Westlands Water District

Fresno, CA

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Senior Operator

Bargaining Unit: Miscellaneous Non-Supervisory Unit
Salary Code: 19
FLSA Designation: Nonexempt
Revision Date: March 1, 2022

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under general supervision of the Supervisor of Operations, plans, organizes, directs, and reviews the work of Operators performing tasks related to water distribution, agricultural water flows monitoring and maintenance, and upkeep of agricultural water meters.

The Senior Operator is the advanced journey level classification in the Operations Department. This position will perform the most complex duties related to meter reading, water utilization data collection, meter repair and calibration, and installation activities. This position will provide technical and functional supervision over assigned staff and are required to be knowledgeable and trained in all procedures related to assigned area. The ability to communicate effectively is required.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

The information below is meant to serve as examples of the job duties and responsibilities for this classification. This list is neither inclusive nor exclusive, but indicative of several types of duties performed.

  1. Plans, organizes, directs, and reviews the work of Operators engaged in the operation of the water distribution system, including exercising valves and weed control around aboveground distribution system facilities.
  2. Supervises the operation and maintenance of all types of water meters, draining, and refilling of pipelines.
  3. Instructs and counsels staff as needed. Monitors performance and provides feedback on a continuous basis and completes annual performance evaluations.
  4. Sets and/or assists in setting priority levels for the repair of pipelines, valves, and pumps.
  5. Performs or directs routine and preliminary emergency work on pipelines and manual or computer-controlled pumping plant and reservoir systems.
  6. During major breakdowns, assumes control for isolating damaged pipelines or pumping plants.
  7. Checks water applications with respect to land eligibility or tailwater control.
  8. Responds to and investigates Underground Service Alert calls concerning the distribution and drainage system.
  9. Maintains current records of progress and activities of the section and prepares periodic reports.
  10. Assists in the preparation of the department’s annual budget.
  11. Assists in the maintenance of the yard, buildings, and related facilities at respective field offices.
  12. Assists in setting priority of maintenance work orders.
  13. Performs other duties as assigned.

CLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience

Any combination of equivalent education and experience that has led to the acquisition of the knowledge required by the position. A typical way of acquiring the knowledge would be:

Possession of a United States high school diploma, GED, or equivalent and

Option 1: Experience: Five (5) years of experience as an Operator with the District. or

Option 2: Four (4) years of experience performing work in a water distribution and drainage system including reading, recording, maintaining and repairing vertical and horizontal water delivery meters and one (1) year supervising experience including organizing, directing, and reviewing the work of staff.

Note: One (1) year experience as an Operations and Maintenance Trainee with Westlands Water District will substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.

Note: Recruitment may be limited to candidates with an education or experience background related to the specific vacant position.

Knowledge of:

  • The applicable safety and accident prevention procedures of the California Safety and Health Act.
  • The applicable California General Industrial Safety Orders.
  • Principles and practices of water distribution and drainage repair.
  • Advanced methods and practices of installing, repairing, and maintaining water distribution systems.
  • Methods, techniques, tools, equipment and materials used in the operation, installation, maintenance, repair, and testing of water meters and meter reading devices.
  • Maps and land descriptions.
  • Reading and interpreting plans and specifications pertaining to water distribution systems and agricultural pumps and motors.
  • Principles and practices of technical and functional supervision and training.
  • Computer terminal, iPad, laptop or similar devices operating methods and office software.

Skills/Abilities to:

  • Understand, interpret, and apply department policies, rules, regulations, and procedures.
  • Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff.
  • Prepare and provide oral and written instructions.
  • Read and interpret pipeline plans and profile drawings.
  • Maintain accurate records.
  • Communicate effectively.
  • Establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships at all organizational levels as well as with the public.
  • Operate a District vehicle and/or equipment observing legal and defense driving practices.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Heavy lifting of supplies and materials up to 100 pounds.
  • Use of hazardous materials.
  • Possess the physical strength and agility to work outdoors under adverse climatic conditions.
  • Possess the physical characteristics to perform the critical and important duties of the job, including the ability to climb stationary ladders up to 100 feet in height and work in confined spaces.
  • Respond to emergency calls on a 24 hour-a-day basis.

STANDARD REQUIREMENTS

  • Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License with a driving record acceptable to the District’s automobile insurance provider is required.