Cross Connection Control Investigator

Job Title

Under general supervision of the Water Production and Distribution Supervisor, tests, maintains and repairs City owned cross-connection (backflow prevention) assemblies, inspects new services and oversees annual cross-connection testing to ensure the safety of the public water system; and performs other related duties.

Supervision Received/Exercised

Works under the general supervision of the Water Production and Distribution Supervisor; does not exercise supervisory responsibility.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The following essential functions are those that are critical, integral, necessary, crucial, primary and fundamental to the job. Incumbents who possess the requisite skill, experience, education, and other job-related requirements of a position are expected to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation. The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Tests, maintains and repairs all City owned backflow assemblies to ensure proper functioning; inspects and tests backflow devices annually to ensure they are functional to protect the public water system.

• Inspects and connects all new services to ensure proper installation; collects bacteria samples, checks chlorine residual and conducts pressure, leakage, sterilization and flushing test procedures at various water main construction sites.

• Inspects consumer premises for cross-connections, performs cross-connection surveys; answers and resolves questions from contractors regarding backflow assemblies.

• Maintains records and logs of inspection services performed including record of all backflow devices; mails test notice and list of certified backflow testers to customers, follows-up to ensure that tests are completed and records results.

• Reviews, investigates and responds to work requests and complaints.

• Responds to requests for information; provides information to other supervisors or managers and organizations; research issues and recommends solutions.

• Coordinates division activities with those in other departments, outside agencies and organizations; provides technical assistance as necessary.

• Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of backflow prevention.

• Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Possession of a High School diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent; AND minimum three (3) years of experience in a water utility; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Must possess a valid California Class C Driver's License.
• Possession of a Grade I Water Treatment and Grade II Water Distribution Certification issued by the State Water Resources Control Board.
• Possession of a Los Angeles County Certified Backflow Tester or American Water Works Association (AWWA) Backflow Tester Certification is required. A Los Angeles County Certified Backflow Tester certification will be required to be obtained within 12 months of employment.
• University of Southern California Foundation for Cross Connection Control and Hydraulic Research Cross Connection Control Specialist Certification or AWWA Cross Connection Specialist Certification is desirable.

Required Knowledge of:

• City organization, operations, policies and procedures.
• Principles and practices of water distribution and cross-connection prevention system construction, maintenance, repair and safety practices including equipment related maintenance.
• State and federal environmental protection codes and regulations; Cal OSHA regulations.
• City Code, City Ordinances and Standard Operating Manual, personnel policies and procedures, and applicable Memoranda of Understanding.
• Proper installation of backflow devices.
• Common hand and power tools.
• Basic preventive maintenance on assigned equipment.

Required Skill in:

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff, City departments, elected officials, regulatory agencies, contractors, local businesses, and the general public.
• Interpreting water cross-connection standards, safety codes, and City policies and procedures.
• Inspecting and testing backflow devices.
• Maintaining inspection records.
• Operates simple plumbing tools, test gauge and other hand tools to test and repair backflow prevention devices.
• Reads, understands, and complies with the City's Safety Manual; has proper knowledge of the use of power operated and hand tools and safety gear; attends and may be responsible for initiating safety meetings as required; reports all accidents, violations, or infractions.
• Utilizing public relations techniques in responding to inquiries and complaints.
• Operating a personal computer, including word processing and spreadsheet software.
• Effective verbal and written communication.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in indoor and outdoor environments with considerable time spent in moderate temperatures (above 80 degrees), with exposure to the elements including heavy rain.
• Work requires reaching, bending, lifting, driving, pushing, walking and climbing (more than 12 feet).
• Good near vision, far vision and color perception is required.
• May be exposed to wet surfaces, minor amounts of dust and on occasion loud noises.
• Work may involve exposure to dangerous machinery, hazardous chemicals, high voltage control panels and motors.

Internal applicants must use their personal email to apply, as City of Compton work emails will not be accepted for job applications. All applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for the position and submit all required documents -such as licenses, certifications, and proof of education- outlined in the job posting. Incomplete applications, including those missing any required documentation, will not be considered. Please note: Only the first 50 applications received that best meet the qualifications and needs of the department will be invited to continue in the hiring process. The purpose of this examination is to establish an eligible list from which vacant position(s) may be filled. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination and interview process. Phase one (1) is an oral examination (weighted 100%) that will be administered by an appraisal panel to evaluate professional qualifications, background and suitability. The oral examination may include graded simulation exercises, writing exercises, and oral presentations. A passing score for the oral exam is 70%. Each candidate will be notified via e-mail of their status at each step of the recruitment. The City of Compton reserves the right to utilize alternative testing methods, if deemed necessary. Failure in one phase of the examination shall be grounds for declaring the applicant as failing in the entire examination, and as disqualified for subsequent parts of an examination.