Water Operations - Valve & Hydrant Specialist

Under the supervision of the Manager, Field Operations, monitor and repair water leaks of any kind; install, replace, and repair hydrants, valves, and fittings. 

RESPONSIBILITIES
● Repair and replace water hydrants, valves, ferrules, tapping tees and tapping valves; make taps and drill ferrules
● Repair property damaged by water related accidents; lays and repairs water lines; operates valves and hydrants
● Locate water line leaks manually or by electronic devices as needed
● Digs, backfills, and taps holes as assigned, shores excavation as required
● Perform work in accordance with City and department safety and operating rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
● Sketch and take accurate measurements of installations; keep record of work activities such as painting, inspecting, testing, repairing, or replacing valves and hydrants
● Flush water lines; as well as installs and adjusts curb extensions, and valve boxes as required
● Makes repairs to sidewalks, streets, and landscaping damaged by pipeline repair and related activities
● Conduct minor repairs to job-related tools
● Maintain water lines to reservoirs and tanks
● Direct the work of Laborers and other related assigned personnel on job sites in the absence of a Foreman
● Respond on a 24 hour a day basis to emergencies
● Perform activities and functions of related lower-level personnel and other related tasks and duties
● Performs other related tasks as assigned or required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
● Extensive knowledge of pipeline repair and replacement
● Considerable knowledge of the safety hazards and precautions of the work
● Some knowledge of carpentry, cement work, and bricklaying
● Ability to read job related maps and blueprints
● Ability to use basic mathematics in estimating materials needed for job repairs and record keeping
● Ability to use power tools, such as a jackhammer and/or drill in hazardous conditions such as pressurized gas lines and other utility lines while excavating and to use other tools such as water leak locator
● Ability to follow written and oral instructions; to keep records of work performed, make sketches, and take accurate measurements of installations
● Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, associates, outside agencies, and the general public

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
The following requirements list the minimum education/training/experience required to qualify for this job. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be accepted.
● High School Diploma or equivalent; completion of a recognized apprenticeship in the craft, military training or equivalent training at an accredited trade or technical school. 
● Three (3) years of experience in the installation and/or repair of pipelines field, and appurtenances for fire and potable water distribution; prior experience as a utility worker preferred.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Applicant must present a current, valid Class C (Class 1) Motor Vehicle Operator’s License at the time of application or prior to appointment.  A valid driver’s license must be maintained throughout employment.

Applicant must have permanent residency in Allegheny County at time of appointment and remain a permanent resident throughout employment with the PWSA.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED / RECEIVED
No direct reports / Will receive supervision directly from the Manager, Field Operations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to operate a pickup truck, van and forklift, and related equipment. The employee will perform heavy work including lifting and carrying up to 100 pounds, and work in loud conditions with vibrations, traffic, mechanical, chemical, fire and explosive risks. 

CONDITIONS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to a loud or moderate noise level within the work environment. May perform work outdoors under extreme weather. The employee may be exposed to confined, high spaces, like erect scaffolding; loud conditions with vibrations, traffic, mechanical, chemical, fire, and explosive risks; and odors, dusts, fumes, mists, poor ventilation, and gases which may require a respirator. 

Availability to work all three shifts, as well as weekends, and holidays. Subject to remain on duty beyond normal hours and/or recalled during emergency situations or other extensive periods.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION
Employment may be contingent upon the results of a post-offer (initial employment or promotion) physical examination performed by the Authority's examining physician.

DRUG TESTING
Employment may be contingent upon the results of a post-offer (initial employment or promotion) drug screening. Continued employment may be subject to drug and alcohol testing conducted without advance notice and without individualized suspicion.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
Ability to successfully pass a thorough investigation consisting of a criminal history check, verification of prior employment and performance, reference, and credentials checks, and in some cases credit history.

Applicants are subject to a System for Award Management (SAM) or any successor system search as maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) to ensure compliance with federal procurement and non-procurement programs.

Applications: You may be considered for other available positions based on qualifications provided on your employment application. If you have questions regarding your application, please contact the Human Resources Department at: 
 
PWSA Human Resources Department 
1200 Penn Avenue 
Pittsburgh, PA 15222 
412-255-8800 
hr@pgh2o.com  
 
An Equal Opportunity Employer: The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on any legally protected statuses, including, but not limited to race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital or family status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy status, or veteran status. PWSA is committed to providing candidates with reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities during our recruiting process; if you need assistance, please contact us at hr@pgh2o.com or 412-255-8800. 
 
Position: Valve and Hydrant Specialist
Division: Water Operations   
Union: Pittsburgh Joint Collective Bargaining Committee (PJCBC), Labor Unit Local 1058 
Rate: $32.088
FLSA: Non-Exempt  
Application Deadline: