Under general supervision, leads, guides, and participates in the work of an assigned crew who installs, maintains, and repairs water services, valves, mains, meters, and hydrants; operates heavy equipment used in water service work; ensures work performed meets District guidelines, Cal OSHA and  AWWA regulations; and performs other related duties as assigned. 

• Assigns, trains, inspects and participates as a crew member in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water mains, valves, hydrants, meters, and booster pumps.
• Instructs crew members in the proper performance of duties and provides input regarding performance.
• Estimates parts, tools, and equipment needed on assigned jobs.  
• Ensures proper shoring of trenches and safety practices; operates atmospheric tester for entry into confined spaces.
• Sets up traffic control in accordance with safety standards; flags and directs traffic. 
• Turns water services on and off; cleans mains and flushes the water system.
• Operates and trains others in the use of equipment such as trucks, heavy equipment, air compressors, jackhammers, and a variety of power and hand tools. 
• Digs and backfills trenches; lays pipe and drills and taps water mains; locates, taps, and installs new customer services; makes skilled fittings and connections.
• Assists with checking chlorine levels after water distribution system repairs have been made.   
• Locates and marks water lines for contractors and District crews. 
• Investigates leaks and reports service interruptions; repairs valves and ensures they are working properly. 
• Maintains and cleans well and reservoir sites.   
• Performs a variety of related welding, carpentry, fencing, painting, graffiti removal, and grounds maintenance; cuts and replaces concrete and asphalt. 
• Serves “on call” on a rotating basis. 
•  Maintains District vehicle including servicing and periodic safety checks; periodically maintains other equipment.  
• Attends District safety meetings and maintains records of work performed and parts used.

Knowledge of:

• Water distribution facilities including mains, meters, hydrants and valves.
• The District's distribution system.
• Geography and street locations of the District.
• District policies, procedures and specifications.
• Advanced principles and methods of pipe laying, fitting, welding and concrete work.
• Tools and equipment used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water mains, services, meters, hydrants and valves.
• Equipment operation, maintenance, and repair methods and practices at an advanced journey level.
• Cross Connection Control practices for detection of contamination into the water system.
• General water system maintenance and repair practices.
• Routine record keeping.
• Safe work practices.

• Independently perform the most complex, skilled, and responsible water system maintenance duties. 
• Train lesser-skilled staff in water service and repair work. 
• Determine work methods and materials for assigned jobs.
• Repair, install, and maintain water mains, services, hydrants, meters and valves at an advanced journey level.
• Maintain accurate records of work performed.
• Lay and fit pipe; mix, pour and finish cement; install valves and meters.
• Perform heavy physical labor.
• Operate power-driven equipment, and welder used in water service work.
• Read water meters and turn-on and off service.
• Read and interpret plans, drawings, maps, and specifications.
• Communicate clearly and concisely.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Observe proper safety precautions.  
• Work overtime as required.
• Operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices.

Physical and Mental Demands

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this classification, an incumbent is regularly required to stand; use hands and fingers to handle or feel; and talk and hear.  The employee is frequently required to walk and to reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb, or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to ten (10) pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to one hundred (100) pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands

The employee must be able to follow oral and written instructions; use math and mathematical reasoning; enter data and monitor readings; learn and apply new information or new skills related to maintenance procedures; complete assigned tasks within deadlines; and interact with co-workers, management, customers, vendors, contractors, and other parties.

Work Environment

This position constantly works outdoors to access and maintain valves, mains, meters, and hydrants.  The employee enters enclosed vaults and underground chambers to maintain pump stations and works in trenches to repair and maintain distribution lines. The noise level of pumping equipment within enclosed vault areas is frequently loud and can vary between 85 and 95 decibels. The employee is constantly exposed to heat, wetness, humidity, and moisture, and occasionally exposed to welding fumes, oils, and greases. The employee frequently drives a vehicle to assigned work site and is exposed to traffic and variable weather conditions.