Emergency Valve Operator

Job Description

The work involves responsibility for opening and closing valves of different size, type and use in a municipal water system. This is repetitive manual labor involving responsibility in locating water valves, exposing and removing valve box covers, accessing valves and operating the valves as needed. The position requires considerable responsibility and independent judgment in the selection and operation of the valves, especially in emergency situations, and requires emergency responses to system breaks and leaks to make corrections to keep overall damage to a minimum.

Employees in this class operate under the direction of the Principal Emergency Valve Operator. Department managers provide additional training and supervision as required. Does related work as required.

• Locates valves in the water system.
• Excavates, opens and cleans valve boxes, vaults and bilco doors in order to access the valves.
• Inspects vehicle to verify that the proper equipment needed to perform the work has been loaded.
• Investigates and locates water leaks and breaks using proper equipment provided.
• Investigates water complaints and/or frozen services.
• Marks out water lines in response to requests from outside agencies.
• Opens and runs hydrants to clear mains and/or flush system as directed.
• Operates valves to shut off and turn on water.
• Raises valve boxes to required grade.
• Removes broken meters and installs temporary hook-ups.
• Reports problems, damage or loss of equipment to superiors.
• Verifies all air relief equipment is open and operating.
• Maintains shift logs and other reports as required.
• Drives emergency truck when assigned.

• Good knowledge of the safety precautions and proper use of the department's equipment assigned to the valve operation.
• Good knowledge of the practices, tools and terminology used in water distribution system repair and maintenance.
• Good knowledge of the order in which valves need to be operated in an emergency.
• Good knowledge of the location and function of the water supply valve system.
• Good knowledge of the geography of the local road network that covers the department's conduits and water lines.
• Ability to lead a group of subordinate employees.
• Ability to work calmly in emergency situations.
• Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.
• Ability to read and use the department's various maps and files to locate valves.
• Ability to prioritize emergency repair work.
• Ability to do heavy labor work.
• Ability to communicate clearly.
• Ability to act in a courteous and effective manner with the public.

• A) One (1) year of full-time work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in the maintenance of a municipal water supply system that involved activities such as hydrant repair, pipeline repair, valve operation and/or repair; OR,
• B) Five (5) years of full-time work experience, or its part-time equivalent, as a plumber servicing a water supply system.

Possession of a valid New York State Non-CDL or CDL, including any special endorsements required for the type of vehicle being operated.

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance
• Retirement plan

The Affine Action Policy of the City of Syracuse is to provide equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, creed, age (18 and over), marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, gender identity or gender expression, sexual or affectional preference or orientation, or any other classified group within the protected class. The City also complies with 31 CFR part 51.

If you have a disability for which you wish special accommodation to be made, contact the Office of Human Resources at  or personnel.

All offers of employment will be contingent on the successful completion of a background check and/or drug screen.