Water Distribution System Specialist

Position Summary

Perform duties in alignment with requirements set forth by the Oregon Health Authority to maintain water quality and ensure the integrity of the City's water distribution system. Responsibilities include maintaining system operability, providing adequate fire flow and emergency water storage, preventing water loss, and protecting the investment made in the infrastructure by being responsive to customer concerns and/or system failures. These tasks are illustrative only and may include other related duties.
Multiple Positions
Full-time 40 hours per week
AFSCME represented
12-month probationary period

Must meet all qualifications and requirements as listed in the position description.

Essential Functions

Inspects, installs, connects, maintains, operates, tests, repairs and/or removes all appurtenances associated with the City's water distribution system as they relate to residential, commercial and industrial customers.

Inspects, purchases, installs, maintains, tests and repairs the City's water metering system. Performs duties related to utility billing service orders including, but not limited to, water turn on/shut off requests, leak detection, repair or replacement of broken water meter parts, radio frequency problems, and/or stopped and lost or buried water meters.

Responds to flow and pressure related concerns, performs necessary testing and make necessary repairs.

Responds to emergency calls, including after hours response within required timeframe. Position may involve working overtime and on weekends as needed.

Maintains job-site safety for co-workers and the general public including traffic control and minimization of hazardous conditions.

Performs preventative and corrective maintenance on equipment used in the water distribution system. Identifies water distribution system needs and assists with maintenance and repairs planning and scheduling.

Maintains water distribution system operation and maintenance records and reports with the use of various computerized maintenance management systems. Maintains daily records and reports pertaining to activities, equipment and materials utilized, consistent with local, County, State and federal requirements.

Performs as a member of a team, assisting with development of work group goals and objectives, and contributing to the achievement of goals and objectives.

Assists and directs seasonal employees and other work groups as needed.

Acts ethically and honestly; applies ethical standards of behavior to daily work activities and interactions. Builds confidence in the City through own actions.

Conforms with all safety rules and practices, and perform work is a safe manner.

Complies with all Administrative Policies. Performs work in accordance with Council Policies and Municipal Code sections applicable to the position.

Delivers excellent customer service to diverse audiences. Responds to customer service requests, questions and complaints. Maintains a positive customer service demeanor and delivers service in a respectful and patient manner.

Maintains effective work relationships.

Arrives to work, meetings, and other work-related functions on time and maintain regular job attendance.

Operates and drive vehicles and/or equipment safely and legally.

In addition to the Essential Functions, incumbents may be assigned primary responsibility for locating all City owned underground facilities and associated maintenance of accurate records, maps and drawings of these facilities. Analyzes and monitors utility lines to ensure that the locate service provided is consistent with City specifications and regulatory requirements outlined in the Oregon Revised Statutes.

In addition to the Essential Functions, incumbents may be assigned primary responsibility for the Cross-Connection/Backflow Prevention Program. Tests, inspects, and repairs City owned backflow assemblies. Maintains accurate records of private and public assemblies and coordinates notification to affected community members and business owners.

Qualifications and Skills

Education and Experience
High school diploma or equivalent

One year of work experience in water distribution or related field required.

Work experience to include two or more of the following areas: water main line flushing, flow/pressure testing of fire hydrants and water mains, water main or service line installation, water main repair, water main tapping, water meter change out programming or testing, water main leak detection, utility line locating, utility excavation, industrial residential or commercial plumbing, and utility construction.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Journey level skills in underground pipeline work, plumbing, equipment operation, and construction.

Basic knowledge of engineering concepts and the ability to apply these concepts and construction practices to ensure the integrity of the water distribution system. Ability to read blue prints and interpret maps.

Knowledge and understanding of work-related safety practices, OSHA and environmental rules and regulations, particularly in regards to work in confined space and/or hazardous conditions.

Effective communication, analytical, customer service and interpersonal skills.

Ability to get along well with co-workers.

Ability to use a computer to perform essential functions of the position.

Thorough knowledge of traffic laws and defensive driving.

Special Requirements
Oregon Water Distribution Level I certification or ability to obtain within one (1) year of appointment.

Oregon Water Distribution Level II certification or ability to obtain within three (3) years of appointment.

State of Oregon Cross Connection Control Testing and Inspection Certifications are required if assigned the primary responsibility for the Cross-Connection/Backflow Prevention Program.

First Aid and CPR certification, ODOT Traffic Control, Confined Space Entry, and Forklift Operation or the ability to obtain within one (1) year of appointment.

Possession of and the ability to maintain a valid Oregon Drivers License. Ability to obtain and maintain an Oregon Class A Commercial Driver's License with Tanker and Air Brake endorsements, within the one year probationary period.

Must be able to respond within 60 minutes or less to the Public Works Administrative offices for after-hours calls or emergencies prior to the end of probationary period.

Capable of routine decision making regarding assessment of immediate situations, available options, and selection of appropriate methods and procedures, material availability and ordering, equipment utilization and response to customer issues in the field.

Demonstrable commitment to sustainability.

Demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing equity, diversity and inclusion.

This individual shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others in the workplace.

Ability to pass a pre-employment background, criminal history check, drug screen and/or Medical/Physical Exam.

How to Apply

Qualified applicants must submit an online application located on the City of Corvallis website (click on "Apply" above).

Position is open until filled with first review of applications on March 28, 2024 after 5pm.

Applicants are encouraged to include a cover letter and resume with the online application; however, resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed online application. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted/considered.

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer in Compliance with ADA.

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