SENIOR WATER MEASUREMENT SPECIALIST

Bargaining Unit: Operating Engineers Local #3
Salary Code: 20
FLSA Designation: Nonexempt
Revision Date: 03/01/19

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Under general direction of the Supervisor of Operations, plans, organizes, directs, controls, and performs flow measurement, meter calibration and repair, and other related technical work. Coordinates the District’s water meter testing, distribution system pump performance testing and automated meter reading programs. This position will exercise greater independent professional judgement and possess strong organizational skills, and may provide lead direction of assigned staff. The Senior Water Measurement Specialist is a single position classification.

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. Directs and manages the District’s water meter testing program for propeller, turbine, magnetic, panametric and venturi meters; and maintains their appropriate records.
2. Directs and conducts water meter flow measurements and calibrations both in the field and at the District’s meter calibration and testing facility, including the calibration, maintenance and repair of headworks water metering equipment.
3. Provides lead direction, training and work review to the Water Measurement Technician and/or other staff who perform flow measurements, meter calibrations, pump performance tests, and other related work.
4. Assists Supervisor of Operations in organizing and assigning work, sets priorities, and follows up on work to ensure coordination and completion of assigned work.
5. Provides input into the selection and evaluation of staff.
6. Programs, installs, and trouble shoots automated meter reading (AMR) devices including SMS, satellite and fixed network units.
7. Coordinates testing activities with other agencies such as Department of Water Resources and San Luis Delta Mendota Water Authority.
8. Will be the primary person responsible for the operation, maintenance and record keeping of the domestic water system at the Five Points Shop and Field Office.
9. Administers and directs the annual performance testing of the District’s distribution system pumps in order to assess pump and motor efficiency.
10. Installs, operates, maintains, repairs and calibrates a variety of water and flow measurement devices including: manometers, gauges, pitot tubes, Collins rods, and other related meter and pump testing equipment.
11. Prepares, reviews, and interprets flow rating curves and tables, mapping, and drafting in connection to hydrologic computations and/or compilations.
12. Manipulates the distribution systems utilizing valves, motor control panel and telemetry system as required to isolate equipment to be tested.
13. Utilizes a calculator and personal computer; and is familiar with Microsoft Word and Excel programs to generate spreadsheets, along with internal and external reports.
14. Assists in the preparation of the department’s annual budget.
15. May act in a lead capacity over staff by assigning, training, and reviewing their daily assignments.
16. 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 one year (30 units) of college semester units in algebra, physics, chemistry, hydraulics, water measurement, and meter calibration, and/or water treatment and five (5) years of experience performing skilled duties in water measurement; two (2) years of which must be where lead or supervisory responsibilities were assigned.

Substitution:
Four (4) years’ experience as an Operator with Westlands Water District may substitute for the college units required.

Knowledge of:

• Methods and techniques of water meter reading; installing, inspecting, maintaining, testing, and repairing various water meters and related equipment.
• Methods and practices of hydrology including equipment used to calculate factors affecting accuracy of water measuring and water controlling devices.
• Operational characteristics of valves, pumps, pumping plants, meters and other mechanical devices.
• Department practices, policies, and procedures necessary to complete work assigned.
• Computer technology and software as applied to perform the assigned tasks.
• Principles and practices of effective customer service.

Skills/Abilities to:

• Recognize, diagnose, and correct failures and/or anticipate problems with water meters.
• Follow written and oral instruction.
• Operate a variety of water meter reading and testing tools, equipment and techniques in a safe and effective manner.
• Operate water distribution facilities to effectively meet defined needs.
• Read, interpret and apply plans, specifications and technical written materials.
• Conduct a variety of field studies using various testing equipment.
• Maintain accurate records.
• Research the effectiveness of new testing equipment as it relates to the Districts testing programs.
• Program, trouble shoot, and repair a variety of electronic water measurement and data logging devices.
• Compile and analyze water use effectively and efficiently
• Establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships at all organizational levels as well as with the public.
• Display a high degree of maturity, integrity, and good judgement.
• Operate a District vehicle observing legal and defense driving practices.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Possess the physical strength and agility to work outdoors under adverse climatic conditions.
• Possess physical characteristics to perform the critical and important duties of the job, including the ability to climb stationary ladders up to 50 feet in height; work in confined spaces, such as in vaults, excavations (approximately 30 feet below ground level), buried dewatered pipelines and manifolds (ranging in size from 3 feet to 13 feet in diameter), and dewatered sumps and turnout facilities (approximately 30 feet below ground level).

LICENSE, CERTIFICATE, OR CREDENTIAL

• Possession of a Grade T2 Water Treatment and D2 Water Distribution Operator Certificates issued by the California Department Public Health.

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.