Meter Mechanic

PLEASE READ THIS BULLETIN IN ITS ENTIRETY

THE POSITION
This recruitment is being conducted to fill two full-time vacancies. The list established by this recruitment may be used to fill future full-time, part-time, limited term, and temporary vacancies for up to one year.

The City of Vallejo is seeking candidates for our Meter Mechanic position, as collaborative members of the City's Water Department. Meter Mechanics are responsible for performing responsible semi-skilled and skilled installation and maintenance services of water distribution and metering systems and perform a variety of technical tasks.

While not required at the time of hire, possession of a Distribution Operator Grade D2 is highly desirable.

Why join the City of Vallejo - Water Department?
At the City of Vallejo's Water Department, we're committed to delivering safe, reliable, and high-quality drinking water to our community. Our team is comprised of skilled professionals who take pride in their work and are driven by integrity, innovation, and service. Joining our department means being part of a collaborative, mission-driven organization where your technical expertise, leadership, and ideas will help shape the future of Water Distribution in Vallejo.

We offer a supportive work environment with opportunities for professional training, career advancement, and direct impact on vital public infrastructure. This is more than a job, it's a chance to grow your career while serving the community of Vallejo in a meaningful way.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate for Meter Mechanic will have at least three years of construction and maintenance experience in the installation and maintenance of pressurized water systems or two years of experience as a Water Maintenance Worker II with the City of Vallejo.

They will possess their Backflow Prevention Device General Tester Certificate issued by the American Water Works Association (AWWA - Cal - Nev section) and/or the Northern California Backflow Prevention Association (NCBPA), and Distribution Operator Grade D1 Certificate issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board.

THE DEPARTMENT
The Vallejo Water Department is a dynamic organization engaged in growth and positive change for the benefit of our customers and community. The Department provides potable water to 121,000 customers through a highly complex system including multiple raw water sources, three treatment plants, a Sludge Dewatering Facility, 600 miles of distribution pipes, 8 pressure zones, 27 pump stations, and 37,000 service connections. Vallejo Water is a Treatment-5/Distribution-5 system. In 2017, Vallejo Water Services transitioned from a division of Public Works to a standalone Water Department reporting directly to the City Manager. This change gives drinking water-related operations and issues greater visibility and strategic direction for the benefit of ratepayers. The Water Department's strategic goals include: infrastructure reliability, public trust, sustainability, organizational performance, and financial viability.

The Water Department has six Divisions: Water Treatment, Engineering, Distribution, Watershed and Facilities Management, and Administration/Conservation. The Water Quality Division of the Water Department is an important stakeholder in projects unfolding in Vallejo and the Advance Water Treatment Plant Operator is a key member of the team.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
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.

Important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• To lead small crews and perform installation, replacement, repair, and maintenance services on water metering systems and other water distribution system appurtenances.
• Perform testing services on a variety of different meters.
• Perform testing and certification of backflow prevention devices.
• Perform flushing, flow testing, and routine maintenance on fire hydrants.
• Conduct service analysis in response to customer complaints.
• Perform leak detection and locating services on the water distribution system on a routine, as well as, an emergency basis.
• Perform water meter reading activities on an occasional basis.
• Operate light mechanical equipment including a compressor, jackhammer, wacker, and various other equipment.
• Perform preventive maintenance on equipment as required.
• Perform heavy physical labor.
• Estimate time, material and equipment required for jobs assigned and requisition materials as required.
• Train assigned employees in their area of work in maintenance and repair methods, techniques, and in the set up and use of equipment.
• Ensure the adherence to safe work policies and procedures.
• Verify the work of assigned employees for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques, and compliance with applicable standards and specifications.
• Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
• Provide water utility customer services including turn-ons, turn-offs, re-reading meters and delivering notices, including delinquent account notices.
• Participate in, respond to, and be available for emergency call-outs for periods up to one week at a time.
• Respond to emergency call-outs within one hour when assigned to standby duty.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Knowledge of:

• Basic principles and practices of water distribution system maintenance programs as they relate to water meters and associated water distribution system appurtenances.
• Methods, regulations and practices of a water metering system.
• General operational characteristics of water meters.
• Basic mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions and percentages.
• General use, purpose, and maintenance of hand tools.
• Techniques, equipment and materials used in street and sidewalk maintenance and repair.
• Safe work practices, including city policies and procedures, and local, state and federal regulatory requirements regarding workplace safety.
• Local, state and federal regulatory requirements related to drinking water, storm water and any other similar water related mandates.
• Principles of lead supervision and training.
• Methods and techniques of constructions, maintenance and repair related to the area of work assigned.
• Operational characteristics of mechanical equipment and tools used in the area of work assigned.
• Cutting torch principles and techniques.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of work assigned.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Computer use and associated programs used by the department.

• Lead and perform a variety of skilled duties in water meter repair and installation.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Perform a variety of manual tasks for extended periods of time and in unfavorable weather conditions.
• Use, maintain and repair automated and mechanical water meters.
• Perform testing services on a variety of water metering systems.
• Learn principles and practices of water distribution system programs as they relate to water meters and associated water distribution system appurtenances.
• Learn to independently perform a full range of meter reading activities.
• Learn operational and safety procedures of various light mechanical equipment.
• Read and interpret maps, sketches, drawings, specifications and technical manuals.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records.
• Perform a variety of manual tasks for extended periods of time and in unfavorable weather conditions.
• Respond to the corporation yard for an emergency call out.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Use, operate and care for hand tools, power tools, and other equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Proficiently and safely operate construction equipment related to the construction trades; perform maintenance and repairs on tools and equipment.
• Perform a variety of semi-skilled duties in water distribution facility repair and installation.
• Perform preventive maintenance on mechanical equipment as required.
• Perform heavy manual labor.
• Interpret, explain and enforce department policies and procedures within assigned crew.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including the general public and work effectively as a member of a crew.
• Professionally and diplomatically respond to questions and comments from the public.
• Apply good judgment and practical knowledge to resolve unusual or irregular problems in the area of work assigned.
• Perform duties in a manner to maximize public safety in the area of work assigned.
• Lift 100 pounds.
• Learn and operate a computer and associated programs used by the department.

Working Conditions
Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level, uneven and slippery surfaces; reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching in confined spaces for extended periods of time; grasping and making repetitive hand movements in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision when operating assigned equipment. Acute hearing is required in both the office and the field. The ability to lift, carry, push and pull tools, equipment and supplies weighing up to 100 pounds is also required. Work may be performed in all weather conditions, including rain, heat, and cold. Exposure to fumes, dust, chemicals, air contaminants, moisture and other hazardous materials may occur. Work may require climbing and descending ladders, use of power and noise producing tools and equipment, driving motorized vehicles, working in heavy vehicular traffic conditions and work in and around confined spaces.

The Recruitment & Selection Process

Veteran's Preference - Veteran's preference points will be applied in accordance with Civil Service Rule 24. A copy of the DD 214 form must be filed at the time of application.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) - The City of Vallejo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the City of Vallejo to provide equal employment opportunity for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.

Note: The provisions in this bulletin do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.