Cross Connection Control Project Coordinator

The Department
Palo Alto is the only city in California that offers a full array of utility services to its citizens and businesses. Because of this, the City has a unique opportunity to partner with the Palo Alto community to enjoy the benefits and achievements of reliable, home-grown, and environmentally focused utilities. Palo Alto has a tradition of over 100 years of successful public utility operations. It is a tradition that continues to provide the Palo Alto community with safe and reliable utilities service, local decision-making over policies, utility rate-making, environmental programs, and customized services.

The Position
The Cross Connection Control Coordinator independently performs detailed and highly responsible work in administering and coordinating the activities, reports, research, billing services, and related demands of the Cross Connection Program. Assignments require close coordination with engineers, developers, contractors, property owners and City of Palo Alto personnel in ensuring compliance with state and local regulatory requirements. The work requires a thorough knowledge of Cross Connection backflow rules, regulations, policies, and procedures and the use of initiative and judgment carried out with a high degree of accuracy.

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidates will have experience in a utility operation and possess excellent organizational skills, be technically savvy, have solid analytical skills, be detail-oriented, and possess strong customer service skills. The chosen candidate will be a skilled communicator both orally and in writing and be a self-motivated, independent thinker able to work with minimum supervision with a willingness to work on a wide range of assignments.

Ideal Candidate Traits

• Prepare clear and concise records, reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Plan and coordinate program services with City staff, external agencies, and customers.
• Read and interpret plumbing blueprints, irrigation plans, drawings, specifications, and technical manuals.
• Participate in department efforts to identify actual or potential cross-connections needed.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow up on assignments.
• Interpret and apply City and mandated rules, policies and procedures for cross connection control programs.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Ideal Candidate Certifications

• Possession of, and ability to maintain, a valid Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certificate issued by AWWA or sufficient equivalent experience and ability to obtain the certificate within 12 months of hire.

Essential Duties

• Coordinate the City’s cross connection control and backflow prevention programs to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Create and maintain a computerized database of backflow assembly owners; generate reports relating to inspecting, testing, and repair of devices; keep annual testing records and other program activity as required by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).
• Schedule and coordinate the annual backflow prevention testing on all irrigation systems, including commercial, residential, industrial, schools, hospitals, nurseries, and fire services.
• Identify and inspect existing properties for hazards and cross connections; inform owner of requirements needed to bring service up to acceptable standards; initiate steps to terminate service for noncompliance.
• Advise contractors, engineers and developers regarding the requirements for installing and testing of devices and the most effective ways to protect the City’s distribution system from cross connections.
• Inspect new and existing backflow prevention assemblies installed by contractors or others for compliance with City standards and requirements.
• Respond to customer inquiries regarding the City’s cross connection and backflow programs; provides information to the general public; resolve complaints and concerns in an effective and timely manner.
• Attend inter-agency meetings and act as the City’s representative on issues relating to backflow technology; promote public education and awareness of cross connection control.
• Write reports summarizing activity relating to backflow assemblies, and recycled water inspections; write memos and letters relating to unusual customer problems and complaints.
• Generate and send compliance notices to new and existing backflow assembly owners; send follow-up and termination notices as required.
• Verify the accuracy of backflow assembly information added to GIS maps.
• Report operational problems with backflow assemblies, and recycled water use sites to supervisor.
• Monitor new technology and materials pertaining to WGW Operations/ Electrical Operations.
• Provide technical and administrative support to the Division Manager and the Field Supervisors.
• Perform various studies and analyses related to planning needs, special projects, and programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Education and/or experience equivalent to completion of two years of college, with emphasis on engineering or environmental science.
• Four years’ experience in engineering or field operations, at least two of which have been in coordinating and monitoring the work of contractors or in a lead/supervisory capacity.

Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License.

Selection Process:
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Applications will be reviewed promptly upon receipt and screenings and interviews will begin as soon as posting requirements are met and a sufficient applicant pool is found. The selection process involves an initial screening of applications and resumes. Candidates with the most relevant qualifications may be invited to participate in oral and/or practical interviews. The process may be adjusted based on the volume of applications received.

The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.