Water Technician at City of Tualatin

The City of Tualatin is in search of a dedicated and dynamic Water Distribution Technician who will contribute to the vital role of ensuring Tualatin's community has access to clean, reliable water every day. 

Do you have an existing foundation of technical expertise in the water distribution industry? If so, make a splash in your career and explore an exciting career opportunity in Tualatin's robust and thriving community. We are looking for a team member who can approach their workday with confidence and enthusiasm, while providing outstanding customer service. Your ability to work both independently and collaboratively with our efficient team will be essential to this position.

We are looking for self-starters, with the technical expertise to jump in and join our team with the important task of ensuring the City's water facilities are maintained and operating at their peak. If you're looking for a career where your skills, dedication, and teamwork matter then Tualatin wants YOU as part of their team to keep things flowing! If this sounds like you, please review the below qualifications and duties to consider joining our team in this rare and exciting opportunity.

The City will hire at the Technician I or Technician II level, depending on the successful candidate's qualifications.

Technician I Salary range: $24.35 - $30.86/hour

Technician II Salary range: $27.47 - $34.81/hour

As an individual, or as a member of a crew, performs tasks related to utility maintenance, including valve actuation, water main flushing, hydrant maintenance, cathodic protection, leak detection and water meter replacement/testing.

Performs rapid response to unexpected water system issues requiring immediate attention such as water main/service line failures, fire hydrant repairs, or other appurtenances in the water industry. 

Position works in a rotation to be on call for after-hours emergency response regularly, and must be able to switch shifts for emergency response during extreme weather events or other emergency situations.

Reads, understands, and analyzes maps, diagrams, and blueprints/as-builds associated with water system construction.

Accurately completes documentation appropriate to assigned tasks in formats required, which may include mapping system updates, as-builts, asset records, work order documents, condition assessment documentation, inventory items, and work time tracking.

Ability to assist in maintaining the city's on-going cross-connection program as assigned. Identifies and eliminates potential cross-connection hazards.

Responds to customer complaints or inquiries in a professional and courteous manner and takes appropriate measures to resolve issues.

Assists engineering staff in plan reviews when assigned.

Performs punch list items and final inspections for construction projects.

Participates on a rotating 24-hour on-call list and responds to urgent situations. When on-call, acts as the primary responder to SCADA-related alarms.

After training, establishes and maintains a working knowledge of SCADA system operations.+

After training, performs proficient operation and maintenance of the city's ASR facility and portable chlorination booster system trailer.

After training, operates and maintains chlorine equipment, chemical feed pumps, and water quality analyzers.

Performs water quality monitoring and sampling as mandated by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).

Performs more complex repairs and troubleshooting work to water distribution tasks in regards to pressure regulating valves, data loggers/recording equipment, and coordinate/work with consultants/contractors on repairs.

Participates in the water meter maintenance program which consists of investigating any leaks in services, clearing of debris or foliage around meter boxes and replacing broken meter boxes or lids.

Assists with utility billing by performing tasks with reading meters, turning water on/off, locking/unlocking meters, and delivering notices to customers.

Performs Service Requests/Work Orders and various other customer service-related tasks which include troubleshooting leaks, pressure issues, water quality concerns, or service interruptions.

Operates a variety of hand and power tools in relation to the work instructed.

Operates a variety of heavy equipment such as: service truck with crane, backhoe, high-velocity cleaner, dump truck, hook truck, pumps and generators.

Drives to work sites and trainings on a daily basis.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge/Special Skills: 

Technician I: 

• Ability to learn and follow written and oral instructions along with the ability to safely and effectively use both equipment and tools. 
• Ability to work effectively as a team or independently in the workforce. 
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with the public and other employees. 
• Ability to consistently respond appropriately and professionally to questions or concerns with other employees and city customers. 
• Knowledge of customer service principals 
• Ability to follow all safety protocols and perform tasks in a safe and efficient manner.
• Ability to safely perform Confined space entries 
• Ability to safely perform work in hazardous conditions appropriately utilizing personal protective equipment and safety procedures.
• Ability to operate, maintain and repair hydrants and valves.
• Ability to operate applicable tools and equipment used in the trade 
• Ability to operate heavy equipment including but not limited to utility truck with crane, dump truck, vac-truck, backhoe, and hook truck
• Basic grasp/knowledge of water mandated regulations & requirements
• Ability to respond to work without advanced notice, in times of adverse weather, emergency situations, natural disasters, or other unusual events as determined by the City. 
• Inclusive of others who may come from different backgrounds, personalities, and ethnicities. Respects diversity.

Technician II:

All listed under Technician I and the ability to learn safe operating procedures of appurtenances associated with water distribution/quality equipment and construction. Examples include, but are not limited to: 

• Knowledgeable in the best practices of repairing leaks to water system mains and services. 
• Possesses advanced skills in the water distribution field.
• Ability to understand and implement basic to complex principles of water systems operations. 
• Ability, or ability to learn, to read and interpret plans, or blueprints
• Ability, or ability to learn to monitor SCADA systems
• Proficiency in the use of the locating devices
• Higher grasp/knowledge of water mandated regulations & requirements
• Ability to perform effectively in an independent or team environment.
• Ability to self-start maintain productivity.
• Skill in customer relations and communications including the ability to effectively and tactfully work with difficult customers and solve complex customer issues. 
• Ability to learn and effectively work with computer applications and electronic equipment. 
• Ability to perform off-shift on-call duties on a rotating shift. 

Mathematical Skills & Abilities: Basic math and some algebra with the ability to learn basic water/hydraulic principals. 

Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

Computer Skills: Ability to learn and obtain proficiency in software related to performance of duties, including but not limited to Microsoft Office, NexGen, and working knowledge of data entry with laptop or handheld devices. Ability to perform or ability to learn Microsoft Office, asset management software, and working knowledge of data entry and ability to incorporate software with GIS coordinates. Ability to familiarize oneself with SCADA. 

 Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Having the possession of, or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire the following; 

Technician I:

• Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement 
• Confined Space Entry Certification
• First Aid/CPR Certification
• State certified in Flagging

Within 12 months of hire:

• Grade 1 Water Distribution Certification 

Technician II, all the Technician I requirements listed above plus, within 6 months of hire:

• Level 2 in Water Distribution Certification from Oregon Health Authority 

Additional Preferred Certifications (not required):

• Oregon Cross Connection Specialist Certification
• Water Treatment 1

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: 

Technician I: Experience in or general knowledge of general maintenance and construction work, and sufficient education to ensure the ability to read and write.

Technician II: Two years of experience in general maintenance and construction work including operation of heavy equipment and sufficient education to ensure the ability to read and write. Minimum experience under OHA for Level 2 Water Certifications.  

Desirable Skills & Qualifications 

• A collaborative team player.
• Journey level subject matter expert who can perform a broad range of duties and has a baseline of training in water systems operations.
• Effectively manages conflicts and seeks ways to build professional relationships.
• Ability to work independently and exercise judgment using their existing knowledge.
• Someone who is willing and capable of providing technical and functional oversight over less experienced workers or seasonal staff.  

Are you qualified and up to the challenge? We would love to hear from you! 

How to Apply:

Applications must be filed online at  http://www.tualatinoregon.gov . We cannot accept e-mailed, mailed, or faxed applications or resumes in place of the online application process.

If you have a general question regarding the recruitment, contact Human Resources recruitment@ci.tualatin.or.us.

The City of Tualatin is an equal opportunity employer and encourages women, veterans and minorities to apply. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The City will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge skills education and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you think you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skillset for the role.

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