Water System Operator Lead

Under general supervision, performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks in the maintenance and repair of water meters and valves, cross connection control, backflow prevention, and related assemblies; performs water consumption checks, leak checks, and water conservation audits; responds to all water calls; investigates water problems, determines responsibility, and takes corrective action; serves as technical lead of water system operators and/or other staff working on water system assets locates water, sewer, and storm drain system components;

and performs related work as required.

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. As Lead, works closely with staff assigned to water systems, providing technical and functional supervision while working in the field. May serve as acting supervisor in the absence of assigned supervisor.

This is the advanced journey level in the Water System Operator class series. Positions in this class are distinguished from the Water Systems Operator position in that they regularly lead other assigned staff, perform and functionally supervise the most technically complex tasks in the assigned area, and are required to operate and train others in the operation and maintenance of the water systems including the maintenance and repair of water meters and valves, cross-connection control, backflow prevention, and related systems as assigned.

Positions in this class are distinguished from supervisory classes in that they do not perform direct supervisory duties.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Inspects, tests, repairs, and maintains backflow prevention assemblies; operates and maintains backflow prevention testing equipment.
• Performs meter maintenance functions such as meter accessibility, operation, accuracy, testing, and repairs; replaces meter boxes, covers, lids, and related components; installs, programs, troubleshoots, maintains, and repairs advanced meter reading hardware and software; manually reads and records customer water usage at meters.
• Participates in cross-connection control surveys of City facilities, private property, and equipment pertaining to backflow prevention assemblies.
• Performs water consumption checks, leak checks, and water conservation audits for residential customers; investigates and responds to consumption alerts generated by advanced metering software and reporting.
• Services and maintains water mains and service lines; inspects water leak issues; determines responsibility and informs the party responsible to make the necessary repairs; participates in major repairs as required; performs water pressure and flow tests.
• Disinfects, backflow assemblies, meters, laterals, and other water system components after repair or replacement.
• Prepares cost estimates on work performed.
• Performs routine preventive maintenance on equipment as assigned.
• Participates in all safety programs required to effectively perform associated job requirements.
• Responds to customer inquiries and complaints regarding excessive watering, water waste, and water conservation questions.
• Responds to emergency calls from the public with regard to broken mains and house valves; investigates the problem to determine responsibility and takes corrective actions; responds to requests from the public to have their water service turned off and on.
• Reads and interprets maps of all underground utilities owned or maintained by the City; locates and marks out water, sewer, and storm drain system components for different utility companies, private contractors, outside agencies, and the public; investigates problems with the City portion of water lines and takes corrective actions to solve them.
• Receives work orders electronically; prepares, maintains, and inputs detailed logs, records, and reports of maintenance and repair activities via mobile and stationary digital devices into automated software systems.
• Collaborates with billing staff to investigate discrepancies between billing and amount of water used by customers; shuts off customer water service if bills are not paid.
• Keeps records on file on all City water services.
• Observes and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Oversees and inspects backflow prevention devices for residential, commercial, and industrial properties; installs backflow prevention…