Water Utility Worker I ID- 9673

About the position

The Water Utility Worker I position is responsible for operating a variety of heavy equipment to install, replace, repair, and maintain the City of Santa Monica's water distribution system. This includes working with water mains, main valves, pipes, fittings, meters, fire hydrants, and other related components. The role is flexibly staffed, meaning that individuals can advance to the II-level through a recruitment process. The salary range for the Water Utility Worker I is between $76,128 and $93,984 annually, while the II-level ranges from $83,724 to $103,368 annually. In this role, the worker will operate various light to heavy equipment, such as backhoes, hydraulic stompers, tampers, and crane trucks. Responsibilities include digging trenches, laying heavy pipes and fittings, breaking pavement, and removing concrete and asphalt. The worker will also be responsible for inspecting trenches for safety and compliance with City codes, as well as installing, replacing, and repairing water mains, valves, fire hydrants, and other components of the water distribution system.

 

This position requires the ability to measure, lay out, and wrap pipes and fittings, as well as cut and solder copper fittings. The Water Utility Worker I will also be involved in determining the proper sizing and location of new water mains and services, tapping water mains, and installing new services. The role includes locating and marking service locations, inspecting water mains and valves, and investigating and repairing failures and leaks. The worker will perform meter reads, flush and chlorinate new water mains, and collect water samples for testing. Additionally, the worker will respond to public inquiries and notify consumers of service shutdowns, while ensuring safety at job sites by placing barricades and directing traffic.

 

The position requires maintaining logs, records, and reports of maintenance activities, using maintenance management software for data entry, and reading and interpreting water system maps and technical documentation. The worker will also provide input on vehicle and equipment specifications, monitor vehicle repairs, and perform routine maintenance on tools and equipment. Emergency work on water main breaks and related emergencies is also part of the job, along with maintaining a clean and orderly work environment. Safety precautions must be adhered to at all times, and the worker may lead and monitor the activities of a crew.

Responsibilities

Requirements

  • Graduation from high school or the equivalent.
  • Three years of recent, paid work experience in the maintenance, construction, and/or repair of plumbing systems or water distribution facilities including one year of experience of heavy construction work involving plumbing or water distribution systems.
  • Possession of, or successfully obtain within 6 months from date of appointment, a valid Forklift Operator certification to be maintained throughout employment.
  • Possession of a valid Grade II (D2) Water Distribution Operator certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board), to be maintained throughout employment.
  • Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license.
  • Possession of Class B Commercial or successfully obtain within 6 months from date of employment, to be maintained throughout employment.
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