INSPECTOR - DISTRIBUTION OPERATOR
FLSA Status: Non Exempt Created: 2015-04
Last Revised: 2015-07
DEFINITION: Under direct supervision, inspects work quality and materials and inspects new construction and maintenance work throughout the District. Receives requests for line locations, then locates and documents them in the field. Investigates and monitors excavation around District water lines. May perform operational and maintenance on the District’s water pumping, storage, and distribution system(s). Work may include installing, repairing or replacing water pipes, service laterals, meters, appurtenances, and other related work as require.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This position reports to the Distribution Supervisor and the Inspector Lead when required. This is the entry level position within the Inspector series. Employees are fully competent to independently perform the full range of essential functions. This position has been identified as a safety sensitive position by the District Board. As such, employees in this position are subject to pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Performance of these functions is the reason the job exists. Assigned job tasks/duties are not limited to the essential functions).
1. Inspects work quality and materials used in a variety of District projects during various stages of construction and remodeling to ensure compliance with applicable codes, ordinance, and regulations.
2. Reads and interprets plans and specifications.
3. Meets with contractors to clarify plans and specifications; provides technical guidance and interpretation.
4. Inspects new water lines, pipes, fittings, bolts, thrust-blocks, coatings and backfill for proper installation. Inspects utility line crossings for location and proper distance placement and protection of water lines.
5. Locates and marks water lines for blue stakes, contractors and other utilities.
6. Flushes, pressure test, disinfects water lines, and collects water quality samples.
7. Locates and marks pipeline by valve location and knowledge of the distribution and transmission system whether or not on maps.
8. Creates as-built and utility drawings, maintains a photo file of work in progress and updates GIS System with information.
9. Monitors new construction to ensure that no one builds or encroaches into the District’s property easements and right-of-ways.
10. Meets with contractors and utility representatives regarding excavation around and installation of water lines.
11. Monitors water lines for exposures, leaks, or other situations which pose a threat.
12. Effectively and safely uses a wide variety of hand tools and electrically or pneumatically powered tools.
13. Safely operates a motor vehicle. May also operate a fork lift, backhoe, dump truck, water truck, or vacuum trailer.
14. Learns to safely and efficiently repair and replace many sizes of pipes, valves and other pipe features.
15. Learns to operate equipment necessary to pump, store and deliver water through the distribution system in order to meet production requirements and drinking water quality standards.
16. GPS new line installs (i.e. main lines, saddles, valves, fire hydrants, sample stations, blow-offs, meters, etc.
17. Updates GIS system.
18. May have to assist in water samples, and draw downs.
19. May have to assist in helping meter department with fire hydrant reads and help with locking meters.
20. Monitors operation of wells and pumps, shuts down or starts up facilities as necessary, and notifies superiors of facility alarms and actions taken.
21. Performs recording and reporting functions such as maintaining a log of well and reservoir operations, maintenance work performed, and unusual operating conditions.
22. Performs routine and periodic housekeeping chores inside and outside wells and other District facilities and conducts regular site safety inspections.
23. Learns to recognize unusual, inefficient, or dangerous construction and operating conditions and take appropriate action.
24. Receives and incorporates training in operational and technological developments in the water industry, as well as other training, including safety and environmental compliance.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: (KSAs are the attributes required to perform a job; generally demonstrated through qualifying experience, education, or training.)
Knowledge of:
· Principles and techniques of public works inspection and plans examining work;
· Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations;
· Accepted safety standards and methods of construction activities;
· Defects and faults in construction;
· Basic mathematics as applied to construction inspection work;
· Water wells, hydraulics, pumping systems, valves, and water flow systems;
· The District’s wells, transmission and distribution systems and operating procedures; and
· Written and verbal use of English.
Skill to:
· Use common hand and small power tools;
· Read and interpret meters, gauges and recording devices; and
· To use a personal computer and work with basic office software.
Ability to:
· Read and interpret various meters, gauges, and recording equipment;
· Use a computer along with basic software such as e-mail and work processing;
· Learn applicable laws, regulations, codes, ordinances, and policies governing the construction of assigned public works projects enforced by the District;
· Interpret and apply pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations;
· Read and interpret plans and specifications;
· Learn to determine if construction systems conform to code requirements;
· Apply technical knowledge and follow proper inspection techniques to examine workmanship and materials and detect deviations from plans, regulations, and standard construction practices;
· Make basic mathematical computations rapidly and accurately;
· Enforce necessary regulations with firmness and tact;
· Understand and carry out oral and written directions;
· Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
· Politely and competently interact with other employees, retail customers, vendors, contractors, and the general public; and
· Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Required Certifications and Licenses:
Must possess or obtain a Nevada Grade I Water Distribution Operator Certification within one year of hire. Direction and financial assistance from the District will be provided for certifications. Must possess a valid Nevada driver’s license, and have a satisfactory driving record. Possession of, or the ability to retain a valid Nevada Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) may be required.
Experience and Training:
Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. A typical way to gain the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is:
A high school diploma, GED, or Education/Training sufficient to achieve the necessary levels of certification are required. Attending classes provided by Nevada State approved educators to obtain Continuing Education Units (CEU’s). Employee is responsible for completing necessary CEU’s required to maintain and renew certifications. Classes for CEU’s will frequently be attended on your own time. Attending classes for GIS operations.
Physical and Mental/Intellectual Requirements:
The physical and mental/intellectual requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
Employee is frequently required to walk, stoop, crawl, stand and reach. Heavy labor with a shovel is often required. Drive a motor vehicle in order to attend meetings and inspect properties. Strength and stamina to inspect various residential, commercial, or industrial properties or other facilities and projects which may include standing for extended periods of time, stooping, kneeling, and walking on uneven terrain at construction sites, climbing ladders, and stairs. The employee is sometimes required to sit and perform repetitive wrist, hand and finger movements. Respiratory and cardiovascular health sufficient to perform manual labor in very hot weather is required. Strength to lift 25-75 pounds. Occasionally much heavier objects may require lifting or moving, but mechanical assistance will be used whenever practical. Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen. Hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone. Regular shifts will be usually Monday through Friday. Special projects or emergency repairs will require overtime work on evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Employee will be required to be on stand-by and subject to 24 hour call back for emergency situations. Employee must be able to politely and competently interact with other employees, contractors, engineers, retail customers and the general public.
In compliance with applicable disability laws, reasonable accommodations may be provided for qualified individuals with a disability who require and request such accommodations. Applicants and incumbents are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Working Conditions:
Work is performed under the following conditions:
Majority of work is conducted outside in all types of weather conditions including hot, cold, windy, dusty, or wet. Moving mechanical parts and equipment will be a daily potential danger to be aware of. The employee will sometimes be near potentially hazardous chemicals, but not required to handle them unless properly trained. Hazardous traffic conditions and confined spaces will be encountered and adjusted for when inspecting or working on the piping system. Vibration, risk of electrical shock, and work in potentially dangerous places will be encountered. Fumes or airborne particulates could be present. Muddy areas and moderately to completely wet conditions will be encountered. Moderate to very loud noises associated with pumps and especially construction activities. Work is performed in construction zones and on uneven terrain with possible exposure to moving objects and vehicles. Possible hazards include, but are not limited to, sharp objects, pinch points, dust, noise, vibration, extreme heat and cold, slippery surfaces, toxic, and caustic chemicals. Position will require travel by vehicle from the office to a work site.
Employee’s Acknowledgment: I acknowledge that I have read the above job description and have received a copy for my records.
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Employee’s Signature Date Signed
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