WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATOR I

Western Virginia Water Authority
United States, Virginia, Roanoke
Jan 05, 2025
JOB POSITION: WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATOR I Division: Customer Operations (Field Operations) Status: Non-Exempt Grade: 102 Job Code: 890 Reports to: Water Distribution Supervisor Date: 07-01-07 Revised Date: 04-01-22 Last Reviewed Date: 04-01-22 SUMMARY OF JOB Performs routine semi-skilled, technical work in daily operations, reading and maintenance of water meters, water services and the water distribution system. Performs routine semi-skilled, technical work in daily operations of reading/ maintenance of water meters/water services/water distribution system. Starts/Stops water service for customers for new or nonpayment. Inspect for illegal connections/ cross connections. Verify customer accounts are occupied/vacant. Repairs leaks around a water meter. Replaces meter boxes/lids/manholes/other accessories. Performs billing related work order. Performs routine vehicle maintenance. Must work varied work shifts including standby/emergency hours as assigned. Graduation from high school/GED equivalent. Previous experience preferred. Basic knowledge of power/hand tools and plumbing and fixtures required. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Includes the following. Other duties may be assigned or scheduled. * Basic knowledge of power and hand tools. * Basic knowledge of plumbing and fixtures. * Interprets a GIS system, maps, drawings and schematics. * Reads water meters. * Installs water meters. * Program and troubleshoot water meters and radio read systems. * Trouble shoot water meters and radio read systems. * Starts and stops water service for customers. * Turn water on and off for nonpayment. * Inspect for illegal connections and cross connections on customers' accounts. * Verify customer accounts are occupied or vacant. * Repairs leaks around a water meter. * Replaces meter boxes, lids, manholes and other accessories. * Performs necessary billing related work order to task at hand. * Performs routine vehicle maintenance. * Subject to twenty-four (24) hour call and works varied shifts as assigned. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES None. QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. * Ability to work with minimal supervision. * Ability to work safely and obey all safety rules. * Ability to communicate effectively, both verbal and in writing. * Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with coworkers, other Water Authority departments and the general public. * Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, maps and procedure manuals. * Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in writing, oral or diagram form. * Ability to work alone or in a team environment. * Ability to be self-motivated and address issues with minimal to no direction. * Must possess and maintain a good work ethic with a strong emphasis on good attendance, reporting to work on time, completing job assignments in a timely manner, maintaining a good work attitude, performing all job duties as assigned and/or scheduled. PROMOTIONAL REQUIREMENTS For an individual to be promoted from a WDO I to a WDO II it is required that the individual has the following: * Display competence in investigating and troubleshooting water quality related service calls. * Display competence in investigating and troubleshooting water pressure related service. * Display competence in investigating and troubleshooting water break related service. * Display competence in water, fiber optic, and sewer line locating and use of Polaris Software. * Sufficient experience as determined by Water Operation Management in the following duties: Reading water meters, Installing water meters, Program water meters and radio read systems, Investigate and repair leaks around meters and all billing related work orders. * No disciplinary actions in file for the last 6 months. * Shows good attendance and reliability. * Follows all safety procedures and policies. * Promotion recommendation received from management team. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE Graduation from high school or GED equivalent. Previous experience preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience CERTIFICATE, LICENSE, REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS Must possess a valid Virginia driver's license or have the ability to obtain one within 60 days of employment date. No more than six (6) demerit points on driving record if required to drive Water Authority vehicles. PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB The physical demands 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 regularly required to walk, stand, and sit; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. * Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus. If corrective lenses are noted on driver's license, the lenses must be worn when operating Authority vehicles. * Repetitive movement using equipment is involved. * While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, climb, balance or crawl. * Employee must be able to stand for an extended amount of time at the jobsite. * Employee must be physically able to walk several miles during the day. * Employee must be physically able to regularly reach overhead. * Employee must regularly lift, carry and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally 100 pounds. Assistance is required on weight amounts above those listed. Failure to do so could result in injury and denied Worker's Compensation benefits. WORK ENVIRONMENT ENCOUNTERED IN THIS JOB The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. * Employee will be regularly exposure to moderate or high noise level, extreme outside weather conditions, uneven, steep, slippery terrain conditions, dusty conditions and wet and/or humid conditions. * Employee will be subject to exposure to moving mechanical parts and heavy equipment operation. * Employees will be subject to roadway hazards, i.e. traffic. * Employee will be subject to outside hazards, i.e. poison ivy, bees, spiders, dirt, animals. * Employee will be subject to confined areas, i.e. confined spaces, sewer manholes, water vaults, wastewater pits, and/or protected trenches. GENERAL STATEMENT AND SELECTION GUIDELINES The above statements describe the general nature and level of work assigned to in this job position. They should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties or tasks performed by personnel so classified. The following will identify the selection guidelines for job placement: * WVWA application. * Rating of education, experience, training and qualifications. * Reference checks. * Interview with WVWA management team. * Applicant must pass a pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol test. * A criminal background check and social security number verification will be performed. The results must match information provided by the applicant on the WVWA application. * Job related test might be required and would be administered to all applicants applying for the position.