Water Quality & Systems Lead Operator

About the Position

Under direction, leads, oversees, and participates in the more complex and difficult work of staff responsible for performing a variety of semi-skilled and skilled duties associated with the operation and maintenance of the City's water production facilities, pumping, and storage facilities; ensures safe production, delivery, and protection of the City's water supply; oversees water sampling programs and monitors results to ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory agencies; monitors and ensures compliance with State and Federal regulations regarding water system operations and operates and maintains a variety of heavy equipment and hand and power tools and equipment; and perform related work as required.

Class Characteristics

The Water Quality & System Lead Operator is a single position classification which has administrative responsibilities such as assigning or coordinating work assignments. The incumbent is distinguished from the Water Lead Worker in that the incumbent works primarily with leading water system operations and oversees the comprehensive water quality program.

Supervision Received

Works under the general supervision of the Water Operations Foreman.

Supervision Exercised

Exercises lead supervision over the water operations staff.

Examples of Essential Functions

The following functions are typical for this classification. The incumbent may not perform all of the listed functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Leads, plans, trains, and reviews the work of water production staff responsible for performing semi-skilled and skilled duties associated with the operation and maintenance of the City's water production facilities, pumping, and storage facilities.

Monitors and ensures compliance with City, State, and Federal regulations regarding water systems operation.

Participates in performing the most complex work of the unit including coordinating and planning work schedules and job assignments; generates, categorizes, and distributes work orders.

Trains assigned employees in their areas of work; including proper water production methods, procedures, techniques, and safe handling of equipment and tools. Supervises the use, care, and operation of assigned equipment and tools. Verifies the work of assigned employees for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques, and compliance with applicable standards and specifications: ensures adherence to safe work practices and procedures.

Oversees and participates in monitoring and adjusting reservoirs to ensure adequate supply of domestic water; maintains water production and storage facilities and grounds.

Collects water quality samples; reads meters, calculates chemical usage; adjusts and maintains chlorinators; chlorinates water.

Oversees and participates in operation and control of the water system using SCADA system software.

Oversees and participates in monitoring water quality by collecting representative water samples; performs laboratory tests for turbidity, color, odor, chlorine, and other tests as required; preserves samples for shipment to the laboratory.

Oversees and participates in performing routine preventative maintenance of pumps, motors, chemical equipment, and related equipment including lubricating, operating adjustments, cleaning, and painting equipment; performs general grounds keeping duties at sites as necessary.

Oversees and participates in inspecting pumps, valves, pilot controls and other water facilities and appurtenances; installs, repairs, and maintains equipment as necessary.

Operates a variety of hand and power tools and heavy equipment used in water production construction and maintenance work; maintains and performs minor repairs to equipment tools, and vehicles.

Responds to water quality complaints in a courteous manner; provides information within the area of assignment including explaining water quality procedures; resolves complaints in an efficient and timely manner. Answers emergency calls from the public and other agencies; takes appropriate public safety measures and initiates corrective action.

Participates in the development of the section budget; monitors expenditures; recommends the purchase of equipment, materials and supplies. Maintains records of basic operations, maintenance, and work performed; prepares reports on operations as necessary.

Responds to emergency calls on the water production system during weekend duty or stand-by duty.

Reviews and updates the City's Title 22 Drinking Water Quality Plan. Works with the contractor to ensure the schedule is accurate. Prepares and files reports with appropriate regulatory agencies.

Oversees the City's cross-connection program; updates backflow device accounts and maintains backflow device files.

Organizes, plans and physically conducts field inspections and surveys.

Coordinates inspections with and provides information to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the California Department of Public Health Services. Checks construction plans for conformance to cross-connection requirements.

May be required to work during weekdays, weeknights, and/or weekends; must be able to work shifts on a seven (7) day basis to meet operational needs of the Water Division; must be able to perform standby functions as required to meet operational needs of Water Division.

Minimum & Desirable Qualifications

A typical way to obtain the requisite qualifications to perform the duties of this class is as follows:

Education, Training and Experience:

Graduation from high school or equivalent and three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in the operation and maintenance of water system equipment, water production, and facilities. One (1) year lead capacity experience in the operation, maintenance and repair of water production and telemetry control facilities is desirable. A strong background in backflow and cross-connection courses is desirable.

License/Certification/Special Requirements

Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record is required at time of appointment and throughout employment in this position. Possession of a Grade III California State Department of Public Health Services Water Distribution Certificate is required. Possession of a Grade II California State Department of Public Health Services Water Treatment Certificate is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of: Municipal water system operation, including water meters, pumping plants and telemetry controls; application, operation and maintenance of backflow prevention devices; State and County Health Codes and regulations that govern water services.

Skill and Ability to: follow oral and written directions; communicate effectively orally and in writing; maintain an appropriate inventory, prepare, maintain and update permanent and periodic record data; prepare written reports and correspondence; supervise, schedule, train and instruct other personnel; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and with the public.

Other Important Information

California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice SystemAn incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver's License status on a periodic basis to the City of South Gate. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands and fingers to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions.

The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet while in the office, and moderately loud when in the field. Incumbents are not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS:

Application Packets Must Include: A fully completed online employment application which:

• Covers at least the past 10 years of employment history (or longer if you have other relevant experience).

• Responses to the supplemental questionnaire.

• Must be specific in describing your qualifications for this position. Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.

• Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any phase of the application or selection process must advise Human Resources and make such a request during the application process. Every effort will be made to provide a reasonable accommodation where requested.

Selection Process: All application materials received by the application deadline will be reviewed and evaluated. All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification.

• Application Review: The first phase will be a detailed review and appraisal of each candidate's application.
  
  This phase is for qualifying purposes only. There is no weight assigned to this phase. Those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may be invited to the next phase.

• Oral Interview - (weighted 100%):A minimum of 70% must be obtained for placement on the Employment Eligibility List.

• Candidates who successfully complete all phases of the selection process will be placed on an eligibility list. Current and future vacancies will be filled from this list. Lists typically last for 12 months but may be extended or abolished in accordance with the City's Civil Service rules and regulations.

Pre-employment Process

• The City supports a Drug-Free Workplace.

• All potential employees are required to successfully complete a thorough background investigation, fingerprinting, and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which will include a drug/alcohol screening).

• New employees must complete a verification form designated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services, that certifies eligibility for employment in the United States of America.

Hiring of Relatives:

Relatives of existing employees by blood or marriage will not be eligible for employment with the City if potential supervision, safety, security, or morale problems exist; or if potential conflicts of interest exist. Relatives include an employee's parents, children, spouse, brothers, sisters, in-laws, and step relationships.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of South Gate is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws, it does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital status, age, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, physical or mental disability (including HIV and AIDS), military or veteran status in its employment actions, policies, procedures, or practices.

The City of South Gate is a busy urban community consisting of residential, commercial, and industrial development, spread over 7.41 square miles. It is currently ranked the 59th largest city in California with a population of approximately 100,000. Strategically located along the 710 freeway, the City is just 12 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.

The City is in a state of revitalization with many new development projects on the near horizon. As we look to the future we are heartened by the many opportunities for economic growth. We are looking for (a) dynamic individual(s) to join our employment team and work alongside our civic leaders, residents, and business owners committed to promoting and maintaining a safe and prosperous community in which to live and work.