Backflow Prevention Apprentice Or Backflow Prevention Inspector

SERVE

At the City of Plano, our values make us who we are and guide us as we SERVE our city. As members of Team Plano, our organizational Values (what is most important to us) make up the acronym, SERVE (Stewardship Engaged Respectful Visionary Excellence).

Job Details

The ideal candidate will be required to attend training classes and pass the states test in order to obtain the associated licenses, which will be paid by the City of Plano. Continuing Education classes, necessary for maintaining the required licenses, will also be provided at the City's expense.

Hours for this position are Monday

• Friday, 7:00am

• 3:30pm with on-call requirements once promoted to Inspector through the job family progression.

The successful candidate may be offered a position in either the Backflow Prevention Apprentice or the Backflow Prevention Inspector classification, depending on qualifications. The range for the Backflow Prevention Apprentice is $22.58 - $25.97 per hour; and for the Backflow Prevention Inspector is $24.89 - $28.63 per hour.

Backflow Prevention Apprentice (The Backflow Inspector job description is listed below.)

Summary of Duties: As assigned by the Supervisor, the Backflow Prevention Apprentice will work with Backflow Prevention Inspectors to maintain a safe potable water supply for the City of Plano through inspections of public and private facilities and plumbing systems to identify hazards. The Apprentice will train and familiarize themselves with Federal, State and local rules and regulations to obtain the required licenses and knowledge to progress in the job family progression.

Distinguishing Characteristics: This is the Apprentice level classification in the Backflow Prevention Inspector series.

Incumbents follow diversified procedures and implement processes to accomplish end results within guidelines under direct supervision. This class is distinguished from the Backflow Prevention Inspector in that the latter is a higher-level class in the series that performs more complex technical, investigative, and supervisory duties requiring a higher level of knowledge and skill.

Examples of ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Under direct supervision, inspects development projects, rehab projects, and/or existing properties as assigned by Supervisor to ensure compliance with Federal, State and Local regulations.

• Under direct supervision, reviews documentation related to the presence or need for cross connection control and backflow prevention.

• Under direct supervision, inspects existing properties to verify compliance with applicable backflow and cross connection codes and follows-up with any feedback for property owners.

• Under direct supervision, inspects the installations and operation of various types of water operated equipment to ensure conformance with applicable regulations.

• Assists in the preparation and distribution of Backflow related documentation such as door hangers and notices.

• Maintains accurate logs; tactfully addresses conflicts when completing enforcement activities and maintains positive attitude when dealing with customers.

• Performs various work activities to include delivering letters, checking serial numbers, disconnecting and reconnecting water services, and obtaining mailing information.

• Prepares and maintains accurate records and reports by utilizing related computer programs; investigates complaints as needed.

• Monitors Meter Shop as needed to provide customer service during the absence of Meter Shop Technician.

• Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work schedule is essential.

Marginal Duties:

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Decisions: The incumbent will assist the Backflow Prevention Inspectors while performing inspections to ensure compliance with architectural, mechanical, plumbing and irrigation drawings and applicable Federal, State and local laws.

The incumbent will assist the Backflow Inspectors while performing inspections on public and private water systems in order to determine if residential and commercial facilities are in compliance with Federal, State and local laws.

The incumbent will assist the Backflow Prevention Inspectors while performing investigations of cross-connections, backflow incidents or other related events. Assists in performing inspections and investigations in order to maintain the integrity of public and private water systems and to protect the health and welfare of the public within the City of Plano along with ensuring that the environment is not impacted by contamination or pollution.

Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge of: This is an entry level position into the Backflow Prevention group, minimal knowledge of the water water/wastewater industry and cross connection control is recommended, however not required. Training on federal, state and local codes and ordinances will be provided.

Skill in: Position requires effective verbal and written communication skills, ability to read, interpret and explain water meters, effective interpretation of engineered civil, architectural, mechanical, plumbing and irrigation drawings, effective customer service, tactful handling of investigations and enforcement activities, ability to maintain composure during hostile or threatening situations, ability to maintain accurate and detailed records and reports, ability to research and comprehend the operation of water operated equipment and complex plumbing systems.

Must be able to direct staff and communicate with management when supervisor is not available. Must be able to provide after-hours emergency response in a Supervisory capacity to include; perform environmental inspections and data collection regarding potable water spills and sanitary sewer overflows in order to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and make decisions regarding safety, equipment and personnel. Must be able to work extended hours, holidays and weekends within all types of weather including extreme heat, cold and other inclimate conditions.

Must be able to work in elevated environments and confined spaces. Must be able to use basic computer programs such as Access, Word, Excel, and Outlook, and have the ability to gain and maintain knowledge of miscellaneous web based programs; Peoplesoft, Trakit, Utiligy, TrakIt, Cartegraph and Laserfiche.

Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent. Continued education as required to obtain required TCEQ water, wastewater, backflow and inspection licensing or Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners License.

Experience: One year of experience in installation, maintenance and repair of municipal water and wastewater mains, service lines, service laterals or private plumbing systems and other related appurtenances.

Any work related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above Minimum Qualifications is an acceptable substitute for the above-specified education and experience requirements.

Licenses and Certifications: Texas Class C driver's license (must obtain within 30 days of hire per state law). Must obtain either Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners license with a Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement or Customer Service Inspector (CSI) License, and Texas Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester License within 12 months from hire date.

Conditions of Employment: Must pass a drug test, driver's license check, criminal history background check, periodic CJIS background check (for positions requiring access into Police buildings) and social security number verification check.

Backflow Prevention Inspector

Summary of Duties: As assigned by the Supervisor, the Backflow Prevention Inspector maintains a safe potable water supply for the City of Plano through inspections of public and private facilities and plumbing systems to identify hazards.

Distinguishing Characteristics: This is the advanced journey-level classification in the Backflow Prevention Inspector series.

The incumbent follows diverse procedures and processes to accomplish end results, within guidelines. Works under indirect supervision, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters.

Examples of ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Performs inspections of development projects, rehab projects, and/or existing properties as assigned by Supervisor to ensure compliance with Federal, State and Local regulations.

• Identifies, documents and determines adequate elimination or protection of actual and potential cross connections.

• Conducts inspections and follow-ups to determine if existing properties are being maintained in compliance with applicable codes.

• Inspects the installations and operation of various types of water operated equipment to ensure conformance with applicable regulations.

• Assists in the preparation and distribution of Backflow related documentation such as door hangers and notices.

• Maintains accurate logs; tactfully addresses conflicts when completing enforcement activities and maintains positive attitude when dealing with customers.

• Performs various work activities to include delivering letters, checking serial numbers, disconnecting and reconnecting water services, and obtaining mailing information.

• Prepares and maintains accurate records and reports by utilizing related computer programs; investigates complaints as needed.

• Monitors Meter Shop as needed to provide customer service during the absence of Meter Shop Technician.

• Participates in training employees.

• Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work schedule is essential.

Marginal Duties:

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Decisions: The incumbent performs inspections to ensure compliance with architectural, mechanical, plumbing and irrigation drawings and applicable Federal, State and local laws.

The incumbent performs inspections on public and private water systems in order to determine if residential and commercial facilities are in compliance with Federal, State and local laws.

The incumbent performs investigations of cross-connections, backflow incidents or other related events. Performs inspections and investigations in order to maintain the integrity of public and private water systems and to protect the health and welfare of the public within the City of Plano along with ensuring that the environment is not impacted by contamination or pollution.

Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge of: water/wastewater industry with an emphasis on the methods and techniques used to eliminate actual and potential cross-connections in a potable water system. The incumbent must have knowledge of the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act as amended, Title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code Sections 290 and 344, City of Plano Ordinance Chapters 6 and 21 relating to cross-connection control.

Skill in: Position requires effective verbal and written communication skills, ability to read, interpret and explain water meters, effective interpretation of engineered civil, architectural, mechanical, plumbing and irrigation drawings, effective customer service, tactful handling of investigations and enforcement activities, ability to maintain composure during hostile or threatening situations, ability to maintain accurate and detailed records and reports, ability to research and comprehend the operation of water operated equipment and complex plumbing systems.

Must be able to direct staff and communicate with management when supervisor is not available. Must be able to provide after-hours emergency response in a Supervisory capacity to include; perform environmental inspections and data collection regarding potable water spills and sanitary sewer overflows in order to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and make decisions regarding safety, equipment and personnel. Must be able to work extended hours, holidays and weekends within all types of weather including extreme heat, cold and other inclimate conditions.

Must be able to work in elevated environments and confined spaces. Must be able to use basic computer programs such as Access, Word, Excel, and Outlook and have the ability to gain and maintain knowledge of miscellaneous web based programs; Peoplesoft, Trakit, Utiligy, Cartegraph and Laserfiche.

Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent. Continued education as required to maintain required TCEQ water, wastewater, backflow and inspection licensing or Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners License.

Experience: Three years' experience in installation, maintenance and repair of municipal water and wastewater mains, service lines, service laterals or private plumbing systems and other related appurtenances with a minimum of two years' experience as a Crew Leader or Journeyman Plumber.

Any work related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above Minimum Qualifications is an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements.

Licenses and Certifications: Texas Class C driver's license (must obtain within 30 days of hire per state law). Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners license with a Water Supply Protection Specialist Endorsement or Customer Service Inspector (CSI) License.

Texas Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester License. Must obtain at a minimum a Texas Water License Grade C Distribution or better within one-year. Texas Wastewater Collection License Class II or better is preferred, but not required.

Conditions of Employment: Must pass a drug test, driver's license check, criminal history background check, periodic CJIS background check (for positions requiring access into Police buildings) and social security number verification check.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to work in the field including traversing uneven terrain, to operate a motor vehicle, and tools and equipment, and to visit various City sites; vision to inspect assigned facilities, to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone.

The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking conducting inspections to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator, to operate standard office equipment, to conduct inspections and operate small hand tools. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, climb and reach to locate and inspection backflow prevention assemblies. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing 100 pounds, or heavier with use of proper equipment.

Employees partly work in the office and partly in the field and are exposed to constant noise, dust, cold and hot temperatures, mechanical, chemical, and electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Public Works employees are considered essential personnel and may be required to pull stand-by duty and/or work extended hours, holidays and weekends assisting with workloads of assigned division or assisting other departments.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills which may be required. The position also requires meeting the essential requirements of the Physical Demands and Working Conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Opportunity Employer

• EOE/M/F/V/D

Open positions are subject to close without notice.