Water Systems Operator 2

Water Systems Operator 2 

Salary Range: $62,400 – $99,840 Annually (Plus Shift Overtime)

About the Position

The Water Systems Operator 2 is intended as an experienced and versatile position that extends beyond the O&M fundamentals of the WSO-1 role, providing the department with enhanced levels of technical expertise and specialized training. Under minimal supervision, the WSO-2 utilizes their range of direct experience and skills to perform and oversee a variety of semi-skilled or skilled tasks in the routine operation, inspection, repair and maintenance of the District’s distribution system and treatment related facilities. Artful motivation of the crew, reliable functionality of specialized equipment, the ability to perform multi-step technical procedures, and control of the distribution system will be the primary focus of the WSO-2 so that the crew as a whole present tiered and complimentary skill sets to any planned or unplanned evolution. Technical guidance and training of fellow employees is an essential function of the WSO-2 position.

Employment Expectations

The WSO-2 will endeavor to be an insightful self-starter who has a positive “can-do” attitude and who thrives in fast-paced, challenging, and dynamic environments. The WSO-2 should remain curious, possess strong analytical skills, superb attention to detail, and complete all work to a high standard of quality. The WSO-2 must be able to work independently with minimal supervision as well as integrate as a role player within a team, demonstrating versatility so collective success and cohesive performance are maximized. It is essential that the WSO-2 increasingly grow in their ability to problem solve and accomplish critical tasks under duress and in limited resource scenarios presented by emergency situations, natural disasters, and equipment failure.

The WSO-2 is expected to work diligently to maintain hands-on and working knowledge of distribution system appurtenances and the ability to operate them with familiarity and diagnose points of potential failure. The WSO-2 is required to operate the District’s distribution system via pump and reservoir management (manually or via SCADA), which requires conversance in critical water quality parameters, power management, and routine analysis of daily customer demands and any other relevant information.

All Field & Operations staff are required to be able and willing to work rotating shifts including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as assigned and be available and ready to serve at any given moment in the event of an emergency.

Disaster Service Workers

All La Cañada Irrigation District (“District”) employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (“DSW”) by state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the District requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all DSW-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Essential Functions: Field & Maintenance

·      Acts as a Field technician for the District’s distribution system, which includes routine and emergency tasks such as system patrols and field work, water quality testing, underground line locating, valve operation, traffic diversion, system and facility maintenance.

·      Performs meter reads, meter read error checks, meter replacements, and scheduling of meter turn on/offs and consumption analysis activities.

·      Provides detailed and professional coordination and communication with District Office to ensure effective follow up to administrative needs or customer requests.

·      Conducts routine vehicle, facility, tool, equipment, & machinery inspection and maintenance.

·      Initiates and participates in system valve exercising & hydrant testing and maintenance.

·      Serves as a trainer for in select areas of expertise to increase crew capabilities

·      Serves as the OSHA designated Competent Person in select areas of expertise

·      Cultivates strong working relationships with vendors and construction companies to ensure routine, preventative, and reactive maintenance is carried out in a timely and qualitive manner.

·      Responsible for elements of field operator training of new and existing system operators to increase overall crew capabilities

Essential Functions: Operating & Pumping

·      Utilize field monitoring, record data, and SCADA to coordinate various flows and schedules to achieve optimal management of the distribution system.

·      Leverages SCADA to achieve a high level of awareness and control of the distribution system

·      Operation and maintenance of water quality analysis equipment.

·      Regulatory compliance water sample collection, water quality testing, and State reporting.

·      Prepares and updates a variety of reports which may require arithmetic calculations, cross referencing and consolidating data from several sources; research and compile information as needed to assure thorough and accurate documentation and adherence to regulatory compliance.

·      Responsible for elements in pump operator training of new and existing system operators to increase overall crew capabilities

Other Duties

·      Inventory tracking & support

·      Backflow & Cross Connection inspection, assessment, and tracking

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge Of:

·      Modern distribution system maintenance and repair needs, methods, procedures, and equipment including common tools, materials, and their use in OSHA compliant safe working conditions.

·      Emergency equipment safe use and operation.

·      Safe drinking water standards.

·      Basic personal computer skills including ability to use excel and word.

Ability To:

• Demonstrate technical proficiency and reliable oversight of at least 5 of the designated critical asset reliability programs (X-Programs) listed below:

Motor Controls, Cla-Val’s, Emergency Generators, Valve Exercising, Fire Hydrant Maintenance, Fire Flow Testing, Air Compressors, Surge Tanks, Water Quality (In-House), Water Quality DDW Sampling & Reporting, System Isolation Action Planning, Air Release and Vacuum Relief Valves, Cross Connection, Emergency Water Pumps, SCADA & Field Telemetry, Booster Maintenance, Safety Training & PPE, Fleet Management, Distribution System Materials & Parts Inventory

• Maintain the reputation as an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and effective communication.
• Maintain tactful and good relations with coworkers, outside agencies, vendors, and the public.
• Prioritize a number of competing tasks simultaneously while producing high quality results

·      Quickly learn and reference the geography and the location of 2^nd and 3^rd level District structures, such as air release valves, air-vacuum valves, blow-offs, bridge crossings, and residential easements. 

•  Demonstrate an increasing knowledge and understanding of District system facilities, equipment, operation, configuration, isolation, and safety compliant working practices.
• Perform a variety of difficult and delicate customer service functions regarding the establishment, maintenance, and termination of District services.

·      Assist customers in trouble shooting commonly reported water service issues

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Always represent the District in a competent, positive, and professional manner.
• Pass job-specific physical screening, drug and alcohol examination, and background check.

 Experience & Education

Experience:

Three (3) years of experience performing water distribution related work at a level equivalent to the WSO-1.

Education:

High School diploma or equivalent

Two (2) semesters of Distribution or Treatment related curriculum with satisfactory grades

SWRCB DDW Distribution Operator Certification (Level 2 acceptable. Level 3 appropriate)

SWRCB DDW Treatment Operator Certification (Level 1 acceptable. Level 2 appropriate)

(A) Any Essential Functions, Minimum Qualifications, or Education criteria above not met at date of hire will become requisite criteria to pass the District’s initial Probationary Period of 12 months.

Typical Physical Activities:

Employees in this position must be able to work under adverse conditions, including confined spaces such as vaults, manholes, atop, or inside of reservoirs, and on ladders up to and over 30 feet in height. Specific duties may require the employee to wear personal protective equipment, including, but not limited to: gloves, hardhat, safety glasses, etc. This position may involve frequent bending, pulling, pushing, digging, and heavy lifting; up to 50 pounds, often combined with working on irregular surfaces.

Typical Work Environment:

Field & Operations staff typically work outside, and in adverse or emergency conditions, can be exposed to inclement weather or undesirable environmental conditions. The noise level is usually quiet to moderate, unless construction or emergency work is underway, in which ear protection is available.