WATER CONSERVATIONIST

DEPARTMENT: Public Services

DIVISION: Water Administration

Pay Grade: GRADE 150: $67,203.68 - $97,445.34 Annual Salary, ($32.31 - $46.85) Hourly Rate

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Merit, Full-Time, Eligible for Full Benefits

GENERAL PURPOSE

This position performs various water conservation efforts by conducting field inspections and tests, including indoor and outdoor residential water audits. This position also provides functional oversight and coordination of the city's backflow prevention program and associated personnel to ensure regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and alignment with water conservation goals. Receives directions from the Water Utility Director and/or Assistant Water Utility Director.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs indoor residential water audits by conducting field inspections and tests, including those for leaky toilets and sinks; calculates flow rates of showers and faucets, and toilet dams and instructs customers on other ways to save water in and around the home.
• Conducts outdoor audits, including testing and analyzing commercial and residential landscaping systems, pointing out deficiencies in sprinkler placement, and developing a watering schedule for the customer.
• Teaches customers how to read their own water meter and recommends installation of water-saving plumbing fixtures.
• Performs field inspections and measurements at customer locations; reviews water use records and calculates annual water consumption by site.
• Meets with customers in person at their homes and places of business, answer their inquiries, and provide general information and advice on water conservation measures and practices.
• Answers phones; develops and distributes education materials; processes forms; keeps simple records, files, and statistics of work activities; performs data entry work using a computer.
• Serves as the city's representative at community meetings to promote water conservation techniques.
• Research and design public outreach programs; develop presentations related to water conservation issues and deliver them at public events and school functions.
• Gives verbal reports on work performed and prepares simple written reports upon request.
• Operates a motor vehicle, office equipment, and computers and uses basic hand tools; performs all work in accordance with safe work practices.
• Assists customer services staff in responding to or resolving unusual customer problems or complaints upon request.
• Works with other water divisions to identify and eliminate unaccounted-for water usage to the extent practical.
• Administer social media.
• Support local conservation efforts.
• Participate in safety and risk management activities; take action to reduce liability to the city.
• Attendance and punctuality are essential functions of this position. Employees are required to work as a team and frequently meet with co-workers and supervisors; employees must communicate in person with the public during office hours; and employees must use on-site equipment.
• Provide day-to-day oversight, coordination, and work direction for backflow personnel, including Backflow Technicians, to ensure program objectives and regulatory requirements are met.
• Coordinate backflow program activities with Water Utility operations, customer service, and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with State of Utah Cross Connection Control requirements.
• Test and inspect backflow assemblies and ensure compliance records are accurate and aligned with water conservation and water quality objectives.
• Assist with scheduling, prioritization, and workload planning for construction plan review, inspections, repairs, and customer notifications. Test backflow assemblies as needed.
• Serve as a technical and administrative liaison between backflow staff, management, and the public regarding cross-connection control and backflow prevention issues.
• Support training, mentoring, and performance feedback for backflow personnel in coordination with supervisory staff.
• Assist in the development and delivery of public education and outreach programs related to backflow prevention, water quality protection, and conservation best practices.
• Support compliance reporting and documentation related to backflow prevention programs and regulatory audits.
• Perform other related duties as required/assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• At least one year of work experience either (1) in water conservation, landscaping, water systems, and plumbing or a related field or (2) field or office work involving public outreach or frequent customer contact.
• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in water resources, Hydrology, Environmental Science, Botany, or a closely related field.
• Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities may qualify.
• This position is expected to be current in the latest water conservation trends and issues. This position is expected to attend training periodically as approved by the Water Utility Director.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a valid Utah driver's license.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain a Grade IV Distribution Certification within six months of hire.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Cross Connection Control Program Administrator Certification within six months of hire.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Backflow Assembly Tester Certification within one year of hire.
• Employees will be required to complete NIMS IS100, IS200, IS300, IS400, IS700, and IS800 within one year of hire.
• Ability to speak Spanish is desirable.

Failure to obtain/maintain license and certificate as outlined above may result in termination from the position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the basic principles and practices of gardening and irrigation systems.
• Knowledge of the basic principles of plumbing.
• Knowledge of the basic principles of customer service.
• Knowledge of the basic principles of municipal water systems.
• Knowledge of backflow prevention principles, cross-connection control programs, and applicable state and local regulations.
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, and other internal software systems as required.
• Skill in proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence construction.
• Skill in making mathematical calculations of moderate difficulty.
• Skill in interpreting and applying local, state, and federal laws, and city policies to field situations.
• Skill in analyzing water conservation problems, identifying alternatives, and recommending solutions.
• Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.
• Skill in communicating effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during work.
• Ability to maintain mental capacity, allowing for effective interaction and communication.
• Ability to comply with all city policies and regulations, including safety and risk management standards.
• Skill in reviewing technical reports, compliance data, and regulatory documentation related to water quality and backflow prevention.
• Ability to coordinate, guide, and oversee technical staff performing backflow testing and compliance activities.
• Ability to maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, and operating assigned equipment and vehicles as required by the position.
• Ability to communicate effectively with regulatory agencies, contractors, and the public regarding backflow and water conservation issues.

OGDEN CITY BENEFITS

• Language Pay
• Longevity Pay
• Holidays
• Sick, Vacation, and Comp Time Leave
• Medical and Dental
• EAP- Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability
• Employee Loan Program- Computer, Bike & Exercise equipment loans when available
• Wellness Program
• Tuition Reimbursement

FULL JOB DESCRIPTION ATTACHED AS PDF