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City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

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Water Protection Specialist
FLSA: Standard/Non-Exempt EEO Category: (50) Para-Prof
Class Code: 19251 Salary Grade: IE9
Approved: July 28, 1998 Last Revised: September 07, 2021

Purpose:
 

Under general supervision, this position reviews, examines, interprets, and enforces multiple, complex water protection regulations that govern cross connections, backflow prevention, auxiliary and reclaimed water systems, water wells, and private fire hydrant systems. These programs are politically sensitive and impactful to the environment and public health and are in accordance with authority delegated by EPA/TCEQ.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
  Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

  1. Coordinates and conducts inspections of commercial and residential buildings and sites to ensure compliance with City, State, and Federal regulations.

  2. Identifies areas of non-compliance and advises contractors, design professionals, owners, and other parties of non-compliance; negotiates resolutions; and initiates enforcement proceedings of water protection and cross connection control issues of diverse scope and complexity.

  3. Interprets and explains City policies and procedures and provides technical information, training, guidance, and support to internal and external customers. Answers citizen and customer inquiries and complaints.

  4. Reviews plans, specifications, designs, and proposals with development representatives to achieve final plans in compliance with applicable regulations.

  5. Utilizes computerized software plan review programs and performs reviews of electronic or ink- or pencil-generated design, drawings, and maps.

  6. Performs research and analysis of applications, contracts, schedules, and other records to determine impact on proposed designs; assesses compliance with applicable regulations; makes recommendations for plan changes; and provides approvals.

  7. Conducts and reports on investigations and inspections of multiple water protection ordinances that include  backflow prevention, cross connection control related activities, private fire hydrant complaints, auxiliary water systems, water wells, lake water protection, emergency incident actions, and other related events.

  8. Assists in case file preparation; initiates and participates in administrative, civil, and criminal enforcement proceedings; and provides testimony in legal proceedings for alleged violations of regulations.

  9. Participates in public outreach efforts, initiatives, task forces, and committees.

  10. Investigates water protection, backflow prevention, cross connection, private fire hydrant complaints, emergency events, incidents, actions, and other related situations. 

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
 
  • None.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
  • Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, Local, and Federal regulations.
  • Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
  • Knowledge of standard plumbing standards, practices, and procedures.
  • Knowledge of architectural and engineering principles and practices.
  • Knowledge of various phases of the plan review and inspection processes.
  • Skill in oral and written communication of code requirements to contractors, developers, and the public.
  • Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  • Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  • Skill in performing complex data analysis to determine compliance or deviation from applicable codes and problem solving.
  • Skill in planning and organizing.
  • Skill in providing leadership, training, guidance, and technical support.
  • Ability to conduct research.
  • Ability to provide customer service and problem solving.
  • Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with City employees and the public.
  • Ability to meet and maintain driver eligibility standards detailed in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program.
Minimum Qualifications:
 
  • Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Mechanical Engineering or Civil Engineering, plus two (2) years of experience related to MEP/Utility design, construction, or inspections.

    OR

  • Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus six (6) years of experience in commercial plumbing, with experience in inspections, and Backflow Prevention Assembly installation or testing.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
 
  • Texas Class "C" Driver License.
  • Texas Plumbing Inspector License, or the ability to obtain a plumbing inspector license within six (6) months of hire.
  • Texas Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) License, or ability to obtain a Texas license within six (6) months of hire.
  • Must be able to obtain certification from the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) on the Uniform Plumbing Code or valid certification from the International Code Council (ICC) on the International Plumbing Code within six (6) months of hire.

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.