Description

Job Title: Utilities Inspector
Department: Utilities

Reports To: Assistant Director of Utilities, Director of Utilities

The Utilities Inspector is a non-supervisory position responsible for helping ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, City standards, and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requirements related to the City’s water and wastewater systems. This position performs utility inspections, backflow prevention assembly testing and documentation, customer service inspections, water quality compliance activities, construction and operational inspections, and related recordkeeping to support safe and compliant utility operations.
 

Requirements

Education and Basic Requirements: The Utilities Inspector must meet the following minimum requirements.

1. Graduation from high school or possession of a General Education Development (GED) Certificate.
2. Licensing requirements equivalent to Utility Crew Leader, including:
3. a. Minimum Class C Groundwater Operator License, or higher as required by system size.
4. b. Minimum Class I Wastewater Collection System Operator License.
5. Must possess and maintain the following TCEQ licenses/certifications:
6. a. Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT).
7. b. Customer Service Inspector (CSI).
8. Minimum three (3) years of experience in water and wastewater utility systems, inspection, construction, or operations.
9. Must possess and maintain a valid Texas driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
10. Must be available during off duty hours as required.
11. Satisfactory results on pre-employment background checks and physical/medical examination.

Other Requirements: The Utilities Inspector must have significant knowledge, skills and/or abilities in:

1. Ability to create and maintain records and to prepare reports.
2. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
3. Knowledge of personal computer, copiers, printers and MS Office software..
4. Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with co-workers, employees in other City departments, outside agencies and the general public with a courteous and professional demeanor.
5. Ability to understand (and request clarification when needed) and follow written and oral instructions, City and Departmental policies, rules, regulations and laws.
6. Be available after normal working hours when required.

The Utilities Inspector must be able to perform the following essential job duties, with or without reasonable accommodation:

1. Attend pre-construction meetings.
2. Review utility plans and identify required changes to ensure compliance with applicable City standards, ordinances, and state requirements.
3. Inspect materials for water and wastewater system projects prior to installation to verify that materials meet applicable specifications and standards.
4. Inspect water and wastewater construction work to ensure materials and installations comply with City requirements and applicable regulations.
5. Test water and wastewater infrastructure after mains, service lines, and laterals are installed and verify readiness for service.
6. Conduct sewer system testing, including pressure testing, vacuum testing of manholes, and mandrel testing, as applicable.
7. Conduct water system testing, including hydrostatic testing and verification of required bacteriological sampling and acceptable results before lines are placed into service.
8. Perform Backflow Prevention Assembly testing, inspection, repair verification, and documentation in accordance with TCEQ requirements.
9. Perform Customer Service Inspections and identify existing or potential cross connection hazards in accordance with TCEQ requirements.
10. Conduct TCEQ required dead end main flushing and related water quality testing and documentation to ensure compliance with state regulations.
11. Maintain accurate inspection, testing, flushing, sampling, and compliance records and complete required weekly, monthly, and other reports.
12. Care for and maintain assigned vehicles, tools, testing equipment, and other City property.
13. Assist with inspection, monitoring, and general maintenance observation of water well sites, water storage facilities, sewer lift stations, and related utility sites.
14. Upon request, perform line locates for outside entities or customers.
15. Obtain well site readings and other operational field data as assigned.
16. Follow City policies and procedures and the instructions and guidance of supervisor(s).
17. Communicate effectively with supervisors, co-workers, contractors, outside agencies, customers, and the public.
18. Use sound judgment in decision making and while carrying out all job duties.
19. Work in outdoor weather conditions and enclosed spaces as needed.
20. Report needed repairs, safeguard City property, and work safely in compliance with applicable safety rules and training.
21. Maintain regular attendance, punctuality, professionalism, and confidentiality regarding City business.
22. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor(s).

Physical and Mental Requirements: 
The Utilities Inspector must be able to perform the following physical and mental requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation. These requirements are representative of the physical, mental, and sensory abilities needed to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

1. Ability to walk over uneven surfaces and work in office, field, construction, utility, and confined or restricted access environments.
2. Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, humidity, and other inclement conditions.
3. Ability to climb and descend ladders, stairs, embankments, and similar surfaces.
4. Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, squat, twist, reach, push, pull, and maintain balance while performing inspections and related duties.
5. Ability to use hands and fingers to operate tools, testing equipment, radios, vehicles, and standard office equipment.
6. Ability to lift, carry, move, or otherwise handle objects weighing up to forty (40) pounds without assistance.
7. Ability to move quickly and safely in response to emergencies or unsafe conditions.
8. Ability to hear, speak, and communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and by two way radio.
9. Ability to read, observe, inspect, and identify details at close and distance range, including gauges, meters, plans, written documents, utility components, and field conditions.
10. Ability to maintain sufficient motor coordination and manual dexterity to safely operate vehicles, tools, testing equipment, and other assigned equipment.
11. Ability to understand, remember, process, and apply oral and written instructions, policies, procedures, technical information, and applicable regulations.
12. Ability to prepare records, reports, and documentation accurately and within required deadlines.
13. Ability to exercise sound judgment, remain attentive, and work effectively under pressure in field and operational environments.
14. Ability to sit, stand, walk, drive, and perform repetitive movements for extended periods during the workday, as required by operational needs.