UCT

CANAL ASSISTANT I/II

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, exercises independent judgment and discretion in performing the day to day work of Canal operations and in the supervision of part-time, temporary and casual labor employees involved in Canal maintenance or construction activities. Supervision is received under the joint authority of City of Escondido and Vista Irrigation District. The direct supervisor is the City of Escondido’s Canal Superintendent or Assistant Canal Superintendents.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Canal Assistant I – This is the entry level class in the Canal Assistant series. Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of work knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Canal Assistant II level. Canal Assistant I’s exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Incumbents in this class are expected to learn the office and field operations of the department under the direction of the Canal Superintendent; work may be reviewed by the Assistant Canal Superintendent. Incumbents initially appointed to Canal Assistant I level may progress to Canal Assistant II after successfully completing one year (12 months) of progressively responsible experience as a Canal Assistant I with the City of Escondido and by demonstrating proficiency in performing assigned tasks with an acceptable safety record, as well as any other departmental requirements established for progression.

Canal Assistant II – This is the journey level class in the Canal Assistant series performing the full range Canal Assistant duties with only occasional instruction or assistance. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Canal Assistant I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, applying well developed program knowledge, exercising judgment and initiative, and by leading small work crews. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Work is normally reviewed only on completion and for overall results. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Canal Assistant II level are normally filled by advancement from the Canal Assistant I level.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Clears brush, shovels debris and loads heavy material.
• Performs skilled and semiskilled construction tasks.
• May supervise casual labor performing semiskilled construction tasks.
• Performs carpentry, pre-blasting and post-blasting actives and masonry tasks.
• Patrols and monitors the Canal and its right-of-way.
• Makes recommendations or acts within defined limits of authority concerning water flow regulation.
• Make recommendations to the Assistant Canal Superintendent in the planning and scheduling of maintenance.
• Performs and supervises casual labor in cleaning, patching, and repairing the Canal watercourse.
• Operates hand tools, soil compactors, pneumatic hammers and other construction equipment.
• Drives trucks, skip loaders, backhoes, or related equipment.
• Participates and supervises casual labor in cleaning facilities and vehicles.
• Participates and supervises casual labor in weed abatement, brush control and right-of-way maintenance.
• Monitors and repairs/replaces water flow measurement devices.
• Repairs and maintains hand tools and construction equipment.
• Completes forms and written reports.
• Performs routine clerical duties such as typing, filing, record keeping and data entry.
• Performs related duties as required.
• Provides vacation and temporary relief as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Methods, techniques, materials, tools, and equipment used in construction and maintenance.
• Familiarity with equipment and devices used to convey water in an open ditch.
• Safety principles and practices related to construction, blasting, and equipment operation.
• Modern office procedures, methods and equipment including computers.
• Computer software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping and filing techniques.
• Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
• Methods and techniques of public relations.
• Basic map reading.
• Mathematical principles for purposes of reading plans and maps.
• Effective communication skills and techniques required for gathering, evaluating and transmitting information.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Ability to:

• Work independently in performing a variety of manual and semiskilled tasks in construction and maintenance. Read meters, devices, and notices and forms.
• Complete written or typewritten forms.
• Follow written and oral directions.
• Comply with all local regulations pertaining to the transportation, and storage of explosives. Work cooperatively and as a lead worker with others.
• Accurately perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Represent the City in a professional manner and deal effectively with the public to gain their cooperation in resolving problems and concerns.
• Accurately prepare and maintain a variety of correspondence, records and reports.
• Learn methods and techniques of research and investigation.
• Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Understand, interpret, and apply general and specific administrative and departmental policies and procedures. Operate and use modern office equipment including a computer and various software packages.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective and courteous relationships with the public and co-workers.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Canal Assistant I/II

Education/Training: Graduation from high school or equivalent.

Canal Assistant I

Experience: At least one year of related experience. Experience in construction/maintenance activities in a water or a sewer utility is desirable.

Canal Assistant II

Experience: One year of experience equivalent to a Canal Assistant I with the City of Escondido.

License and Other Requirements - Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License. A valid California Class A or B Driver’s License is highly desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Exposure to extreme heat and humidity working outdoors; temperature swings from indoors to outdoors; extreme noise of jackhammers and other equipment, mechanical and electrical hazards of equipment and underground-overhead utilities; fumes and odors of vaults, paint and diesel; dust of excavations and blasting; toxic substances such as glue, solvents, cement and PVC and other plastics. Work is performed both indoors in office and shop area and outdoors in roadways, Canal sites, watercourse and excavations. Work environment is informal, team-oriented, having both routine and variable tasks with variable pace and pressure. Work hours are ordinarily five days, average 40 hours per week. Overtime, holiday and weekend work is required.

Physical: Continuous strong grasp of hand and power tools, pushing/pulling. Frequent walking up to 10 miles a day, standing, bending and stooping, lifting of objects weighing up to 10 lbs. below and at waist level and transporting for distances up to one city block. Occasional sitting, squatting, climbing, reaching above and at shoulder height, kneeling, pushing/pulling, twisting at waist, upward and downward flexion of neck, side-to-side turning of neck, lifting of objects weighting up to 10 lbs. from chest to above shoulder level; lifting of objects weighing from 10- 80 lbs. below and at waist level with assistance; light-moderate finger grasp of writing materials, steering wheel, moderate foot pressure to operate foot pedals. Infrequent crawling, balancing above ground, lifting of objects weighing 51-100 lbs. above shoulder level with or without assistance and transporting for distances of 10-100 feet; light grasp and finger pressure to operate hand-held meter reading equipment.

Communication: Vision (may be correctable) to see computer screens, reports, small parts and components, construction hazards, meter-reading equipment, dials and gauges, and to drive. Hearing for telephone, two-way radio and verbal communications, and safety alarms on equipment. Speaking using telephone, radio, and personal contact. Writing completing forms, reports, work orders and related paperwork. Reading computer screens, water measuring equipment, dials and gauges, work orders, and safety regulations.

Date: July 2005
Revised by MH/Department