Fire Hydrant and Valve Technician

GENERAL PURPOSE

Under direct supervision inspects, maintains, repairs, and replaces fire hydrants and associated valves within the Lower Valley Water District’s water distribution system.

SUPERVISION

General supervision is provided by the Field Operations Supervisor.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following is a summary of essential functions and duties required for the position of Fire Hydrant/Valve Technician. Reasonable accommodations may be made to assist a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of this position in accordance with the District’s accommodations policy set forth in the Employee Handbook, Section 103. The District reserves the right to modify the essential functions and duties for this position in accordance with its business needs.

- Performs preventive maintenance and repairs on fire hydrants, includes cleaning, repair, replacement and/or lubrication of nozzles, caps, operating nuts, stems, gaskets, chains, and valve box adjustments.

- Maintains the appearance of hydrants by repainting and applying proper markings for identification and location.

- Performs hydraulic testing on fire hydrants to establish flow capabilities and to locate flow deficiencies.

- Documents inspection findings, repair details, and maintenance activities on hydrants and valves.

- Prepares and submits information about changes needed in the District’s mapping and geographic information systems (GIS) to accurately reflect water distribution system changes.

- Identifies and addresses issues with valve operations to ensure functionality.

- Locates valves and water mains in the field using electronic detection equipment.

- Assists in solving customer complaints and problems as well as those reported by local fire departments.

- Responds to customer water quality concerns.

- Fieldwork is performed in all weather conditions, right of way on major streets, roads, and confined spaces.

- Maintains and keeps records of projects and materials used and time consumed.

- Prepares daily reports to the supervisor to measure progress against stated goals.

- Subject to recall emergencies and on call, which may include stand-by, rotating duty schedule, weekends, and 24-hour emergency call out with little or no notice.

- Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, officials, and the public.

- Maintains safe work practices according to District’s rules and policies.

- Performs any other duties as assigned and required by the Field Operations Supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and qualifications required to perform the essential functions and duties of the position of Fire Hydrant/Valve Technician I.

Education and Experience Guidelines- Below is a summary of the minimum educational qualification requirements for position of Fire Hydrant/Valve Technician I.

Education/Training: High School Diploma or GED.Bilingual preferred (English and Spanish).

Experience: One (1) year of general work experience in hydrant/operation maintenance which includes record keeping.Keyboard and Personal Computer knowledge required.

License or Certificate:

· Texas Class “C” Driver’s License and must have an acceptable driving record.

· Class “D” Water Operator License issued by the State of Texas or be able to obtain within one (1) year of appointment to position.

Class “C” Water Distribution Operator License issued by the State of Texas or be able to obtain within one (2) year of appointment to position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

· Application of general knowledge of system operations, control settings, distribution, collections operations, maintenance, and repair of the water distribution system.

· Application of general knowledge of LVWD street boundaries, intersections or can quickly learn.

· Application of general knowledge of standard practices and methods of the trade being performed.

· Application of general knowledge of the use of job-related tools, materials, and equipment to include but not limited to shovels, wrenches, oversize pipe wrenches, assorted small wrenches, bush axes, weed eater, metal files, etc.

· Application of general knowledge of safe working practices and procedures.

· Application of general knowledge of the operation and routine maintenance of motor vehicles.

· Application of general knowledge of operation, servicing, requirements, capabilities, limitations, and safety features of assigned equipment; pertinent traffic laws, ordinances, and regulations.

· Ability to operate a motor vehicle and navigate across even and uneven surfaces.

· Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.

· Ability to perform all the physical requirements of the position.

· Interpretation of federal, state, and City laws, rules, regulations, related to water distribution system maintenance and repair, state and local labor, and occupational safety and health rules and regulations.

· Clear, concise oral and written communication to prepare and present information to the department manager.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: The Fire Hydrant/Valve Technician primarily works in an outside environment with frequent exposure to water/wastewater; mechanical, electrical, chemical and confined space hazards; offensive fumes; excessive noise; heavy traffic; deep excavations; moving machinery and equipment; uneven terrain, extreme weather conditions, animals, reptiles, fumes and materials common to collection, transportation and disposal of solid waste, recycling and hazardous materials; occasional exposure to hostile customers or citizens.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in field environment; to stand, stoop, reach, bend, kneel, squat, climb, and walk on uneven terrain, loose soil, and sloped surfaces; to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds and push up to 200 lbs. Talk, use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate equipment, and reach with hands and arms. Frequently climbing in and out of trucks; sitting for an extended period

Vision: Must be able tosee in the normal visual range, with or without corrective devices.

Hearing: Must be abletohear in the normal audio range, with or without corrective devices.

Travel: Travel is primarily local during the business day.

Personal Protective Equipment Required: Required to comply with requirements as specified in regulations for personal protective equipment, including clearance for use of respiratory protection and other associated equipment. Safety equipment includes a hard hat, traffic vest, ear plugs, eye protection, safety gloves, safety shoes, water boots, Tyvek suits, full-face mask, and dust mask.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.27 per hour

Benefits:

- Dental insurance

- Health insurance

- Paid time off

- Vision insurance

Work Location: In person