Field Service Worker I

Under direct or general supervision, performs a variety of routine to skilled work in the scheduled and emergency installation, repair, operation, and maintenance of the District’s water services, valves, mains, meters, and hydrants; assists in project inspections during maintenance and construction of District water distribution and wastewater collection systems; and performs related work as required.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE  

The District is seeking a team-oriented individual committed to providing world class customer service. A self-motivated candidate who enjoys physical work in an outdoor environment and possesses the endurance to handle labor intensive tasks in inclement weather conditions will do well in this position. The candidate should be dependable and detail oriented with the ability to work in a team and independently. 

THE DISTRICT

East Valley Water District was incorporated in 1954 under County Water District Laws. We provide water and sanitary sewer services to the City of Highland and the eastern portions of the City of San Bernardino, with a service population of approximately 108,000.

Recently online, the Sterling Natural Resource Center (SNRC) is a state-of-the-art facility in San Bernardino that provides a sustainable new water supply to the region. Capable of recycling up to 8 million gallons a day, the SNRC recharges the local Bunker Hill Groundwater Basin, produces renewable electricity, and creates new opportunities for the surrounding community.

East Valley Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

VISION

East Valley Water District aspires to be a beacon of excellence and innovation within the water industry. Through visionary leadership, we strive for a sustainable, transparent, and accountable future.

MISSION

Provide our community with exceptional water and wastewater services by prioritizing sustainability, efficiency, innovation, and ongoing collaboration. 

CORE VALUES

• Leadership  — Inspiring people to improve our community and advance water resources.

• Partnership — Developing relationships through collaboration and shared responsibility.

• Stewardship — Protecting our community’s resources, now and in the future.

AWARD WINNING TEAM

• 2024 Project of the Year Award—Design Build Institute of America Western Pacific Region 

• 2024 Transparency Certificate of Excellence Award by the Special District Leadership Foundation 

• 2023 Top Workplaces Award – The Inland News Group in Small Company Category

• 2023 Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2022/23 Fiscal Budget by Government Finance Officers Association 

• 2023 Polaris Award of Excellence for the 2022 Consumer Confidence Report by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)

• 2023 Capella Award of Distinction for the SNRC’s Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Campaign by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)

• 2023 Platinum Award for the Sterling Natural Resource Center Visitor’s Guide by Marcom Award

• 2022 Excellence Award for Budgeting by the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers 

• 2023 Platinum Award for the Earth Day Festival Campaign by Marcom Award

DEFINITION

The Field Service Worker I is a key member of the Districts Field Service Team. This position is an entry-level class in the Field Service Worker series. Under direct or general supervision of the Field Service Supervisor, the Field Service Worker I performs a variety of routine scheduled and emergency work for the installation, repair, operation, and maintenance of the District's water services, valves, mains, meters, and hydrants; assists in project inspections during maintenance and construction of District water distribution and wastewater collection systems; and performs related work as required. 

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry-level class in the systems operations and maintenance series.  Initially under close supervision, incumbents with basic maintenance experience learn District infrastructure, systems, and facilities, use of tools and equipment, and a wide variety of practices and procedures.  As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and are performed with greater independence.  This class is alternately-staffed with Field Services Worker II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining the knowledge, skill, experience, licenses and certifications which meet the qualifications for and demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class. 

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Performs a variety of semi-skilled work to construct, inspect, maintain and repair water distribution pipelines, valves, meters, mains, fire hydrants, and related appurtenances; inspects and tests lines in the distribution system visually or using smoke or dye testing and/or television devices. 
• Assists and inspects contract repair work associated with repairs of pipelines within the water and sewer systems, and related equipment.
• Operates a combination hydro-cleaning/vacuuming truck to clean and flush sewer lines on a scheduled or emergency basis;
• Performs various water meter maintenance duties, including removing and installing meters and making minor meter repairs; reads and services customer water service meters; turns water service on or off.
• Reports water service defects and public safety hazards, including providing exception list information and reporting hazards to supervisors.
• Inspects and tests underground collection pipes, lateral connections, storm drain interceptors, and associated appurtenances using closed-circuit television devices and other specialized testing equipment to locate leaks, breaks, infiltration and the buildup of dirt, debris, roots, and other materials on a scheduled preventative maintenance basis.
• Tests and monitors manholes for dangerous gases and uses proper safety precautions when entering underground areas; builds and cleans out manholes and other collection facilities.
• Responds to customer complaints and emergency calls for service; uses inspection equipment to identify causes; and assists in mitigating overflow spills and damage, as required. 
• Performs asphalt and concrete repair and patchwork; removes trees, brush, and debris from right-of-ways to access sewer main lines and laterals.
• Reads and interprets maps and diagrams in the performance of the work.
• Observes safe work methods and makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required.
• Operates a variety of hand and power tools and equipment related to work assignment as instructed.
• Operates heavy equipment including tractors, trucks, rollers, loaders, forklifts, bulldozers and backhoes.
• Maintains work areas in a clean and orderly condition, including securing equipment at the close of the workday.
• Installs street barricades and cones, and controls traffic around work sites to ensure safe conditions for the general public and District workers.
• Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees in the same or similar class of positions.
• Answers inquiries from citizens regarding work performed; maintains accurate records of work performed.
• Responds to after-hours emergencies and assists other maintenance crews as needed and in emergency or relief situations.
• Performs confined space entry and rescue operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Candidates should have knowledge of:

•    Maintenance principles, practices, tools, and materials for maintaining and repairing water distribution systems, including water hydraulics, valves, pipe materials and water service components; wastewater collection systems, including gravity and pressurized wastewater lines, manholes, wastewater cleanouts and other related facilities and equipment.

•    The operation, care, and servicing of heavy power- driven equipment.

•    The operation and minor maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles and power equipment.

•    Basic traffic control procedures and traffic sign regulations.

•    Shop arithmetic.

•    Safety equipment and practices related to the work, including the handling of hazardous chemicals.

•    Safe driving rules and practices.

•    Basic computer software related to work such as SCADA and other telemetry systems.

•    English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar and punctuation.

•    Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and District staff, in person and over the telephone.

Candidates should have the ability to:

•    Perform construction, modification, maintenance and repair work on water distribution and collection systems, facilities and equipment such as found in the District.

•    Operate specialized maintenance and repair equipment related to water and wastewater main cleaning.

•    Set up and operate traffic area construction zones, including cones, barricades and flagging.

•    Locate underground utilities by use of blue prints and electronic locating equipment in accordance with Underground Service Alert (USA) regulations.

•    Troubleshoot maintenance problems and determine materials and supplies required for repair.

•    Safely and effectively use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, power tools, and equipment required for the work.

•    Perform routine equipment maintenance.

•    Maintain accurate logs, records and basic written records of work performed.

•    Follow department policies and procedures related to assigned duties.

•    Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

•    Organize own work, set priorities and meet critical time deadlines.

•    Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.

•    Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work. 

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.

LICENSES AND CERTICICATIONS:

• Possession of a valid California class C driver’s license and satisfactory driving record. 
• Grade I Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, to work in confined spaces, around machines and to climb and descend ladders, and operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio.  The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards.  Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment.   Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach and climb to perform work and inspect work sites.   Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 75 pounds and heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS **
Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes.  Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives, and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Salary : $65,707 - $79,851