Water Distribution Valve Operator

Overview

The Water Distribution Valve Operator locates, inspects, exercises, and maintains water main valves throughout the distribution system and supports routine maintenance and emergency operations. This semi-skilled, preventive maintenance and machine operation position assists distribution operators, valve and hydrant maintenance crews, and maintains permanent records of valve condition and location. This role reports to the Water System Operation Supervisor or assigned field supervisor for guidance and job facilitation.

Water Distribution Valve Operator

This position is subject to callback and overtime. The Water Distribution Valve Operator plays a critical hands-on role in keeping our community’s water system operating safely and reliably.

Hours and benefits are described in the full City benefits package. This position is eligible for full city benefits, including health insurance, retirement contributions, paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and more.

• Locates valves with electronic location equipment. Uses jackhammer to break out asphalt or concrete. Uses air compressor or vacuum machine to remove mud and debris from valve boxes.
• Works closely with water distribution and system maintenance employees to ensure proper function and good condition of valves. Makes shutdowns in emergencies or as requested by contractors and engineers. Maintains daily valve reports, which are input into computer database.
• Manually, or with the use of a computer operated hydraulic valve operating machine, systematically "exercises" (opens and closes) valves. Uses computer printouts to decide which valves should be run each day. Must meet yearly quota of valves to be exercised.
• On daily computer printout, records conditions and locations of valves and notes any problems. Initiates work orders for needed repairs, and inspects valves after repairs have been made.
• Ensures that any valves being run will not shut off flows to any pump station, well station or regulator station. Checks with distribution department before opening system valves. Notifies distribution department anytime 12-inch-or-larger valve must be closed.
• Conducts system-wide flushing program by properly opening and flushing hydrants and wash-out valves throughout the system. On a daily computer printout records conditions and locations of hydrants or wash-out valves and notes any problems and initiates work order for needed repairs. Must meet yearly quota.
• Notifies the public when shutdowns will interrupt water services.
• Cones off street traffic at valve locations. Exercises with extreme care and caution in carrying out duties where traffic hazards exist. Uses air detectors to evaluate potential hazards before entering and during work in confined spaces which house valves.
• Uses maps and locating devices to locate buried valves. Makes accurate measurements of valve locations and posts on a permanent fixture, i.e., telephone poles, curbs, street sign posts.
• Conducts pressure surveys to determine conditions of feeds throughout the system, by taking pressure readings from fire hydrants and comparing to readings from hydrants down the line.
• Assists water distribution and other crews in performing maintenance and repairs on regulators, valves and other distribution equipment repairs. Trains or assists in the training of new hires. Removes snow from around Public Utilities properties. Cleans with the direction from system operators, distribution tanks and reservoirs.
• Performs all other duties as required.

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Ability to interpret maps, charts, plats and similar information, and to operate light vehicles and hydraulic equipment.
• Ability to lift valve covers and work safely in confined spaces.
• Ability to deal courteously with the public under stressful situations.
• Must pass Flagging certification course within 12 months.
• Ability to operate light vehicles and hydraulic equipment.
• Possession of a valid driver s license or driving privilege card.

• Experience in water industry or related field.
• Construction or general maintenance experience.
• Experience in…