5-12-80
Rev. 2/83
Rev. 8/01

City of San José 
SENIOR WATER SYSTEM TECHNICIAN (3633)

CLASS PURPOSE
Under general supervision, the incumbent performs work of moderate difficulty in providing lead direction to others performing field and shop work in servicing and maintaining City of San Jose water services, equipment, and devices; performs more difficult aspects of the work. Performs related work as required.

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

• Provides lead direction to the Water System Technicians and to the Water Meter Readers.

• Checks and maintains pumps and equipment in the water system for proper operation.

• Checks backflow prevention devices annually to see if they are functioning properly.

• Checks cathodic protection system monthly for proper operation.

• Checks and maintains telemetry system.

• Checks and maintains pump stations.

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

• Maintains records of water production through wells, booster pumps, and reservoirs; turn-ons and turn-offs; and other routine records, as required.

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

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

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

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

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

• Directs work of contractors performing repairs on large mains and services. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This class is the second in a three-level Water Technician series. Incumbents perform the more difficult field and shop tasks in the repair and maintenance of water system meters, equipment, and devices; and provide lead direction to incumbent s in the lower classes of Water System Technician and Water Meter Reader. This class is supervised by the Principal Water Systems Technician.

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.

• Knowledge of supervision.

• Ability to make routine chemical analyses.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to maintain records and to write routine reports.

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

• Ability to work weekends and irregular hours.

Competency Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of, and ability to repair and maintain backflow prevention devices, cathodic protection systems, telemetry systems, and pump stations.

• Ability to provide lead direction.

• Ability to prepare and maintain required records and reports.

• Ability to coordinate and inspect contractor's work.

• Ability to respond, survey, and correct the most severe system malfunctions and emergencies (e.g., power failure, broken water mains, and telemetering alarms) at all hours.

• Ability to test and calibrate system meters in accordance with American Water Works Association specifications.

• Ability to effectively handle the majority of difficult customer complaints.

Training and Experience
Any combination of training and experience equivalent to completion of high school and three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in the maintenance, repair, and installation of water utility service equipment, or related or equivalent equipment.

Licenses/Certificates
Possession of a valid State of California driver's license.
Possession of a valid California State Water Treatment Operator Grade 1 Certificate prior to appointment. Ability to obtain a California State Water Distribution Operator Grade 3 Certificate within 6 months of appointment.

Revised 8/01, s001