Backflow Technician

This is skilled work related to the installation, inspection, testing and repair of backflow preventers, surveys of new and existing customer facilities serviced by the City of Cocoa Utilities Department for potential and actual cross connections, scheduled inspections of premises, and testing and repair of backflow prevention devices. Employees must have general knowledge of various maintenance and construction tasks. Requires heavy manual work. Performs general underground utility related work requiring the use of hand tools, power tools, electronic and mechanical test equipment, construction equipment with frequent use of light-duty automotive equipment, and occasional use of medium- to heavy-duty automotive equipment. Responsible for the upkeep and efficient operation of the tools and/or equipment used. Employee provides detailed written reports and receives written or oral instructions and performs work under the supervision of the Distribution Superintendent, Assistant Distribution Superintendent or a Supervisor II.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Operates light- to heavy-duty trucks, electronic and mechanical test equipment for backflow preventers;
• Tests and repairs backflow preventers;
• Keeps records of all backflow devices, repair and test data.
• Verifies that all customers are complying with the City of Cocoa and State of Florida requirements.
• Employee must interact directly with customers.
• May be required to operate power saws, small and large tapping machines, tractor/loader and other equipment used in underground utility related work.
• Assists Crew Leader, Supervisor II and maintenance personnel with preventive and constructive maintenance projects.
• The majority of position duties are required to be performed on-site.
• Performs janitorial work such as sweeping, mopping, cleaning windows, vacuuming and general cleanup.
• Installs water and sewer mains, service lines, meters and fire hydrants. Performs landscape restoration involving asphalt, concrete and sod.
• May be required to work during a declared or undeclared emergency.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of Federal, State and local rules and regulations regarding cross connections.
• Knowledge of tools and equipment used in test and repair of backflow preventers, pipeline construction and maintenance.
• Considerable knowledge of general safety rules, traffic control regulations, trench excavations, and precautions to be taken when working near other utilities (electric, gas, telephone, etc.).
• Ability to operate light- to heavy-duty trucks, tapping machines, air and hydraulic equipment and related construction equipment.
• Ability to read maps and blueprints.
• Ability to enter and retrieve data on computer.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions without close supervision.
• Physical strength and ability to perform heavy manual labor.
• Ability to provide detailed written reports.
• Must effectively interact with customers.
• Use of electronic and mechanical backflow preventer test equipment, electronic pipe, cable and valve locating equipment.
• Skilled in test and repair of backflow preventers and in various utility maintenance and construction tasks.
• Map and blueprint reading.
• Must demonstrate operating proficiency.

High School Graduate or GED and equivalent training and work experience. Two (2) years' experience testing and repairing backflow preventers is preferred, but will consider experience in utility maintenance, plumbing trades, or other related construction fields. Approved and valid cross connection control testing and repair certification preferred, or the ability to obtain the same within six (6) months of employment.
Special Qualifications
For positions requiring the operation of City vehicles, must possess a valid current Florida driver's license, or be able to acquire one within 45 days of hire.

The work is generally medium to heavy and may require exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and 30 pounds amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:

• Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing or crouching on narrow, or slippery surfaces.
• Climbing: Frequently ascends or descends ladders, stairs, scaffolding, or ramps.
• Handling: Picking, holding, or otherwise working with the whole hand.
• Hearing: Ability to hear and understand at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
• Kneeling: Ability to frequently bend legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
• Lifting: Ability to lift and move objects
• Mental Acuity: Ability to make rational decisions.
• Pulling / Pushing: Ability to occasionally move objects up to 100 pounds.
• Reaching: Ability to frequently extend hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Repetitive Motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
• Speaking / Talking: Ability to communicate clearly, accurately and concisely through speech.
• Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.
• Stooping: Ability to frequently bend body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.
• Visual Acuity: Ability to perform activities such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and/or extensive reading, operating motor vehicles; including color, depth perception, and field vision.
• Walking: Ability to move on foot for long distances and moving from one work site to another.
• Dexterity: Primarily with fingers, as in picking, pinching, or typing.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires the ability to be sensitive to change and responsive to changing goals, priorities, and needs. Work may be performed in both in and out-of-door environments with exposure to the wind, rain, cold, heat and cramped spaces.
Employment Type: Full-time