Water Distribution Operator-In-Training

General Purpose

The City of Idaho Falls is accepting applications for a Water Distribution Operator-In-Training. This position performs a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled plumbing and pipe fitting duties related to the installation, maintenance, and repair of City Water Distribution Systems.

Works under the general supervision of Water Distribution Foreman or Chief Water Distribution Operator in absence of Foreman. Works under the immediate supervision of Water System Equipment Operators and Water Distribution Operators.

Essential Functions

Performs as a crew member, assisting skilled Water Distribution Operators install, renew, or repair water service lines; clamp leaks on existing service lines; install copper tubing, curb and corporation stops, and fittings for renewed or new service lines; restore property damaged as result of construction.

Assists to install, renew, or repair water mains and services; tap mains to make water service and main line connections; install, read, and repair water meters and meter pits; repair leaks in water system; raise or lower valve boxes, curb boxes, manholes, or fire hydrants when necessary for changes of grade on streets, sidewalks, etc.; replace or repair non-functioning water meters, fire hydrants, fittings, and broken pipe sections.

Assists with the inspection of water system construction within City right-of-way to verify compliance with City standards and requirements.

Assists with conducting fire flow testing for fire hydrants using specialized flow and pressure testing equipment; exercising water valves and fire hydrants manually and with valve exercising trailer; performing system flushing for water quality control; locates water mains and service lines; performing leak detection; thawing frozen pipes to restore water service.

Operates a variety of hand tools, small power equipment, and light equipment such as a hand shovel, pick, jack hammer, air compressor, compaction machine, tapping machine, pipe saw, and chain saw to accomplish required tasks; cleans tools and equipment to ensure proper working condition.

Operates pickup or service truck to transport personnel, materials, or equipment to and from job site; operates dump truck, hydro-excavation truck, and heavy equipment to accomplish required tasks.

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

Minimum Qualifications

1.Education and Experience:

A. Graduation from high school or GED; AND B. No experience required.

2.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Some knowledge of hazards and safety procedures associated with water line construction; some knowledge of typical water line problems; some knowledge of plumbing or pipe fitting methods and procedures typical to water distribution systems; some knowledge of tools and equipment required to lay and repair sewer or water lines; some knowledge in use and care of required tools and equipment.

Ability to adapt to emergency or unusual situations; ability to perform manual tasks for a sustained period of time; ability to tolerate extremes in the work environment; ability to perform strenuous labor; ability to operate tools typical to plumbing and pipe fitting; ability to carry out work assignments with minimal instructions; ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; ability to work effectively with fellow employees, Supervisors, and the public; ability to interpret maps and construction drawings.

3.Special Qualifications:

Must possess a valid Idaho State Driver's License.

Must obtain a minimum Class A Commercial Driver's License with tanker endorsement within twelve (12) months of hire.

Must obtain an Idaho Water Distribution Operator-in-Training (OIT) license within twelve (12) months of hire or possess equivalent from another state.

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.

Once licensed as a Water Distribution OIT, must work on twenty-four (24) hour stand-by or "on call" as required and must complete 0.6 Continuing Education Units in Drinking Water Annually.

Work Environment

Tasks require variety of physical activities, generally involving muscular strain, related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching and lifting (moving up to 50 pounds and occasionally moving up to 80 pounds). Talking, hearing and seeing 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, finger dexterity exists.

Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability and discriminating thinking. Daily local travel required in normal course of job performance.