5/16/80
Rev 10/81
Rev 8/01

City of San José

PRINCIPAL WATER SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN  (3635)

CLASS PURPOSE
   Under direction, performs work of considerable difficulty in the supervision and maintenance of Municipal Water System services, equipment and mechanical 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.)

• Supervises and controls the hydraulic and mechanical operation of the San Jose Municipal Water System through Senior Water Systems and Water Systems Technicians.

• Programs, plans and schedules the work of subordinates.

• Cooperates and coordinates with other Water Systems Supervisory personnel to ensure optimum coordination of maintenance with all other sections of the Municipal Water System.

• Develops, maintains and ensures subordinates' compliance with operational standards.

• Ensures the effective inspection and utilization of all operation equipment and facilities for which responsible.

• Prepares and modifies, as necessary, the systems' preventive maintenance programs.

• Responds to serious malfunctions, equipment failures, and any other emergencies at any time of the day or night.

• Ensures that well levels are taken monthly and recorded for a survey as to the rise and fall of the water table due to all kinds of weather conditions and usages.

• Reviews records of water system maintenance operations and evaluates data for conformance or maintenance operation results.

• Interacts with the Water Systems Engineer and Water Systems Supervisor to develop operational maintenance strategies to improve maintenance operations or to cope with potential malfunctions or breakdowns.

• Ensures that fluoride samples are taken bi-weekly to insure compliance with State Health Standards.

• Participates, when required, in the selection of employees in the section, ensures effective orientation, training, and when indicated, retraining of operations sections employees.

• Ensures continuing attention to accident prevention and safety.

• Directs the maintenance of operations records and prepares reports concerning all aspects of operations and maintenance.

• Controls the response to customer requests and complaints through supervision and scheduling of subordinate personnel.

• Advises and counsels the Water Systems Supervisor and Water Systems Technician concerning any unusual administrative, operational or maintenance problems.
  

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
    The incumbent of this class is responsible for the operational maintenance functions of the Municipal Water System.  This class differs from the class of Water Systems Supervisor in that the Water Systems Supervisor supervises all operational aspects of the Water System.  This class differs from Senior Water Systems Technician in that an incumbent of the latter class is a working leader.  The Principal Water Systems Technician supervises Senior Water Systems Technicians and Water Systems Technicians.

QUALIFICATIONS
   Minimum Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of supervision.

• Knowledge of safety procedures and practices.

• Knowledge of methods of construction, operation, and maintenance of water systems and facilities.

• Knowledge of pipe, pipe fittings, pumps, meters, tanks, valves, and other equipment used in a water distribution system.

• Ability to plan, organize, and direct daily maintenance operations of a water system.

• Ability to direct and perform repairs to pumping station equipment.

• Ability to maintain logs, charts, and other reports.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, employees, and other governmental and private organizations.

• Ability to carry out written and oral directions.

• Ability to analyze and interpret rules and regulations related to the operations of a water industry .

Competency Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Federal, State, County, and other local agencies rules and regulations related to the operation of this water system.

• Ability to supervise the Water System Technician staff.

• Ability to prepare required reports.

• Ability to resolve the more difficult water consumer complaints

Training and Experience
    Any combination of training and experience equivalent to completion of high school and four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in the installation, maintenance, and operation of water utility service system and service equipment, or related equivalent equipment.  One (1) years of this experience must have been in a lead capacity.

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