Santa Margarita Water District
Cross Connection Specialist
JOB SUMMARY
Under direct supervision, assists in the development and implementation of the District’s Cross-Connection Program to ensure compliance with state and local regulations; inspects and tests backflow prevention devices; assists with technical and administrative work associated with specialized cross-connection and backflow prevention reports, research, billing services, and related program demands.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
A Cross-Connection Specialist is a technical classification requiring journey-level knowledge needed to inspect backflow devices and cross connections in the District’s systems. The incumbent is responsible for inspecting new and existing projects and requires coordination with District personnel and contractors to ensure regulatory compliance. The work requires a working knowledge of cross-connection backflow rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
This position may report to the Engineering or the Water Use Efficiency Department and is differentiated from the Sr. Cross Connection Specialist in that the incumbent in the latter position performs highly responsible and complex work in administering the cross-connection program and carries out work the use of independent judgment and initiative.
Essential Functions:
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.
- Performs cross-connection tests for new and existing recycled water use sites; reviews plans and specifications for new recycled irrigation customers; ensures cross-connection rules and regulations are followed; ensures proper separation between non-domestic and domestic water lines, that there is no cross connection between the two systems, and that all non-domestic lines are properly marked and meet District standards and specifications; makes recommendations to comply with backflow standards; collects associated fees; coordinates with appropriate State and County health agencies to ensure compliance with backflow and cross-connection regulations.
- Inspects non-domestic mainlines and lateral lines prior to backfill to ensure District regulations are met; oversees mainline pressure testing; conducts final inspection on completed projects.
- Implements a periodic inspection schedule to ensure annual testing; notifies customers of need for scheduled testing; tracks responses and prepares follow-up notices for noncompliance; locks off water services in cases of non-compliance as necessary.
- Responds to inquiries from contractors, developers, engineers and the public concerning District rules and regulations regarding the cross-connection control of potable and recycled water systems; investigates, reviews and responds to customer complaints regarding backflow devices or cross connections; resolves complaints in a timely and efficient manner.
- Assists with inspecting and testing new and existing backflow devices and grease interceptors for the District’s backflow prevention and cross-connection control program; ensures compliance with District, federal, state and local backflow and cross-connection regulations; resolves issues with contractors or issues stop work notices until violations are corrected.
- Tracks and maintains a variety of engineering department records and activities including internal inspection requests, results, reports, plan updates, annual non-domestic water certifications; completes work orders.
- Operate a vehicle and a variety of hand tools and test equipment related to the work.
- Operates vehicles in performing assignments; ensures assigned vehicle is checked for proper fuel and fluid levels; inspects and fuels vehicle; reports any inoperable deficiencies through daily trip logs.
- Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.
Requisite Abilities/Qualifications & Guidelines:
Knowledge of:
- Principles, practice, techniques, operation and maintenance of cross connections and backflow devices.
- Operations, services and activities of the District cross-connection control program.
- Operating characteristics of District water and recycled water distribution systems, equipment and facilities.
- Operating characteristics of plumbing, water system, irrigation system, and related devices, backflow devices and cross-connection control problems and their prevention.
- Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations regarding the installation and testing of backflow devices, including recycled water codes and regulations.
- Principles and practices of sound business communication; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
- Principles and practices of customer service.
- Safety policies and safe work practices applicable to the work.
- Records management, recordkeeping, reporting and basic purchasing practices and procedures.
- Uses and operations of computers, standard business software and specialized database and spreadsheet applications.
Ability to:
- Inspect a variety of water systems and backflow prevention devices.
- Interpret, apply and enforce pertinent rules and regulations; interpret and explain cross-connection and water quality regulations.
- Review and interpret blueprints, plans and manufacturers’ manuals pertaining to irrigation, commercial, and industrial complexes to determine compliance with District, state and federal standards.
- Use sampling equipment, meters, related test apparatus and other tools.
- Analyze and interpret the results of a variety of cross-connection control tests and water quality tests.
- Enforce compliance with federal, state and local requirements by issuing verbal and written warnings for violations and by guiding noncompliant users back to compliance.
- Prepare a variety of inspection and compliance reports, forms and documents that may become public record and used in a court of law.
- Operate a computer, standard business software and a variety of computer software programs and databases related to area of assignment.
- Maintain and update a database of existing and new recycled water users; produce reports of recycled users and annual demands; assist with updating District’s GIS and grid books with respect to domestic and non-domestic water systems.
- Define issues, analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and develop sound, independent conclusions and recommendations in accordance with laws, regulations, rules and policies.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those encountered in the course of work.
- Safely operate a District vehicle on city streets and freeways.
Additional Information:
QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education, Training and Experience:
Graduation from high school or GED equivalent, and one year of progressively responsible experience in operation and/or maintenance of water distribution facilities, with an emphasis on cross connection or enforcement of cross-connection programs that included the inspection and testing of backflow prevention assemblies; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Experience in a public agency is preferred.
Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:
Possession of or the ability to obtain a valid California Class C driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.
Ability to obtain within a year of being hired a Cross-Connection Control Specialist Certificate issued by the American Water Works Association or State Water Board-recognized certifying organization and certificate for testing of backflow prevention devices by a certifying program.
California State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution System Operator Grade I certification is required.