Water Operations Specialist
: Job Details :

The City of Idaho Falls is accepting applications for a Water Operations Specialist. This position

performs a variety of technical and skilled duties in water system operations, including use of light to heavy equipment related to the installation, maintenance and repair of City Water Systems working closely with Water System Operators and Laborers. Serves as a liaison with the Utility Billing Division to ensure prompt and accurate billing for water and irrigation services.

Implements the Water Division's distribution programs, including valve exercising, GPS mapping, leak detection, fire and flush hydrant testing, water main flushing, water system inspections, water conservation, and metering.

Implements City's valve exercising program, searching out and regularly exercising water main isolation valves, documenting results, and notifying Water Chief Operations Operator of mapping discrepancies and required repairs. Isolates and operates water main isolation valves for contractors as required for construction and development projects, documenting valve characteristics and tracking valve status on GIS maps. Ensures valve boxes are clean and that water main isolation valves are functional in advance of proposed projects.

Utilizes GPS to collect location of water main and service line isolation valves, fire hydrants, fittings, and related distribution system components and assets for water system mapping of existing improvements and new construction.

Implements the City's water leak detection program, using leak detection data loggers along with acoustic headphones to identify and correlate locate water main and service line leaks. Generates maps and result reports of areas within City where leak detection has been performed. Notifies Water Chief Operations Operator of identified leaks to be scheduled for repair and of potential leaks located on private waterlines for communication with property owners.

Maintains City fire and flush hydrants, reviewing hydrant condition assessments from Fire Department. Reports to Water Chief Operations Operator regarding necessary fire and flush hydrant repairs and maintenance. Conducts fire hydrant flow testing and generates appropriate reports.

Conducts the City's water main flushing program, coordinating water main flushing with supervisors, Water Supply Foreman, and the public to ensure that adequate system pressures are maintained, and that private property is protected during water system flushing activities. Documents results of flushing activities.

Inspects new water system construction within developments to verify compliance with City standards and specifications; communicates necessary changes for acceptance to Water Chief Operations Operator and to contractor; notifies Construction Inspection Chief of inspection status.

Implements the City's water conservation program. Conducts indoor and outdoor water use audits for City facilities and private property owners. Makes recommendations to City Departments, Divisions, and private property owners on conservation improvements. Maintains water fixture rebate programs.

Works a liaison with the Utility Billing Division to properly establish billing and correct inaccurate billing for water and irrigation services. Regularly reviews billing accounts for water and irrigation services to identify billing errors. Recommends changes to billing of water and irrigation services. Communicates with the general public regarding the scheduling of new water meter installations and billing changes when converting from non-metered to metered water billings. Reviews potential leaks on metered customer services, communicating with the customer as leaks are found. Encourages public enrollment in water meter leak detection notification software. Monitors the assignment and billing of water meters used for bulk loading, construction, and other uses. Generates reports regarding metering activities.

Installs, maintains, reads, tests, and replaces water meters and AMI endpoints, monitoring and reporting meter readings for billing purposes. Coordinates with Water Warehouse Manager to ensure adequate on-hand supply of water meters for development and construction purposes. Monitors the health of installed water meters and AMI endpoints, making budgetary recommendations for the quantity of annual meter and AMI endpoint replacements. Evaluates meter readings to identify potential problems. Evaluates meter type based on installation and recommends changes. Determines billing classifications for customers. Programs water meter reading devices. Reviews and responds to customer billing complaints regarding metered water usage.

Thaws frozen service lines, meter pits, and fire hydrants.

Responds to after-hour emergency and customer service calls while serving on 24-hour standby shift on evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Assists in the plowing and removal of snow from public rights-of-way as may be required.

Performs related duties as required.

1 Education and Experience:

A. Graduation from high school with sufficient education and training background to demonstrate an ability or aptitude to perform the above and related duties;

AND

B Three (3) years of progressive experience in water system operations and maintenance.

OR

C. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Thorough knowledge in principles and practices of metered water billing and water conservation measures; working knowledge of various light to heavy equipment; working knowledge of hazards and safety precautions related to construction and equipment operation; working knowledge of traffic laws, ordinances, and regulations; working knowledge of construction methods and procedures typical to water distribution systems; some knowledge of equipment parts and preventive maintenance for the same; working knowledge of hazards and safety procedures associated with water line construction.

Skilled in the operation of simple to complex motorized light and heavy equipment. Skilled in the operation of a variety of distribution tools, including those used for locating water lines, GPS locating water assets, detecting water leaks, exercising valves, monitoring pressures, etc. Skilled in the use of software related to the operation, maintenance, and billing of metered

Ability to adapt to emergency situations; perform manual tasks for sustained periods of time; perform minor equipment maintenance and repair; follow written and verbal instructions; read and understand prints and plans; communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; resolve concerns regarding the installation and billing practices of water meters; develop effective working relationships with public and private managers, Department Directors and Division Heads, subordinates, and the public.

3. Special Qualifications:

Must possess a Class II Idaho Water Distribution Operator License (or equivalent from another state) or must obtain the same within one (1) year of employment.

Must possess a Class B, Commercial Idaho Driver's License with tanker endorsement (Class A preferable).

Must work on twenty-four (24) hour stand-by or on call .

Residency Requirement: Shall be expected, within six months of hire, to establish residence within a 45-minute notification to respond zone from the Water Division Administration Building.

Must complete 0.6 Continuing Education Units in Drinking Water Annually.

Tasks require variety of physical activities, generally involving muscular strain, related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching. Talking, hearing, and seeing are essential to performing required job functions. Frequent exposure to changing weather conditions. Employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to vibration. The employee frequently works in precarious places and is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk from moving traffic. Common eye, hand, and finger dexterity are required. Work requires memory for details and verbal instructions, emotional stability and discriminating thinking. Daily local travel required in normal course of job performance.