Water Mains Specialist

Please note: This job opening may close earlier than the stated date, due to high candidate volume. If interested, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. 

What You'll Do:

The Water Mains Specialist will oversee and participate in the daily operations of the City’s water distribution system, including backflow prevention, cross-connection control, hydrant meter use, water quality, and regulatory compliance. This position serves as a backup Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC), conducts inspections, testing, and maintenance of system components, and ensures accurate reporting to state and federal agencies. The Water Mains Specialist will also assist with the collection system, support engineering and GIS staff, respond to customer concerns, review plans for compliance, and maintain system records. This role combines technical expertise, fieldwork, and regulatory oversight to ensure the safe, efficient delivery of water services to the community.

Essential Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Back Up Operator in Responsible Charge for the distribution system, backflow prevention program, and fire hydrant use program;
• Performs duties of back-up ORC for the collection system, when qualified,
• Ensures the distribution system and associated programs follow the rules and regulations of the Federal, State, and Local agencies including completing all required reports in a timely manner;
• Inspects system devise, pipelines, rights-of-way, water storage facilities, aerial lines, creek crossings, etc.;
• Ensures information from support departments such as lab, plant maintenance; engineering services, administration, and code enforcement is incorporated into the system records, rules, procedures or ordinances;
• Repairs, adjusts, and calibrates various devises in the distribution system such as air reliefs, vacuum prevention valves, pressure sustaining valves, altitude valves, and pressure recording devices.
• Perform fire hydrant flow test, pressure monitoring, leak locating, water quality testing, and disinfection field testing;
• Works with, supplies information, and receives information as needed for the water quality, maintenance, fire hydrant meter program, TRC, plan review, and other programs associated with the distribution system;
• Monitors SCADA system flows;
• Installs and maintains system instrumentation such as flow meters, pressure monitoring, etc.;

• Assists CAD technicians, engineering technicians, engineers, and GIS personnel with water mains and sewer line problems reported by plumbers, contractors, and local citizens;
• On-call back-up ORC and/or On-Call Emergency Contract Inspector;
• Assists in locating lost valves and manholes;
• Performs field checks for water taps using maps, records, and GPS;
• Assists other departments in locating utilities;
• Assists supervisors with locating water and sewer mains;
• Assists with building and property owners and the City of High Point Engineering Department to help solve water complaints;
• Reviews plans for compliance to ordinances, rules, regulations, and standard drawings relating to the water and sewer systems;
• Evaluates preventative maintenance program;
• Provides information as required by management;
• Ensures that all work is performed in alignment with OSHA and City Safety Standards and Policies.
• Assist with the collection system.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Utilizes computer system to access work orders and map water systems;
• Operates pipe and utility locator;
• Operates service truck to pick up parts and supplies from vendor or city warehouse and hauls materials and equipment to and from job sites;
• Cleaning and general housekeeping of the Division’s facilities. 

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED

• Must have possession of current driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina 

• Must be able to work in extreme weather conditions for long periods

• Must be able to work On-Call on a regular rotating basis

• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds or more with assistance.

• Must be able to deal effectively with the public.

• Must have or obtain Confined Space Competent person within 6 months of hire date

• Must have or obtain OSHA 10-hour safety course within 1 year of hire date

• Must have or obtain Basic First-Aid, CPR, and AED certification with 1 year of hire date (American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or National Safety Council)

• Must have North Carolina Grade B Water Distribution certification 

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in related field

• Having Class ‘A’ Commercial Driver’s License with Tanker Endorsement

• Grade A Distribution Certification

• Certified Backflow Tester

• Cross Connection ORC Certification

Environmental Conditions
Physical Surroundings:

• The Worker is subject to Outside Environmental Conditions: Exposed to various weather conditions and temperatures. The worker will be required to work outside during the summer when the weather is usually hot and the winter when the weather is usually cold. Combining the type of work performed with the weather conditions, the worker should be one who can work outside in the sun, heat, high winds, rain, sleet, cold and extreme weather conditions, and cross rough terrain (outfalls, right-of-way clearings, etc.) with possible risk of exposure to poison oak, poison ivy, insect bites and stings, etc. The job is best suited for someone who doesn't mind getting wet, dirty and sweaty.

Hazards

• Employees will possibly be exposed to wastewater containing waterborne disease and chemicals. Work is subject to final standards of OSHA on blood-borne pathogens.

Machinery/Tools/Work Aids/Other Equipment

• Air tools, power tools, mechanic and hand tools, pipe fittings, water mains, sewer lines, taps, fire hydrants, valves, meters, TV inspection system, location books, work orders, ladders, meter vaults, manholes, air pack, two-way radio, telephone, Personnel Resolution, safety regulations and traffic safety regulations.

SEE ADDITIONAL DETAILS WHEN APPLYING VIA CITY WEBSITE