5/12/80
Rev 2/83
Rev 8/26/87
Rev 4/23/90
Rev 8/01

City of San José

WATER SYSTEM TECHNICIAN  (3632)

CLASS PURPOSE
    Under general supervision, performs field and shop work of moderate difficulty in servicing and maintaining City of San Jose water services, equipment, and devices.  Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESULTS (The position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed.)

• Checks and maintains pumps and equipment in the main water system plant and other various field stations for proper operation.

• Tests and calibrates compound, displacement type, and turbine meters in the system according to American Water Works Association specifications.

• Reads and records data from water meters, equipment time clocks, pressure gauges, tank level indicators and well level indicators.

• Repairs and replaces defective meters, lids, and boxes in the field, and repairs, rebuilds, and tests meters which are brought in from the field due to malfunction.

• Installs water meters, boxes and lids, as required, for new construction.

• Responds to and corrects malfunctions and emergencies such as power failures, broken water mains, tank level alarms, and telemetering alarms, at all hours.

• Takes water samples for bacteriological testing, and makes routine chemical analyses of water for fluoride and chlorine.

• Contacts customers to obtain correct names for billing purposes.

• Responds to customer complaints (e.g., high bills, high or low pressure, bad taste, odor, color, noise, leaks or no water).

• Works as a team member in shutting off water when service is discontinued due to delinquent payment.

• Inspects and informs the user of leaks at fixtures which contribute to excessive water usage, and offers corrective advice.

• May provide lead direction to Water Meter Readers when assigned to provide assistance.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
    An incumbent in this class performs specialized mechanical and technical repair and maintenance work on the meters, equipment, and other devices of the Water System to ensure proper Water System services.  Incumbents of this class are supervised by the Water System Supervisor, and receive lead direction from incumbents of the next higher class, Senior Water System Technician.  Incumbents of this class may provide lead direction to the lower class of Water Meter Reader, when assigned to provide assistance.

QUALIFICATIONS
   Minimum Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of methods, materials and tools used in pipe, pump, valve, meter and engine maintenance and repair, as related to water systems.

• Knowledge of American Water Works Association testing specifications.

• Knowledge of safety procedures.

• Ability to repair pumps and to maintain equipment in the water system.

• Ability to make routine chemical analyses.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.

• Ability to maintain simple records and to write simple reports.

• Ability to work weekends and irregular hours.

Competency Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Water System policies and procedures.

• Ability to respond, survey, and correct system malfunctions and emergencies such as, power failures, broken water mains, tank level alarms, and telemetering alarms

• Ability to install water meters, boxes and lids.

• Ability to provide lead direction.

Training and Experience
   Any combination of training and experience equivalent to completion of high school and one (1) year of experience in the maintenance, repair and installation of water utility service equipment, or related or equivalent equipment.

Licenses/Certificates
  As a condition of employment, incumbents are required to possess a valid driver's license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in the State of California.
   As a condition of employment, possession of a valid California State Water Treatment Operator Grade 1 Certificate and a valid California State Water Distribution Operator Grade 1 no later than one (1) year after appointment to this class.

 Revised 8/01, s001