City of DeLand
120 South Florida Avenue
DeLand, FL  32720

UTILITIES BACKFLOW TECHNICIAN I

                                                        Pay Grade: U105                                         Dept: Utilities Distribution
                                          Exempt: No                                                  Reports to: Foreman

SUMMARY: This is an experienced, technical position performed under general supervision to test, maintain, and repair backflow prevention assemblies for the protection of the potable water system. Incumbents should be certified in backflow prevention assembly testing, repair, and installation. The main focus of this position is to maintain proper operation of all city owned devices in accordance with established policies and procedures. Work requires customer contact from new meter installation to turn on/off and service repairs. Work is performed under the supervision of the Utility Foreman.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.

• Performs routine field and on-site inspections of backflow assemblies to insure conformance to standards; tests, diagnoses, troubleshoots, disassembles and cleans backflow assemblies; removes and replaces backflow assemblies as required.

• Completes and files inspection reports and conducts follow-up inspections.

• Accurately enters data into and retrieves data from computer systems or peripheral devices.

• Frequently interacts directly with customers to explain requirements in regard to backflow and cross-connection compliance; while conducting field testing.

• Knowledge of applicable laws, codes and City of DeLand policies; in regard to backflow assemblies.

• Maintains inventory and assists with ordering replacement parts for backflow prevention assemblies.

• Ability to perform piping repair with the use of tools and appropriate fittings.

• Performs other duties or special projects as requested related to the area of responsibility.

• Operates power tools including cut-off saw, water main tap machine, chain saw, power drill, and reciprocating saw.

• Maintains, cleans, refuels, and organizes vehicles; stocks inventory with needed parts and equipment.

• Repairs and replaces stuck potable and reclaim water meters; responds to low water flow and water quality complaints; troubleshoots and repairs water leaks; tests water meters for flow and accuracy.

• Maintains inventory, stocks new and existing parts and materials; maintains city-issued electronics including cell phones and laptops; reports inventory levels to supervisor. Maintains power tools including saws, pumps, drills, etc.

• Performs intermediate plumbing, including PVC, pipe fittings, polyethylene tubing, and threaded-pipe repairs.

• Repairs and replaces water service lines, backflows, and meters.

• Serves as essential personnel during natural or man-made disasters and emergencies.

• Maintains availability for on-call rotation work status.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and /or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an acceptable equivalency diploma. Requires extensive knowledge in the maintenance and construction of water distribution systems. Candidate must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License and Certificates of completion for the Backflow Prevention Assembly & Repair Specialist Course as well as the Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester issued by the FWPCOA. The individual must be in good physical condition and have ability to accept and understand directions. Within one year must be CPR / AED qualified and after probation being available for on-call work rotation is required.

REASONING ABILITY: The applicant must have the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram forms. The applicant must also be able to deal with problems involving several variables in standardized situations when immediate guidance from the supervisor may not be available.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of tools, equipment and materials used in the maintenance, repair and installation of water meters and service lines preferred.

• Ability to learn streets and meter locations within the service area.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by the work.

• Ability to fill out reports and work orders with good penmanship.

• Ability to communicate effectively and courteously with the public.

• Ability to teach other employees knowledge and skills to improve their work performance

• Ability to read and write.

• Ability to work independently in a diligent manner.

• Knowledge of simple hand and power tools.

REQUIRED LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES:

• Backflow Prevention Assembly & Repair Specialist Certificate

• Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certificate

WORK ENVIRONMENT/ADA: This job requires walking, standing, pushing, bending, stooping, equipment operation and driving. The employee will work outside in various weather conditions. Working in or with moving vehicles and/or equipment may be required as well as working from heights, in dusty condition, with hands, feet, and/or legs in water and may handle chemicals.

Lifting: > 75 Pounds
Environment: Inside office or outside in various weather conditions
Vision: 20/20 or Corrected to 20/100
Hearing: Normal to very high noise levels

*Class Descriptions are not intended to be restrictive. The use of (or absence of) a particular illustration of duties shall not be held to exclude or limit the authority of a Department Head to assign other duties which are similar and related to work