Water Loss Control Programs Technician I

Water Loss Control Programs Technician

Join a team that's on the front lines of water use efficiency across Orange County. As a Water Loss Control Programs Technician, you'll be out in the field, using leak detection technology to find and stop water loss before it becomes a bigger problem. It's hands-on, physically active work that makes a tangible difference for the Orange County agencies we serve, all while building specialized technical skills that are in high demand across the water industry. If you like working outdoors and knowing that your work matters, this is a career worth exploring.

Under general supervision, performs Distribution System Leak Detection services for retail water agencies throughout Orange County; assists in day-to-day operations of meter accuracy testing activities to pinpoint areas of water loss; assists with water loss control programs; participates in distribution system pressure surveys of retail systems; and performs related duties as assigned.

Water Loss Control Programs Technician I: This is the entry-level classification in the Water Loss Control Programs Technician series. Under close supervision, incumbents perform routine water loss control duties. Positions at this level usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress.

Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions): The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this classification.

• Drives, walks, operates, and maintains equipment, tools, and vehicles in locating underground water leaks; determines the source of leak and who is responsible for repair.
• Documents and confirms suspected leaks according to District documentation standards.
• Works in the roadway and provides traffic control, according to District safety standards.
• Reads and interprets blueprints, maps, atlases, and specifications; maintains accurate journals and work assignments.
• Deploys and recovers distribution system pressure loggers on retail water agency distribution systems throughout Orange County.
• Provides equipment and maintenance support to member agency/retail staff; complies with applicable MWDOC and retail agency procedures.
• Complies with work-related safety practices and attends relevant safety training; ensures job sites are left safe and clean.
• Documents suspected and confirmed leaks, including location and general characteristics according to District documentation standards; completes leak reports and accurately tracks mileage completed; records all pertinent information in the Geographic Information System (GIS).
• Determines water loss of identified leaks using available information and industry standards.
• Supports other leak detection technology, opportunities, and programs.
• Performs special assignments and other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of: Maintenance and operation of water distributions systems; methods and procedures used in pulling and repairing large water meters and other equipment; traffic control practices and requirements; hand and power tools; safety policies, procedures, and safe work practices applicable to assignment including OSHA regulations; principles and practices of sound business communication; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation; records management, recordkeeping, filing and basic purchasing practices and procedures; basic mathematical calculations; modern office procedures, methods, practices, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Ability to: Advise and provide interpretation to others on how to apply policies, procedures and standards; calculate water formulas and interpret applicable tables and charts; use good personal judgement and discretion in performing all job functions; exercise independent judgment when making decisions involving specific job functions, and most efficient utilization of staff and equipment; fully and accurately document suspected and confirmed leaks, including location and degree of certainty; initiate work activities on own with minimal direction; possess good communication and coordination skills and be able to work effectively in both office and field environments; practice safe work methods in the course of work; generate basic reports; operate a District vehicle and utilize and operate a variety of machinery and mechanical equipment and hand tools; operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including co-workers, outside agencies and the public.

Education and Experience: Graduation from high school or GED equivalent and one year of water maintenance work experience. The qualification guidelines generally describe the knowledge, skills and abilities required to enter the job to successfully perform the assigned duties. Any combination of education, experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered. Public sector experience is preferred.

The Municipal Water District of Orange County offers the following comprehensive benefits package to all full-time employees. Please refer to the District's Personnel Manual for complete details on eligibility and enrollment dates for health benefits, insurance, policy requirements and restrictions.

Medical Insurance: Several competitive medical insurance plans are currently offered, as listed, and employees are required to contribute a portion toward their monthly medical insurance premiums. The District currently pays 100% of the lowest cost plan for employee only. The employee may elect to "buy up" to another plan and pay the difference.

Dental Insurance: The District currently offers the Delta Dental (PPO) plan. Enrolled employees are required to contribute a portion toward their monthly dental insurance premiums.

Vision Insurance: The District currently offers Vision Service Plan (VSP) for eye exams, frames, lenses and/or contact lenses. Benefits are paid according to a scheduled allowances through VSP. The District currently pays 100% of the monthly insurance premium for employees and dependents.

Life Insurance: The District currently provides a Life/ADD (accidental death and dismemberment) benefit of two times annual salary to a maximum of $300,000 (see policy for exceptions, terms and exclusions) and the premium is currently paid by the District. Enrollment eligibility is 1st of the month following 30 days of continuous employment with the District. Supplemental coverage is available at employee's expense.

Disability Insurance: Short-term Disability – State Disability Insurance (SDI) is deducted (withheld) from employees' wages. SDI provides temporary payments to workers who are unable to perform their usual work because of pregnancy or a non-occupational illness or injury (work-related illness or injuries are covered by workers' compensation insurance). SDI also includes Paid Family Leave (PFL), which provides benefits to eligible workers when they take time off work to care for a seriously ill family member or to bond with a new child. A qualifying family member is a child, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or registered domestic partner.

Long-term Disability Insurance. This insurance serves as partial income replacement should an employee become seriously injured or disabled and unable to work due to a non-work related injury or illness. The insurance becomes available after a waiting period of 90 days and provides 66.67% of an employee's salary up to a maximum monthly benefit of $10,000. (See policy for exceptions, terms and exclusions). The District currently pays for this benefit.

Vacation Time: Vacation accrual varies upon years of services, as follows:

• Beginning with 1st year: 80.00 hours annually (approx)
• Beginning with 4th year: 120.00 hours annually (approx)
• Beginning with 11th year: 136.00 hours annually (approx)
• Beginning with 15th year: 160.00 hours annually (approx)
• Beginning with 20th year: 168.00 hours annually (approx)

Holidays: The District offers 12 annual paid holidays, including one floating holiday, designated by the employee.

Sick Time: Regular eligible full-time employees are eligible for sick time following completion of 30 days of continuous employment. Sick time accrues at 12 days per year with a maximum accrual of 488 hours.

Jury or Witness Duty Leave: Regular eligible full-time employees required to serve as jurors are granted jury duty leave with pay, less any fees paid to them by the court, except mileage up to a maximum period of thirty (30) working days. Employees serving on a jury exceeding the thirty (30) day period shall do so without pay. This benefit is effective immediately upon employment.

Bereavement Leave: Up to 5 days is available when death of an immediate family member occurs. This benefit is effective upon hire.

Serious Family Illness Leave: Up to 4 days are available, per fiscal year, to attend the operation of an immediate family member, the serious illness, or injury of an immediate family member, where death of an immediate family member appears imminent, or birth of an employee's child. This benefit is available following