HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 11j - Revised Class Spec for Water Quality Backflow Inspector
DATE: June 4, 2019
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Hue Quach, Administrative Services Director
By: Shama P. Curian, Human Resources Administrator
SUBJECT: REVISED CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION FOR WATER QUALITY
BACKFLOW INSPECTOR
Recommendation: Approve
SUMMARY
A recent staffing vacancy provided an opportunity to assess the Water Quality Backflow
Inspector position to determine if an update to the class specification is needed. After a
thorough review of this classification, it is recommended the City Council approve the
modifications to allow for greater flexibility when considering the mo st qualified
candidates for the position. The Human Resources Commission approved the
recommended changes at their regular meeting on May 9, 2019.
BACKGROUND
The class specification for the Water Quality Backflow Inspector position was created in
2004. This classification maintains the technical level assistance in support of the City’s
publicly-owned Water System including the installation, testing, repair, and inspection of
backflow devices, and identification of cross connections. Under the current
requirements, applicants must possess the four certificates/licenses below at the time of
application:
1) Water Treatment Operator, Grade II issued by the State Water Resources
Control Board
2) Cross Connection Specialist certificate issued by the American Water Works
Association
3) Backflow Device Tester certificate issued by the American Water Works
Association
4) Backflow Tester’s License issued by the Los Angele s County Department of
Health
Water Quality Backflow Inspector
June 4, 2019
Page 2 of 3
This static qualification eliminates those who do not possess all four certificates/licenses
at the time of application, and as such, provides difficulty when recruiting otherwise
qualified candidates. Further, the State Water Resources Control Board only requires
possession of Cross-Connection Control Specialist and Backflow Device Tester
certificates issued by the America Water Works Association and not the Backflow
Tester License issued by the County for Urban Water Suppli ers to implement the
required Backflow/Cross Connection Program. The Backflow Tester’s License issued
by the LA County Department of Health is only applicable if the employee will be
working on backflow devices owned by the County. Because the duties of t he position
will only pertain to work on city-owned backflow devices, possession of the Backflow
Tester’s License issued by the County is not necessary and should be removed as a
qualification.
The possession of a Backflow Tester and Cross-Connection Control Specialist
Certificate is considered “specialty” certifications; as such, not many people working in
the water industry possess these certificates. In an effort to provide flexibility when
considering applicants for the Water Quality Backflow Inspector position, the Public
Works Services Department (“‘PWSD”) is recommending changing the requirement to
“Possession of, or ability to obtain within one year...” for the Cross Connection Control
Specialist and Backflow Device Tester certificates. A number of in-house PWSD staff
expressed interest in applying for the position and meet a majority of the qualifications
in the class specification. Currently, the Department is working with a local plumbing
contractor for inspection and testing of City-owned backflow devices. The position is
heavily weighted towards water system sampling and compliance with local, state, and
federal water quality regulations. As a result, the possession of Water Treatment
Operator, Grade II certificate will remain a requirement at the time of submitting the
application.
The intent of the added language is to attract a larger applicant pool and provide the
department greater flexibility when considering candidates for this position.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The proposed action does not constitute a project under the California Environmental
Quality Act (“CEQA”), and it can be seen with certainty that it will have no impact on the
environment. Thus, this matter is exempt under CEQA.
FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed changes to the existing classification specification have no fiscal impact.
Water Quality Backflow Inspector
June 4, 2019
Page 3 of 3
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve a revised classification specification for
Water Quality Backflow Inspector.
Attachment: Water Quality Backflow Inspector Classification Specification
573
CITY OF ARCADIA
WATER QUALITY BACKFLOW INSPECTOR
DEFINITION
Under direction, to perform a variety of technical duties involved in the installation, testing,
assembly, repair, and inspection of backflow and cross connection devices for the water distribution
system; to collect water samples; to perform inspections on new construction and remodels; to flush
water mains; to prepare and mail monthly backflow prevention device test notices; and to track, log,
and file test reports returned by customers.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Exercises no supervision.
EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Implement the Cross Connection Control program to ensure that the water system is protected from
contamination.
Test all newly installed backflow prevention devices to ensure compliance with all laws and
ordinances.
Inspect residential and commercial facilities for compliance with the City's backflow ordinance.
Approve the installation of backflow prevention devices at the time of final inspection of new and
remodeled residential and commercial facilities.
Consult with and advise others in the correction or elimination of cross connection hazards.
Inform customers of backflow violations and explain laws, rules, and regulations.
Perform and supervise cross connection surveys to determine locations of actual and potential cross
connections.
Maintain records of all backflow inspections, cross connection survey and violations.
Work directly with the County Health Department, City Building Division, and State Department of
Health Services regarding water quality and backflow issues.
Prepare and mail notices to customers including monthly backflow prevention device test notices,
second and final notices of delinquency to test backflow prevention devices, and water shutoff
notices for failure to test backflow prevention devices.
574
EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Prepare and distribute notices to property owners to ensure timely testing of cross connection
control devices.
Assemble backflow cross connection preventers; solder pipe and fittings; replace old or damaged
backflow preventers; install backflow preventers in customers' lines.
Install fittings on backflow connectors to connect differential pressure gauge for periodic testing;
conduct periodic tests of backflow prevention devices.
Present reports to City Council regarding backflow issues.
Repair and replace City-owned backflow prevention devices.
Maintain computer database of licensed backflow prevention device testers.
Conduct inspections with Los Angeles County Health Department District Sanitarian to verify
compliance with water quality and backflow prevention requirements.
Collect routine water system samples and special water samples for water quality testing in
compliance with State, Federal, and local regulations.
Flush water mains as necessary to maintain system water quality
Respond to and resolve inquiries and complaints regarding water quality.
Utilize instrumentation to measure chlorine residual, temperature, pH, and other physical
components or chemicals in the water system.
Distribute sample bottles; educate customers; collect samples for the Lead and Copper Regulation
compliance.
Disinfect water mains, fire hydrant runs and reservoirs.
Notify customers of requirements for testing fire line backflow devices; notify customers of
backflow device requirements; perform fire flow tests.
Survey customers' premises for cross connections.
Maintain test data records on backflow preventers.
575
EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Compile data from laboratory and complete reports to State Health Department and Federal
Environmental Protection Agency for bacteriological, nitrate, and volatile organics
contamination compliance, lead and copper compliance, and other constituents. Coordinate and
schedule routine and special water quality samples with laboratory staff.
OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES
Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Practices, methods, equipment, tools, and materials used in the assembly, repair, installation
and testing of backflow and cross connection devices.
Federal, State and local water quality regulations.
Water sampling procedures.
Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations including the Uniform
Plumbing Code.
Principles and procedures of record keeping.
Basic mathematical principles.
Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of work.
Principles and practices used in dealing with the public.
Safe driving principles and practices.
Skill to:
Operate a variety of equipment, tools, and testing devices used in the assembly, repair,
installation, and testing of backflow and cross connection prevention devices.
Operate a motor vehicle safely.
Skill to:
Perform heavy manual labor for extended periods of time in all types of weather.
576
Ability to:
Assemble, repair, install, and test backflow and cross connection prevention devices.
Prepare and maintain accurate and complete records.
Perform accurate mathematical computations.
Work independently in the absence of supervision.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Interpret and apply the policies, procedures, laws, and regulations pertaining to assigned
programs and functions.
Read, interpret, and apply a technical information from manuals, drawings, specifications,
layouts, blueprints, and schematics.
Meet and deal tactfully and effectively with the public.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those
contacted in the course of work.
Minimum Qualifications:
Experience:
Two years of experience performing backflow device testing and maintenance or
other water utility mechanical maintenance.
Training:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by course work
necessary to obtain backflow device certification.
License or Certificate:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid class “C” driver's license.
License or Certificate:
Possession of, or ability to obtain within one year, a Water Treatment Operator, Grade II
Certificate issued by the State of California Department of Health Services.
Possession of, or ability to obtain within one year, a Cross Connection Specialist Certificate
issued by the American Water Works Association.
577
Possession of, or ability to obtain within one year, a Backflow Device Tester Certificate
issued by the American Water Works Association.
Special Requirements:
Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:
Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb, push, pull, and lift
50 lbs., distinguish color, and wear protective apparel; exposure to cold, heat, noise,
outdoors, vibration, confining work space, chemicals, explosive materials, mechanical
hazards, electrical hazards, and traffic hazards; ability to travel to different sites and
locations; availability for on-call, stand-by, and emergency call.
Effective Date: January 2004
Revised: /2019