ACE

UTILITIES TECHNICIAN

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, serves as an assistant on the Utilities Manager’s staff for various administrative functions; conducts studies; compiles data; prepares reports on programs and projects; oversees and implements projects; represents the department; and maintains appropriate records, files and documents.

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.

• Confers with Utilities management on assignments and tasks relating to organization, development, and improvement of City utility services, functions, and capital improvement projects.
• Schedules, coordinates and oversees the progress of contractors, vendors and other service providers conducting projects within the Utilities division; prepares specifications, contacts contractors, and reviews bids for projects.
• Serves as Recycled Water Coordinator to ensure coordination, posting and tracking of applications; conducts on-site assessments and provides guidance and information to customers regarding recycling program requirements.
• Conducts various studies for the department; generates, compiles and updates data; prepares reports and plans containing findings and recommendations; provides solutions for various infrastructure problems and issues; investigates technical matters and issues.
• Interfaces with regulatory agencies to ensure compliance and permitting of equipment essential to the operation of the Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant and satellite operations.
• Researches, prepares correspondence and submits reports to ensure conformity with regulatory rules and regulations.
• Recommends and purchases items needed for the maintenance and repair of the Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant and off-site locations; reviews budget for appropriate funding.
• Administers programs involving other public utility agencies and representatives; coordinates programs with other divisions within the Public Works department.
• Compiles data for cost estimate detail and low bidder breakdown on capital projects.
• Attends various meetings as a representative of the Public Works department and on behalf of the Utilities staff.
• Investigates citizen complaints; responds to surveys, customer letters and inquiries.
• Provides vacation and temporary relief as required.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

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:

• State, Federal and local laws, rules and regulations regarding the operation of water and wastewater systems.
• Recycled water rules, regulations and guidelines.
• Modern and complex principles and practices of project organization and coordination.
• Methods and techniques of research, statistics, and analysis.
• Recent developments, current literature and information related to water and wastewater system regulations.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping and purchasing.
• Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Ability to:

• Read, interpret and apply a variety of laws and regulations related to water and wastewater systems.
• Conduct research, interpret and compile data, and prepare complete and accurate analyses, plans, reports, and recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with appropriate water and wastewater systems practices and regulations.
• Read and interpret plans, specifications, engineering maps and drawings.
• 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 as well as applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Prepare clear and concise oral and written reports, both narrative and statistical and assist in presenting them.
• Coordinate projects and programs for Public Works and outside agencies.
• Operate and use modern office equipment including computers and supporting word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Adapt to changing technologies and learn functionality of new equipment and systems.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Effectively represent the City to outside individuals and agencies to accomplish the goals and objectives of the unit.
• Work cooperatively with other departments, City officials, and outside agencies.
• Respond tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately to inquiries from the public, City staff, or other agencies on sensitive issues in area of responsibility.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

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:

Education/Training: Associate of Arts degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in engineering, business administration, public administration, or a closely related field.

Experience: Two years of professional work experience in water or wastewater utility administration. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for­year basis.

License or Certificate - Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license.

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: Standard office setting. CONTINUOUS working indoors, dust from paperwork. Work schedule is 9/80 with alternating Fridays off in a biweekly period. Work environment is both formal and informal, team oriented, having variable tasks, pace, and pressure. Work is performed indoors in office and in meeting rooms.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting and operate office equipment. CONTINUOUS sitting and upward and downward flexion of neck; fine finger dexterity; light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils. FREQUENT side-to-side turning of neck, walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting at waist; moderate wrist torque to twist equipment knobs and dials; lifting objects weighing up to 20 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 yards. OCCASIONAL squatting, kneeling, and reaching above and at shoulder height; moderate grasp to manipulate reference books and manuals; lifting objects weighing 20-35 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 feet.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Date: July 2003
Revised by MH/Department