City of Tampa

This is responsible work involving the inspection, maintenance and repair of backflow prevention devices and practices involved in assessing and maintaining water quality.  Bargaining unit position.

An employee in this class is responsible for some oversight of field staff and for performing tasks of average difficulty involving the maintenance of distribution system water quality. Under general supervision, the employee is required to exercise reasonable initiative and judgment in the field in evaluating water quality problems and the condition of backflow situations. The position involves field activities that require sample collection, assessment, and public contact. In addition, the employee is responsible for providing general information to the public in response to customer inquiries. Work is reviewed while in progress and upon completion through continuous observation, reports submitted and results obtained.

Tests, maintains, operates, and repairs city backflow prevention devices; inspects commercial, residential, and industrial facilities for cross connection control; performs cross connection inspections on new meter sets for well replacements; maintains and collects information for cross connection database.

Troubleshoots and identifies distribution system problems which contribute to water quality concerns; performs routine flushing and maintenance of hydrants and blow-offs.

Performs field testing for general water quality parameters; collects distribution water quality samples.

Responds to public inquiries regarding water quality activities in the distribution system.

Performs related work as required.

Considerable knowledge of: federal, state, and local rules, codes and ordinances as they apply to cross connection control and distribution water quality; Tampa Water Department distribution system; occupational hazards, appropriate precautions and methods of promoting safety.

Working knowledge of: testing, maintenance, operation, and repair of backflow prevention devices; practices, methods, tools, and equipment utilized in sample collection; maintenance, operation, and repair of flushing equipment; field water quality monitoring procedures; word processing and data management programs.

Ability to: operate, repair and maintain equipment; interpret blue prints, microfiche, and design plans; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; prepare clear and legible reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.

Skill in: the operation and maintenance of backflow prevention equipment; operating hydrants and blow-offs; troubleshooting distribution system water quality problems; customer service.

Ability to lift 40-60 lbs., mostly standing and a combination of working indoors and outdoors. Requires some use of computer, typing and viewing a monitor.

Graduation from an accredited high school or vocational school and five (5) years of distribution system experience; OR A College degree from an accredited college or university and three (3) years of distribution system experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license; possession of, or the ability to obtain within 18 months, certification for the testing and repair of backflow prevention devices.

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.