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SalaryDescription
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Salary Ranges based on experience:
Operations Technician I $37.51-45.60
Operations Technician II $43.43-52.79
JOB SUMMARY
The Mechanical Team has the primary responsibility for the installation, maintenance, and repair of, but not limited to wells, boosters, tanks/reservoirs, generators/engines, welding and fabrication, buildings and grounds, control valves, HVAC, PRV's, and Hypo-generation. The Operations Technician Mechanical team is responsible for the hydraulic and mechanical process controls, in support of the District's water distribution system and treatment plant operations, along with ensuring that Title 17, 22, and AWWA standards are upheld. Other duties assigned, but once again not limited to are the maintenance, repair, operation, construction, and inspection tasks, in connection with operating and maintaining the facilities and equipment, associated with the District's Treatment Plant, Little Rock Dam, and Lake Palmdale. Staff is also responsible for being on call and for the pump run on weekends and holidays.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Operations Technician I - This is the entry level class in the Operations Technician series. Positions in this class typically have little or no directly related work experience and work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks. The Operations Technician 1 class is distinguished from the 2 level by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the 2 level. Incumbents work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks, progressing to general supervision as procedures and processes of assigned area of responsibility are learned.
Operations Technician II - This is the journey level class in the Operation Technician series and is distinguished from the 1 level by the assignment of the full range of duties. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new, unusual, or unique situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the 1 level.
Supervision Received and Exercised
Operations Technician I - Receives immediate task supervision from the Operations Technician 3; may receive technical and functional supervision from an Operations Technician 2, as appropriate. Receives general supervision from the Operations Supervisor - Maintenance.
Operations Technician II - Receives immediate task supervision from the Operation Technician 3. Receives general supervision from the Operations Supervisor - Maintenance.
Examples of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Perform preventive maintenance and priority repair on a variety of treatment/distribution mechanical equipment.
- Inspect and monitor well sites, reservoirs, and tanks; check pumps/pump structures and motor operations and make adjustments/repairs as needed; check well levels and measure tank and reservoir levels, including collection of water production and related data.
- Perform a variety of preventive maintenance on pump engines, gas engines, generators, and equipment; perform maintenance and repair related to a variety of water distribution/treatment facilities and systems, and pump buildings.
- Transport and install temporary generators as needed due to electrical power outages; shut down wells as necessary according to District procedures.
- Keep and maintain computerized and written work-related records.
- Inspect, repair, maintain, and test various pumps, motors, and engines used in water treatment processes and distribution systems; remove such equipment as needed from site; re-install and follow procedures for disinfection/safety to the District's water supply. Assists in servicing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing varied and complex plant equipment and structures.
- Plan and/or perform rigging and crane operations for moving and/or placing heavy machinery or equipment. Operate a variety of construction equipment, compressors, hand, and power tools in a safe and effective manner.
- Perform welding and fabrication work.
- Maintain accurate and regular records of work performed with detailed task reports, as builds and documentation.
- Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other District employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
- Intermittently, walk, stand, kneel climb, and bend in the field; sit while studying or preparing repots and driving in vehicle or operating equipment; preform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling and fine manipulation; intermittently write or use a keyboard to communicate; and lift or carry weight up to 50 pounds.
- Work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
- Primary responsibility for the repair and maintenance of vehicles, heavy equipment, small equipment, mobile generators, and fabrication.
Typical Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Operations Technician I
Knowledge of:
- Practices, methods, techniques, and tools/equipment used in the installation, service, maintenance, repair, and adjustment of mechanical equipment-, gas- and diesel-powered equipment, including automobiles, light/heavy trucks, mechanical pumps, motors, engines, and construction equipment.
- Machine shop procedures and practices.
- Electrical best practices.
- Basic practices relating to buildings and grounds maintenance techniques and methods.
- Basic computer usage to enter and retrieve data and maintain records.
- Safe work practices.
Ability to:
- Perform semi-skilled work in the installation, maintenance, and repair of pumps, engines, motors, automotive, heavy/light construction vehicles, equipment, and related water facilities.
- On a continuous basis, know and understand operations, and observe safety rules; intermittently analyze problem equipment; identify and locate equipment; interpret work orders; remember equipment location; and explain jobs to others.
- Learn to diagnose and troubleshoot operating problems on pumps, electric motors, engines, valves, automatic controls systems, vehicles, and related equipment.
- Learn operational characteristics of hydraulic systems and treatment plant equipment; learn to use various chemicals and disinfecting agents in the field.
- Learn and understand the treatment plant process and characteristics to aid in maintenance and repairs.
- Learn to use welding equipment to perform repairs and fabricate parts.
- Learn to operate a variety of mechanized equipment such as forklifts, backhoes, loaders, cranes, and heavy equipment and trailers.
- Disassemble and reassemble pumps, motors, and valves.
- Use hand and power tools and equipment.
- Read and interpret pump charts, reservoir charts, gauges, shop drawings and plans; prepare rough sketches as needed.
- Perform arithmetical calculations to determine chlorine dosages, reservoir volumes, well production, and related data.
- Keep and maintain records related to work activities, including well sounding, production, flows and volume, available capacity of storage tanks and reservoirs, and chemical usage.
- Learn to use computer applications such as word processing and spreadsheet programs to complete required reports related to work activities.
- Work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
- Perform building and grounds maintenance work.
- Work assigned shift schedules; be available for after-hours or call back emergencies.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience
- One year of responsible experience repairing and maintaining pumps, motors, and engines.
- One year of semi-skilled work in mechanical repair, installation, or maintenance of automotive equipment and various pumps, motors, and engines.
Training
Equivalent to high school diploma/GED.
License and Certificate
- Possession of, or ability to obtain within one year, a valid California Driver's License Class A.
- Possession of, or ability to obtain within one year, a Distribution Operator Grade 2 Certificate as issued by the State Water Resources Control Board.
- Possession of a Water Treatment Operator Grade 1 Certificate as issued by the State Water Resources Control Board is desired.
Operations Technician II
In addition to the qualifications for the Operations Technician 1:
Knowledge of:
- Motors, pumps, compressors, electrical panels, automatic controls, valves, and timers used in operating and controlling a water distribution system.
- Methods and techniques of troubleshooting and diagnosing mechanical equipment problems.
- Operational characteristics of hydraulic systems and treatment plant processes.
Ability to:
- Independently perform semi-skilled work in the installation, maintenance, and repair of pumps, engines, motors, automotive, heavy/light construction vehicles, equipment, buildings, grounds, landscaping, and related water facilities.
- Operate a variety of mechanized equipment including, but not limited to, backhoes, forklifts, cranes, loaders, skid steers, sprayers, and heavy equipment and trailers.
- Weld and fit watertight pipelines and assemblies.
- Keep records and make reports; use a personal computer to enter and retrieve data; track work status and communicate electronically.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Exercise resourcefulness in the field and work without immediate supervision.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience
Three years of responsible journey experience performing pump and motor repair duties an Operations Technician 1 with the Palmdale Water District.
Training
Equivalent to high school diploma/GED.
Adequate training which ensures the ability to weld and fit watertight pipelines and assemblies.
License and Certificate
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License Class A.
- Possession of a Distribution Operator Grade 3 Certificate as issued by the State Water Resources Control Board is required.
- Possession of a Water Treatment Operator Grade 2 Certificate as issued by the State Water Resources Control Board is required.
- Possession of a Service Truck Crane 10,000 Lb. Capacity Certification is required.
Supplemental Information
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Constantly, walk stand, kneel, climb, and bend in the field; sit while studying or preparing reports and driving in vehicle or operating equipment; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling and fine manipulation; intermittently write or use a keyboard to communicate; and lift or carry weight up to 50 pounds. Additionally, the incumbent in this position works outdoors in all weather conditions, including wet, hot, and cold with extreme sun exposure. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.
Approved: June 14, 2021
