Job Abstract

Assists with implementing and overseeing the City's cross-connection control program, municipal and plumbing code programs and services. Enforces relevant utility and plumbing codes and investigates violations at residential, commercial, construction and development sites. Performs various water division field duties including complaint resolution, delinquent bill collection, leak detection and inspection of water meters and related equipment inspections. Enforces relevant utility and plumbing codes and investigates violations at a variety of sites. Provides assistance in the maintenance and repair of the City’s water distribution system and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION

Receives immediate (Field Inspector I) or general (Field Inspector II) supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Field Inspector II provides technical and functional direction to lower-level staff.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Field Inspector I: This is the entry-level classification in the Field Inspector series. Incumbents perform routine tasks in the inspection of various facilities plumbing systems and enforcement of violations. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the II-level, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods of operating heavy equipment. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Field Inspector II: This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Field Inspector series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Field Inspector I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned including conducting inspections and investigations, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. 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. May work in a lead capacity overseeing staff engaged in the repair or maintenance of the water distribution system.

Positions in the Field Inspector class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the II-level may be filled by advancement from the I-level.

Inspects various facilities plumbing systems including industrial, commercial, residential, educational, licensed health care, and high-rise buildings to verify compliance with cross-connection regulations.

Provides information to appropriate local and state agencies including violation reports and compliance status of local businesses. Issues notices and citations when code violations have not been corrected.

May read, inspect and repair water meters/water services/water mains.

Performs emergency work on water main breaks and related emergencies as required; assists with temporary and emergency water shutdowns.

May turn on and shuts off water as tenants move into or vacate a building.

Investigates and resolves complaints regarding water pressure, quality and billing.

Communicates orally or in writing with customers concerning delinquent accounts and code violations.

Responds to emergencies during non-scheduled working hours, as required.

Resolves issues related to hydrant meters including establishing contact with contractors, issuing work orders, and monitoring the progress of renewals.

Provides information and assistance to engineers, architects and contractors including backflow prevention device specifications and installation requirements, solutions to eliminate cross connection problems, and related issues which ensures the health and safety of the general public.

Inspects recycled water use and ensures proper installation of backflow devices.

Coordinates inspection activities with user departments and outside agencies including Los Angeles County Health Department.

May assist with the drafting and review of policies, guidelines and reports.

Leads, coordinates, and participates in the inspection and verification of residential, commercial, and industrial establishments comply with water code regulations.

Coordinates and conducts meetings with user departments, outside agencies, contractors, and consultants related to recycled water use.

Reviews and approves construction plans for recycled water project specifications and related compliance issues.

Inspects recycled water lines and ensures proper installation of backflow devices.

Assists with the development of construction standards and drawings and coordination of construction activities with City staff, contractors and consultants, including installation of service connections, backflow devices, and meters.

Maintains and organizes pertinent records and files. Maintains records using a computer tracking system and prepares related reports and correspondence.

Serves as liaison between the City and various outside government agencies, businesses and citizen on various water related issues.

Performs other duties, as assigned.

Knowledge of:

Laws and Codes related to water distribution systems and cross-connection control including the Uniform Plumbing Code and California Code of Regulations

Construction methods related to water distribution and reclaimed wastewater use safety

Basic plumbing

Best management practices

Cross-connection control practices

Relevant utility and plumbing codes

Principles of customer service

Effective customer service techniques

Supervisory techniques

Ability to:

Inspect general engineering projects for compliance issues related to water and plumbing regulations and the application of best management practices

Read and repair water meters

Prepare reports and forms

Analyze and resolve water meter problems

Read blueprints

Enforce health and safety codes related to water quality and water system construction

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing

Analyze, resolve and report water service problems

Work as part of a team and participate in establishing a cohesive work environment

Conduct cross-connection surveys

Operates a variety of equipment, tools and heavy equipment

Explain City policies in a courteous and effective manner

Provide effective customer service

Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees and the public

Work with persons from diverse social, cultural and economic backgrounds as well as a variety of work styles, personalities, and approaches

Identify problems and recommend solutions

Work independently and meet established deadlines

Coordinate, select, train and supervise staff, as assigned

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

Graduation from high school or the equivalent. College level coursework in water production, water distribution, and cross-connection control is desirable.

Experience:

Two years of recent, paid work experience in construction or maintenance which has included performing job duties related to water services. Experience performing field inspections for water code violations and utility is desirable. Municipal experience is desirable.

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession of a valid Class C driver license.

Possession of, or successfully obtain within one year from date of appointment, a valid Class B California Driver’s License to be maintained throughout employment.

Possession of, or successfully obtain within six months from date of appointment, a valid Forklift Operator certification, to be maintained throughout employment.

Must obtain a Cross-Connection Control Program Specialist Certificate, issued by the University of California Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research within one year of date of appointment.

Must obtain a Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certificate issued by the University of California Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research within one year of date of appointment.

Must obtain and maintain a Los Angeles County Backflow Prevention Device Tester Certification within one year of date of appointment.

Possession and maintenance of a Grade D1 California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Water Distribution Operator Certificate. Must successfully obtain and maintain a Grade D2 California SWRCB Water Distribution Operator Certificate within one year from date of appointment.

The work is regularly performed indoors in an office environment and outside in climatic weather conditions at various work sites. Work requires exposure to sewer discharge, chemicals, and occasionally unsanitary conditions. Some tasks may require the use of respiratory protection. Physical demands include standing, sitting, walking, infrequent heavy lifting, carrying, climbing (stairs and ladders), bending and crawling. May be required to work during evening hours, weekends, holidays and during emergencies.

HOW TO APPLY: An online City application must be completed to be considered for this position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be qualified for the position on the basis of experience, training and education as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.

NOTE: You must upload a copy of your Grade D1 certification to your online application. Failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified.

SELECTION PROCESS: All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Testing may consist of the following:

• Written Test: Pass/Fail
  • Tentatively scheduled 6/13/24
• Oral Interview: 100%
  • Tentatively scheduled 6/25/24