Water Systems Technician Apprentice

Water Transmission/Distribution Systems Division Apprenticeship

Are you looking to join a team that values Professionalism, Accountability, Integrity, and Responsiveness? Do you want to be a part of a strong team dedicated to serving our community, building relationships, and creating opportunities? Then this might be the opportunity for you! Under close supervision, this job classification performs basic maintenance work under the immediate direction of experienced Water/Wastewater Systems Technician I, II, III or supervisory personnel.

This position is an entry level apprenticeship classification in the Water/Wastewater Systems Technician job series. This apprenticeship program is intended as a maximum one-year training program within the Utilities Department. Upon satisfactory completion of the program the successful candidate will be fully qualified as a Water/Wastewater Systems Technician I.

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Under immediate supervision of experienced operations personnel learns how to maintain and repair water distribution/transmission or wastewater collection systems (Water Systems).
• Learns how to perform work in compliance with State and Federal environmental and water quality laws and regulations, and City policies and standards.
• Follows all safety rules and regulations; learns safe work zone and equipment operational conditions; learns to recognize maintenance and repair issues, unsafe conditions, and procedures Learns basic preventive maintenance tasks; assists in the installation, inspection and repair of a variety of water or wastewater systems' equipment and components.
• Learn how to safety operate a variety of hand tools and mechanized equipment; uses computer for basic documenting.
• Learn how to observe variations in operating conditions; learns how to assist technicians to resolve operational problems.
• Cleans and maintains work areas, tools and equipment.
• Supports the relationship between the City and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff; promotes the City goals and priorities, vision, values and the "Yuma Way", and complies with all City policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum qualifications:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent; AND laborer, plumbing, construction, or maintenance experience is preferred.

Knowledge of:

• City policies and procedures
• Tools and equipment used in the operation of water or wastewater systems
• State and Federal laws and regulations governing water or wastewater systems

Water:

• Basic operational practices and principles of water plumbing with some knowledge of construction or maintenance
• OSHA guidelines related to water transmission/distribution system operations
• Microsoft Windows Office products

Skill in:

• Using and maintaining tools and equipment to perform maintenance and repair work
• Making routine operating adjustments and repairs to equipment
• Following safe work practices, and verbal and written instructions
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing

License and certification requirements:

A valid Arizona State Driver's License is required. An Arizona Commercial Driver's License Class A w/Tanker Endorsement is required within one year of appointment. Water Distribution Grade 1 Operator Certification from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is required within one year of appointment. Must meet all requirements of the Utilities Department Apprenticeship Program, to include passing grades/certifications in the education/correspondence courses, within 12 months of appointment.

Failure to do so results in termination of employment.

Physical demands and working environment:

Work is performed on location at City water or wastewater systems sites with moderate physical requirements, and strength sufficient to lift and move items weighing up to seventy-five pounds; may be exposed to safety hazards including extreme weather conditions i.e. excessive heat and cold, dangerous gases, dangerous chemicals, biological hazards, confined spaces and dangerous tools and equipment.

Additional requirements:

After demonstrating full understanding and skills of Water/Wastewater Systems operation and maintenance, this position requires working a rotating on-call schedule, including after hours, weekends and holidays.