Water System Infrastructure Technician

About the Department

"Working Together for Excellence" - Join our Water Division in providing the Yakima community with a safe and reliable supply of drinking water.

MINIMUM CLASS REQUIREMENTS

High school diploma or GED and two (2) years' experience related to water meter installation, repair and testing; backflow prevention assembly testing; public water system* repair and maintenance. 

*Public Water System as defined in WAC 246-292

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License. Must obtain and maintain the following certificates within six (6) months of employment: Basic First Aid/CPR, Flagging, Forklift, and Confined Space Entry. A Washington State Cross-Connection Control Specialist License and a Washington State Backflow Assembly Tester License within nine (9) months of employment. A Water Distribution Manager 1 certification is desirable.

Position Duties

Minimum Qualifications

Water Automated Meter Infrastructure

Tests various sizes and models of water meters for accuracy and makes adjustments as necessary; disassembles, inspects, and replaces parts both in field and in the shop. Removes and/or installs water meters; requires use of atmosphere testing equipment. Responds to complaints/concerns regarding meter accuracy and performs water meter customer check-reads as necessary. Assists with water service volume/pressure issues and/or responds to water quality complaints as directed. 

Disassembles meters, inspects parts for wear, damage or corrosion and makes necessary repairs or replacements. .

Maintains records of meter installation, testing results and history. Troubleshoots/addresses AMI meters and component issues utilizing proper equipment. Occasionally operates bucket trucks for receiver antenna installation, removal and repairs. Works on low voltage wiring on external modems and AMI system receivers.

Performs water audits on customer plumbing systems to determine existing plumbing fixtures for proper sizing of water service and meter. 

Maintains and inspects all rented hydrant meters, and assures all meters are performing accurately.

Safely drives and operates motorized equipment and City vehicles including, but not limited to, forklifts, service trucks and meter testing trailer, to perform required duties in a variety of locations, within a timely and efficient manner and adhering to all traffic laws and regulations 

Cross-Connection Control (CCC)

Performs hazard assessment and inspection on customer plumbing systems to identify potential hazards and requirements for CCC devices; Inspects customer premises for proper installation of backflow prevention assemblies. Makes recommendations for corrections to crewleader or supervisor. 

Maintains approved backflow prevention assembly records for type, size, location, testing and maintenance in computerized maintenance management system. Sets up cross-connection control accounts in Tokay software to track customers and approved testing contractors. Provides information to customers and backflow assembly testers; maintains accurate database for mandatory state reporting; assists with generating various reports and correspondence regarding CCC program.

Works with Codes Division on proper installation of all new backflow prevention assemblies installed by contractors. Performs initial test on new installations. Provides test results to Code Division and Water Distribution Supervisor for permit approval.

Inspects and documents backflow prevention assemblies that have been removed or altered.

Inspects and documents private domestic well disconnection for customers connecting to the city’s public water system. Inspect customer air gap assemblies at various locations to determine compliance prior to customer use of public water system.

Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) and Air Relief Valve (ARV) Maintenance

Maintains all public water system PRV’s and ARV’s. Makes repairs and adjustments to settings when necessary. Makes entry into confined space during inspections and maintenance. Utilizes air monitoring equipment as required for confined space entry. Completes required confined space entry permit and hot work permit when necessary. Establishes traffic control barriers and signage when required.

Performs water system flushing and flow testing to ensure proper device performance.

GIS and Data Management

Performs GIS field data collection of water system features including meters, PRV’s, ARV’s, fire hydrants, valves, blow-offs and other various features. Enters all necessary data associated with features; edit existing data in GIS database. Provides assistance with various reports related to water system features.

Water Distribution System

Assist Water Distribution crews with various field tasks when needed, including installations, operation and repairs to the public water system. Collects water samples related to new construction as needed. Assist other divisions and customers with seasonal turn on/turn off of irrigation services, Generate and closes various work orders using computerized systems. Provides customer and contractor assistance with water service line replacements at meter set as needed.

Provides customer and contractor guidance with new landscape irrigation installations.

Assists with identifying possible water system leaks. Assists customer and contractor with turn on/turn off of water services.

Keeps licenses and certifications up-to-date, and completes mandatory and otherwise assigned trainings as required.

Contributes to the effectiveness of the Water Division and the City of Yakima, by exhibiting an attitude that encourages cooperation and coordination of efforts, productive time management, and efficient use of resources.Provides continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide exceptional customer service to internal and external customers.

Responds to after-hour emergencies.

Requires regular, reliable and punctual attendance.

Performs related work as required. 

Other Qualifications

Knowledge of City of Yakima rules, regulations, policies and procedures,   federal, state and local traffic laws, rules and regulations, with ability to drive safely and efficiently.

Knowledge of water system operations and maintenance; water meter installation, repair, testing and calibration; backflow prevention assembly testing and inspection, including knowledge of required tools and testing equipment and safe techniques and procedures for the appropriate use of materials, hand tools, power tools, and equipment necessary.

Knowledge of time management and work-flow practices, record keeping and retention processes, and practices. Knowledge and sound judgement with regard to public disclosure, and confidentiality standards.

Working knowledge of office equipment, such as: telephone, copier/fax machines, computers, and applicable computer programs, including but not limited to: Microsoft Office programs including Word and Excel; GIS mapping and data base; and internet access capabilities.

Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, with employees, and members of the public representing diverse levels of education and background, utilizing effective communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of English including correct grammar, letter composition, spelling, and punctuation. Must maintain appropriate levels of confidentiality and discretion through all forms of communication.

Must be dependable; able to work with general direction, limited supervision, and independently with self-direction; maintain sustained attention to detail and work under varying timeline pressures; prioritize; and manage tasks with potentially competing deadlines. Must be self-directed, highly motivated, organized and have a sense of urgency to complete tasks in a timely manner. Mechanical aptitude, analytical and organizational skills are essential. Must possess ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands. Ability to positively receive feedback and take direction is essential.

Ability operate City basic hand and power tools; perform basic mathematical calculations efficiently and accurately;  identify and analyze abnormal operations and mechanical conditions and render a timely and appropriate course of action.  

Ability to read and interpret water distribution system maps and blueprints;  read, research, understand and utilize equipment repair resources; and respond to/render a timely and appropriate corrective actions; accurately read meters and gauges and detect faulty characteristics; keep logs and records of operations and input into the computer/mobile device, accurately maintaining records and reports. 

Ability to possess a valid WA State driver’s license, drive and/or operate equipment, vehicles and tools with precision, speed and safety. Ability to consistently work safely and in compliance with the federal, state and local regulations, laws, policies and standards. Ability to recognize traffic hazards and other potential safety concerns and to make sound decisions and actions while flagging, or operating vehicles, tools and machinery.  

Ability to understand and execute oral or written instructions; read, interpret and analyze information; and apply to a variety of work situations.  Ability to read, research, interpret, apply codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures with a customer service focus.  Must possess ability to identify and define problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions in an efficient and effective manner. 

Ability to operate a personal computer, necessary mobile devices and other standard office equipment. Must be able to complete a variety of routine and repetitive tasks, absorb new instructions and information, and perform strenuous physical work and occasionally lift heavy objects or equipment such as meter tile lids, valves and jackhammers .

Ability to establish, facilitate, and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, other departments, and members of the public, continually demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs. Must demonstrate an attitude of cooperation and coordination of division efforts and efficient use of resources.

Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team and adhere to the department’s values including, but not limited to: customer focused, teamwork, positive communication, and accountability in a punctual, regular and reliable manner.

Ability to maintain annual training requirements of the position, including but not limited to City mandatory training requirements. 

Ability to work extended hours, night and weekend hours, and/or to respond to emergencies, as needed to carry out the responsibilities and functions of the position.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Continuous moving, sitting, kneeling or standing for excessive periods of time.  Work and/or walk for long periods of time on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain. Continuous use of both hands in reaching/handling/grasping/keyboarding, driving and other fine motor skills manipulation while performing duties including but not limited to inspections of water meters backflow prevention assemblies, operating computers, various vehicles, equipment and machinery. On rare occasions maybe required to lift heavier weight with the assistance of others or mechanical devices up to  100 pounds (such as meter tile lids, valves, jackhammers) Frequently ascends/descends stairs and ladders while maintaining stability and balance. Continuous use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/seeing while performing duties and while communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. Must be able to hear in the normal audio range with or without correction. Must be able to see in the normal visual range with or without correction, be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory to process incoming stimuli, recall information and locations,  to process incoming stimuli to complete complex matters. Occasionally works at heights, confined spaces, alone, with others, or in noisy work area.  Frequent driving and/or traveling to a variety of locations. Physical strength and ability sufficient to perform manual labor for extended periods under wet, cold, and generally unpleasant conditions. May work outside with all weather extremes, be exposed to animals, rodents, insects, pollen, dirt, dust, mud, smoke, electrical hazards, noxious odors, fumes, chemicals, solvents, oil/grease, construction debris, asbestos cement pipes, needles, drug paraphernalia, vibrations, and/or traffic. Frequently required to wear safety protective gear. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.    

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS

May come in contact with angry, upset, emotionally disturbed and/or uncooperative individuals. Requires routinely driving to a variety of locations. Subject to 24-hour emergency callbacks and requires working varying hours, overtime, weekends, and holidays.