WATER TECHNICIAN III - 4180

GRADE - 108

PAY RANGE - $24.01 - $34.23/hr - plus a comprehensive benefits package

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Installs and repairs water meters and tests backflow prevention devices in homes and businesses; performs directly related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The principal function of an employee in this class is to ensure water meters are maintained, installed, and operate properly in homes and businesses. In addition, the employee in this class is expected to perform backflow prevention device testing in homes and businesses. The work is performed under the supervision and direction of the Water Technician Supervisor but considerable leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgement and initiative. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City employees and the public. The principal duties of this class are performed in a repair shop environment with frequent field work site visits.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL WORK:

• Installs meters and meter reading receptacles in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings and meter pits;
• Tests and repairs industrial, commercial, and residential water meters;
• Performs preventative maintenance on meters;
• Inspects and tests backflow prevention device installations for compliance with established rules and regulations;
• Investigates complaints and resolves situations involving water quality problems and malfunctions of water meters and backflow preventers;
• Assumes the responsibilities of the Water Emergency Technician while on call;
• Inspects water meters and backflow prevention device installations for compliance with established rules and regulations;
• Performs minor plumbing duties including installation of small valves and soldering of copper tubing;
• Completes thorough and accurate reports on all repair processes;
• Collects monies for delinquent accounts and terminates service as required;
• Performs other duties crucial to Water Department operations, including facility maintenance and snow removal around hydrants;
• Provides guidance and demonstrations to new employees in similar positions;
• Keeps supervisors informed of work progress, issues, and potential solutions;
• Attends meetings and training to stay current on relevant practices and developments;
• Responds to citizen inquiries courteously and promptly;
• Coordinates regularly with others to enhance interdepartmental efficiency; and
• Performs additional duties as required by the classification.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Substantial knowledge of the practices, procedures, and operations involved with the installation and repair of water meters and related equipment;
• Substantial knowledge of plumbing operations;
• Substantial knowledge of all tools and equipment used in meter testing, repair, and construction work;
• Substantial knowledge of the practices involved in backflow testing;
• Ability to perform mechanical repair work consistent with assigned duties;
• Ability to diagnose equipment malfunctions;
• Ability to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures and instructions;
• Ability to prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations;
• Ability to operate or quickly learn to operate a data recorder using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks;
• Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions;
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
• Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology;
• Ability to perform water emergency technician duties when on-call status;
• Integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

• Graduation from High School or possession of a GED; and
• Three to five years of experience in related mechanical repair or main construction; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.

REQUIRED SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid Driver’s License;
• On call status
• New England Water Works Association, Inc. (NEWWA) Backflow Prevention Device Inspector (within 12 months of date of hire).

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively;
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to monitor meter servicing;
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate hand and power tools;
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to turn, reach and grasp repetitively;
• Sufficient strength and endurance, with or without reasonable accommodation to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, through a full range of motion, up to 50 pounds occasionally, 30 pounds frequently and 20 pounds consistently;
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to have access to work sites throughout the City.