Senior Water Distribution Operator

Position

Under the general supervision of the Water Systems Supervisor, a Senior Water Distribution Operator assists the supervisor in ensuring the potable and recycled water distribution systems are operated in accordance with applicable standards and specifications. The Senior Water Distribution Operator performs the duties of the Water Systems Supervisor during the supervisor's absence. The senior leads, coordinates, trains, operates and maintains facilities used in both the potable and recycled water systems.

A Senior Water Distribution Operator is responsible for working after-hours, on-call (standby) periods, and during other unusual or emergency situations.

The recruitment process will consist of an application screening, 1st round (structured) interview, and 2nd round (selection) interview. The tentative date ranges for the interviews are listed below:

1st Round Interview Date Range: August 12 - 16, 2024

2nd Round Interview Date Range: August 26 - 30, 2024

Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment process via e-mail.

Essential Duties

Lead the operation of potable and recycled water distribution systems, in accordance with applicable standards and specifications.

Communicate, coordinate and schedule work activities in collaboration with the Water Systems Supervisor.

Plan, prioritize, schedule, coordinate, assign, and review emergency and regular distribution system operations; repair, maintain, and perform corrective and preventive maintenance work on systems.

Train employees; conduct safety meetings; assist with the evaluation of employee performance; ensure adherence and compliance with safety and health policies and procedures as well as state, federal, and local laws and regulations; monitor safety practices; periodically evaluate worksites to ensure safe conditions.

Assist the supervisor with reports, record keeping, scheduling, budgeting, cost control, and inspection of facilities as requested; monitor water quality regulations and industry trends and develop and implement recommendations for increased efficiency and effectiveness.

Prepare work orders for maintenance and repair of distribution systems and related instrumentation, equipment, facilities, and appurtenances; prepare and maintain records of work performed.

Establish, maintain, and utilize documentation used in the performance of duties, such as maps, plans, drawings, operational and compliance records, work orders, and procurement documents; assist with GIS system design and testing.

Prepare requisitions and other purchasing methods for contract labor, materials, supplies, and equipment; maintain inventory and housekeeping at various facilities and district vehicles.

Coordinate and participate in shutdowns and system isolations; respond to SCADA computer alarms, customer calls for service, and customer turn-offs/ons and perform rounds and various inspections when assigned to off-shift responsibilities for water distribution; provide direction to operators responding to SCADA computer alarms and customer service calls.

Assist personnel in other sections, divisions, and departments as required, including but not limited to collections, reclamation, customer service, maintenance, resource conservation and public outreach, and technical services.

Perform a wide variety of manual labor, including but not limited to sweeping, washing, painting, oiling, greasing, brushing, and spraying weed killing agents at facilities, in the course of performing duties.

Participate in the work of lower-level water distribution operators as needed.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

DEMONSTRATED KNOWLEDGE OF AND PERFORMANCE IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

• Purposes and safe use of various hand and power tools and equipment used in repair and maintenance work;

• Principles, methods, and tools used in the installation, repair and maintenance of water mains and valves;

• Principles and Federal, State, and local requirements relative to potable and recycled water distribution operations;

• Safe work practices in working with equipment, hazardous chemicals, and materials;

• Office software and assigned computer programs and applications including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and Global Positioning Systems (GPS).

ABILITY TO:

• Lead and perform the operation, maintenance, and analysis of potable and recycled water distribution systems;

• Perform manual labor, use basic hand tools, and perform repair and maintenance tasks

• Plan, organize, prioritize and schedule work;

• Technically supervise the activities of a work group;

• Implement, monitor, and enforce appropriate safety precautions and procedures;

• Understand potable and recycled water distribution system operations, equipment, and appurtenances;

• Read and interpret technical manuals, equipment manuals, drawings and blueprints;

• Maintain current knowledge of new technology, products, and water production practices;

• Operate office equipment, including computers and supporting software including SCADA, GIS, GPS, word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database applications

• Operate mechanical equipment and vehicles;

• Perform mathematical computations;

• Prepare and maintain reports and logs;

• Prepare and deliver oral presentations;

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, customers, and the public.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:

• Sufficient strength to perform manual labor such as digging, shoveling,sweeping, wrenching, operating valves;

• Sufficient eyesight,or withcorrective lenses,to read standard text and data on computer terminal screens,various signs at 20 feet, distinguishcolors, see with sufficientdepthperception;

• Ability to speak and hear at normal conversational levels in person and over the telephone and work withcontinuousnoise for extended periods;

• Manualdexterityincluding finger dexterityto use hand and power toolsand computers;

• Ability to reach, bend,pull, kneelorstoop in performing workand maintain balance;

• Ability to lift and carry up to approximately forty (40) pounds of equipment and/or materials and push or pull equipment up to 100 pounds;

• Ability to operate mechanical equipment and trucksusing both hands;

• Ability to work in cold (below 32F) and hot (above 100F) outside weather;

• Ability to work with hands in water, work in confined spaces, work below ground;

• Ability to work with exposure to electrical energy, pesticides, fumes, smoke orgases withproper safety equipment provided;

• Ability to work on slippery and uneven surfaces

Training and Experience Guidelines

Any combination of training and experience, which demonstrates attainment of the required knowledge and ability to perform the required work (with reasonable accommodation, if needed), typically:

EDUCATION:High school diploma or equivalent is required.

EXPERIENCE: Four (4) years of experience in the operation and maintenance of potable and recycled water distribution systems, including experience operating a D4 (or higher) rated potable water distribution system.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

A valid California class C driver's license must be maintained at all times.

A State of California Grade IV Water Distribution Operator Certification and State of California Grade II Water Treatment Certification are required.

DESIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

Grade V Water Distribution Operator Certification and a Grade III Water Treatment Certification are desirable.

It is the policy of the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District to ensure equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of their race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, mental or physical impairment, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, or age (except where a bona fide occupational qualification). The District will act to ensure equal treatment to all persons in matters affecting recruitment, hiring, promotion, discipline, compensation, assignment, benefits, training, and layoff practices, and any other matters affecting employment with the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District. The same policy applies to all qualified Vietnam- era veterans, disabled veterans or other persons with disabilities that are capable of performing a particular job with reasonable accommodation to their disability.

In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance in the selection process please notify the Human Resources Division, in writing, upon applying.