Cross Connection Specialist

Definition

This recruitment is Open Until Filled and may close at any time without notice

For first consideration, please apply by 5/31/24

The Public Works Department is recruiting for a Cross Connection Specialist. This is an excellent opportunity to grow your career with a great team.

Under general supervision, this position leads, implements and administers the Backflow Preventer Testing Program and the Cross Connection Control Program in accordance with CCR Title 17 and Title 22 for the City of Milpitas.

DISTINGUISHING CHARATERISTICS

The Cross Connection Specialist is a singular classification requiring specialized certifications. This position is distinguished from the Water Systems Operator and the Maintenance Worker III classifications in that the incumbent in this classification assists in implementation and administration of the City's backflow prevention and cross-connection control program by inspecting water system installations to protect the public water supply from contamination; investigating, testing, and inspecting backflow devices for compliance with regulations; coordinating, scheduling, and conducting cross-connection surveys of the potable or recycled water systems; and performing related duties, as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

• Receives general supervision from a Public Works Manager- Utilities, Principal Engineer, or designee. May receive indirect or lead supervision from the Senior Public Works Lead.

• May exercise indirect supervision over less experienced personnel.

Examples of Duties

Day to day duties include, but are not limited to:

1.Conducting cross-connection surveys and tests to identify potential cross-connections to the water system.

2.Monitoring the provision of backflow prevention at user connections.

3.Providing technical supervision over performing backflow prevention assembly installation, repair, inspection, and testing.

4.Inspecting potable and recycled water systems to determine the existence of cross-connections and recommending corrective actions as necessary.

5.Testing, installing, repairing, and maintaining backflow prevention assemblies.

6.Performing plan reviews to ensure proper water system connections. Identifying potential cross-connections and providing written comments.

7.Maintaining records of installations, locations, tests, and repairs of backflow prevention assemblies.

8.Establishing and maintaining backflow prevention assembly testing, repair, maintenance, and monitoring schedules.

For the full job description, which includes essential duties, knowledge and abilities, please click here.

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services, and activities of cross-connection control, backflow prevention, metering, hydrant repair, and recycled water programs.

• Principles of lead supervision and training.

• Principles of water metering; types and sizes of meters utilized in various installations.

• Pertinent federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations including state and City recycled water and cross-connection control regulations.

• Residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing practices and codes.

• Principles of hydraulics as it relates to water distribution, backflow prevention and cross-connection control, metering, and fire hydrant operations.

• Principles and practices of customer service.

• Materials, methods, techniques, and terminology used in the implementation and enforcement of cross- connection control of potable and recycled water systems.

• Operational characteristics of equipment and tools used in work activities.

• Basic mathematical principles.

• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices associated with area of work assignment including those associated with working in confined spaces.

• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers.

• Principles and practices of record keeping and basic report preparation.

• Municipal code and building code enforcement methods and procedures.

Ability to:

• Interpret, explain, and enforce department policies and procedures.

• Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.

• Enforce local and state cross-connection control and recycled water regulations and rules through investigation and identification of non-compliance and seek resolutions.

• Exercise initiative and judgment relative to enforcement activities.

• Test and repair meters and backflow prevention devices.

• Read irrigation and improvement plans; interpret blueprints and building plans.

• Prepare and maintain a variety of records including computerized records; prepare accurate and complete reports.

• Perform mathematical calculations.

• Understand and follow written and oral instructions.

• Work independently and efficiently to carry out assignments.

• Read water meters and record information.

• Respond to customer service requests including customer complaints.

• Operate and use modern office equipment including computers and supporting applications.

• Adapt to changing technologies and learn functionality of new equipment and systems.

• Safely drive and skillfully operate equipment and machinery including backflow testing equipment, meter testing equipment, and service truck.

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

• Interpret and enforce City codes, regulations, policies, and procedures related to the program.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education

High school graduation or equivalent, supplemented by approved courses of instruction in the theory, laws, regulations, and techniques of backflow prevention and/or cross-connection control.

Experience

Three years of experience in water systems maintenance.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE

• Possession and maintenance of a valid California Driver's License is required.

• Possess and maintain a Backflow Prevention Assembly General Tester Certificate from the American Water Works Association.

• Possess and maintain a Cross-Connection Control Program Specialist Certificate from the American Water Works Association.

• Possess and maintain a Grade D2 Distribution Operator Certificate from the State Water Resources Control Board.

Desirable Qualifications

Possession and continued maintenance of a Grade D3 Distribution Operator Certificate from the State Water Resources Control Board.

Supplemental Information

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Essential duties require the following physical abilities and work environment.

Work is mainly performed outdoors; Ability to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, squat, kneel, crawl, bend, and stoop at any given time; able to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 75 pounds of weight throughout the day and occasionally up to 90 pounds; exposure to outdoor elements in all weather conditions throughout the year, confined spaces, hazardous waste, sewage, chemicals, herbicides and pesticides; walk on uneven surfaces; able to travel to various locations within and outside the City of Milpitas.