HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 3.G 06/05/2017DATE:
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Agenda Item #3.G
June 5, 2017
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council through City Manager
Amy Reeve, Director of Human Resources
Approval to Amend the Minimum Qualifications of the Utility Technician
Classification Specification
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution Amending the
Classification Specification of Utility Technician.
BACKGROUND
The classification specification of Utility Technician was last reviewed in 2006. Due to a current
vacancy in the position and the department's desire to attract a good pool of candidates, the
minimum qualifications have been amended to allow one year for an applicant to obtain a
General Tester Certification issued by the American Water Works Association (AWWA). Prior
to this revision, the classification specification required an applicant to hold this certificate prior
to hire, which limited the pool of qualified applicants.
DISCUSSION
Providing a reasonable period of time to allow new employees to achieve technical certifications
and licenses such as the General Tester Certification provides a larger pool of potential job
applicants and also provides upward mobility for current employees who have an interest in
promotion but do not currently hold the minimum qualifications for a higher level position.
The bargaining unit was consulted and is in favor of the recommended amendment to minimum
qualifications.
FINANCIAL IMPACTS
No financial impacts will result from the proposed change to minimum qualifications for the
Utility Technician classification.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution and Exhibit A
ATTACHMENT 1
Resolution No. 2017 -XXX N.C.S.
of the City of Petaluma, California
RESOLUTION AMENDING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OF THE UTILITY
TECHNICIAN CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION
WHEREAS, the City wishes to keep its Classification and Compensation Plan current;
and amendments or revisions to Classifications are effective upon approval by the City Council;
and,
WHEREAS, the City Manager/Personnel Officer has determined that certain minimum
qualifications are appropriately allocated to the classification of Utility Technician (as attached
hereto and marked as Exhibit A); and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
Petaluma:
1. Approves the amendment to minimum qualifications as written in the revised Utility
Technician classification specification.
2. Takes the action pursuant to Personnel Code 3.04.020 and Personnel Rules and
Regulations (Rule IV — Classification) and that the notice of this action has been properly
posted.
Under the power and authority conferred upon this Council by the Charter of said City.
REFERENCE: I hereby certify the foregoing Resolution was introduced and adopted by Approved as to
the Council of the City of Petaluma at a Regular meeting on the 5`h day of form:
June, 2017, by the following vote:
AYES: Albertson, Barrett, Mayor Glass, Healy, Kearney, Vice Mayor King, Miller
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Mayor
City Attorney
2
EXHIBIT A
a� r CITY OF PETALUMA
CLASS SPECIFICATION
Date: 3/30/17
Job Class: 02UTLT
Utility Technician
Summary
Perform highly skilled field and office work in the implementation and administration of special
programs such as backflow prevention, leak detection, meter repair, valve control, utility locating
and system plumbing programs; inspect devices for compliance with mandated standards and
investigate and resolve complaints from the public in assigned service areas.
Class Characteristics
General supervision is provided by the Utility Supervisor; responsibilities may include the
indirect supervision of support staff.
The Utility Technician is a skilled class requiring a thorough knowledge of utility system
operation and hydraulics, and specific technical knowledge of such programs as bacicflow
prevention. This class is distinguished from other water utility maintenance or operations classes
by the specialized program administrative and field nature of the work.
Essential Duties, Skills, and Demands of the Position
The ditties, skills, and demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations
may be made to enable individuals with a disability to perform the essential duties, skills, and
demands.
Duties:
Perform highly skilled field and office work in the implementation and administration of special
programs such as backflow prevention, leak detection, meter repair, valve control, utility
locating, and system plumbing programs.
Analyze residential plumbing installations to determine if cross connection hazards exist; meet
with property owners to explain the cross - connection/backflow prevention program.
Meet with local plumbers to explain the backflow program and to inform them of the proper
methods used in the selection and installation of devices.
Determine the type of backflow device required; develop standards and drawings for the proper
installation of backflow devices; maintain records of all private wells or other conditions that
would require backflow protection.
Inspect device installations for conformance to mandated standards; schedule, test and inspect all
backflow devices at least once per year; prepare letters to residents, businesses, and contractors
regarding the status of tests and inspections.
Administer leak detection program; utilize sonic leak detection equipment to locate leaks on City
or private property; arrange for corrective action to be taken; conduct follow up to ensure leaks
are repaired.
Administer valve control programs; install and read hydrant meters; explain usage requirements
to contractors; update distribution system maps to accurately locate and label all valves.
Test meters in the shop; disassemble, rebuild, and seal meters; maintain meter inventories; order
and stock meters.
Identify flushing procedures for all water distribution lines; identify appropriate valves to open
and close; determine what hydrants to use for flushing activities.
Maintain records and prepare reports of work performed.
As assigned, may investigate water quality problems in the distribution system; respond to
questions from the public to ensure satisfactory complaint resolution; may direct or perform
skilled repair of underground water production and distribution systems and appurtenances.
Ensure safe work methods and safety regulations pertaining to field and underground
maintenance work.
On a relief basis, may perform duties and handle operational activities such as: standby
emergency response duties for after hours distribution system operational emergencies;
installing, tapping, re- lining, disinfecting, testing, and connecting water mains and
appurtenances; shutdown, repair, disinfect and test broken water mains; oversee the flushing,
cleaning, and pigging of exiting water mains.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Skills /Abilities
Develop and administer specialized water distribution programs including backflow prevention,
leak detection, valve control, and flushing.
Analyze and determine backflow prevention requirements for residential and commercial
customers.
Develop standards and drawings for backflow prevention device installation.
Conduct inspections on backflow prevention devices.
Install and test backflow prevention devices and varied water meters.
Perform skilled work in the installation, maintenance, and repair of mains, services, valves,
meters, hydrants, and other water system equipment.
Determine materials, equipment, and supplies required to complete assigned work.
Read, interpret, and prepare drawings and blueprints.
Ensure compliance with mandated program standards.
Ensure work conducted is carried out in a safe manner.
Exercise independent judgment and initiative within general procedural guidelines.
Maintain accurate program records.
Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
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Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the
work.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger,
handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required
to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel,
crouch, crawl; and smell. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision,
distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The
employee must be able to perform heavy physical labor, including having sufficient strength to
lift and carry tools and materials weighing up to 90 pounds. While performing the duties of this
job the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions, wet and /or humid
conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes or airboine particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and
vibration. The noise level in the work environment may be moderate to loud depending on
working conditions. The employee will be required to work emergency overtime or off -shift
hours as necessary.
Qualifications
Knowled e of:
Operations, maintenance and activities of utility systems.
Principles and practices of program development and administration in specialized areas such as
backflow prevention, leak detection, valve control and flushing.
Operational characteristics of materials and equipment, and the methods and techniques utilized
in the installation, maintenance, repair and testing of various backflow prevention devices.
Methods and techniques of repairing water meters.
Principles and practices of water distribution mathematics such as water measurements,
formulas, units and conversion factors, and water pressure.
Principles and practices of water distribution system operation such as purpose, configuration,
and operation, pipe materials, water storage facilities, meters, hydrants, leak detection and repair,
corrosion, flushing and cleaning, water meter testing, maintenance and repair, maintenance of
pumps and electric motors.
Methods and techniques of water and distribution system installation, maintenance and repair.
Occupational health and safety practices.
Principles and practices of record keeping.
Federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations in assigned program areas.
Education and Experience
Any combination equivalent to the education and experience likely to provide the required
knowledge and abilities would be quali)�ing. A typical way to gain such knowledge and abilities
would be:
Education:
Equivalent to graduation to high school.
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Experience:
Three years of experience in the operation or maintenance of water system production and
distribution facilities.
Licenses /Certificates:
Possession of a California Department of Health Services , Grade I Water Treatment
Certificate
Possession of a California Department of Health Services Grade II Water Distribution
Certificate.
Passess."O H 4 Obtain a General Tester Certification, issued by American Water Works
Association, within one year of placement in the position
Obtain a California Department of Health Services Grade III Water Distribution Certificate
within one year of placement in the position.
Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license.
Desirable:
Possession of a California Department of Health Services Grade II Water Treatment
Certificate.
Possession of a California Department Water Environment Association, Certification Grade I.
Possession of a California Department of Health Services Grade III Water Distribution
Certificate.
Established:
Resolution #:
Revised:
Resolution #:
Department:
FLSA Status:
03/93
11/07/05
2005 -184 N.C.S.
Water Resources and Conservation
Non - exempt
Ce