulic equipment.
• Maintains and cleans facilities, such as wash water recovery basins, sludge handling facilities, storage tanks and related equipment, as well as Agency buildings and grounds.
• Exercises valves and air vacuums.

For all assignments, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Collects data; prepares and maintains necessary records and reports.
• Responds to alarms, equipment failures, and emergencies, taking necessary actions to maintain a reliable water supply.
• Utilizes automated, remote, and local controls for system operation.
• Follows safety procedures and regulations.
• Maintains facilities and grounds in a clean condition.
• Operates a computer and assigned software.
• Performs other related duties as required.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS

This position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and/or stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in making repairs. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in making mechanical and system repairs. Incumbents are required to turn valves. The need to lift, drag, and push materials, supplies, and equipment weighing 75 pounds also is required.

Work is primarily performed outdoors in varied weather conditions including heat, rain and cold, and with potential exposure to road traffic, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, and occasional confined spaces.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations. For more information, see SCV Water Employee Manual Policy No. 4 – Americans with Disabilities, or the following link: SCV Water Employee Manual.

According to California state law, all Agency employees are disaster service workers and are expected to participate in emergency response initiatives. This could include contributing to the emergency planning process, participating in disaster exercises and training, as well as potentially responding to support actual emergency events. For more information, please see Section 6.10 of SCV Water Employee Manual Policy No. 6 – Recruitment and Hiring, or by clicking this link: SCV Water Employee Manual.

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 Systems Technician I. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess:

• A high school diploma equivalent GED.
• Some utility work or related manual labor experience is desirable, but not required.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License, or evidence of equivalent mobility, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a valid Grade I Distribution Operator's certification issued by the California Water Resources Board, Division of Drinking Water, is required within 12 months of appointment.

If assigned to Production:

• Possession of a valid Grade I Treatment Operator's certification issued by the California Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, is required within twelve (12) months of appointment.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES (The following are a representative sample of the KSAs necessary to perform essential duties of the position.)

Knowledge / Skills of:

• Basic principles, methods, tools, and equipment related of the operation, maintenance, and repair of water mechanical systems.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices related to areas of assignment.
• Basic mathematics.
• Basic recordkeeping.
• Office practices, procedures, and equipment, including the use of personal computers and standard business software.
• Safe driving practices.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.

Ability to:

• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Learn to operate and maintain water pumping, production, storage, and treatment systems.
• Learn to calculate flow, volume, detention time, chemical dosage, and pressure.
• Learn to evaluate operational changes such as pressure fluctuations, system demands, and production capacities.
• Learn to troubleshoot operational deficiencies of mechanical equipment.
• Learn to read gauges and meters and correctly record results.
• Learn to respond to SCADA system alarms.
• Learn to work independently and as part of a team.
• Perform manual work and use tools and equipment appropriate to the assignment.
• Use a computer to track and maintain information.
• Operates a computer and assigned software.
• Make sound decisions within established guidelines.
• Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.
• Communicate clearly and concisely.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Agency staff, outside organizations, and the public.