ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) is a not-for-profit, community-owned water utility, overseen by elected officials and citizen appointees from Reno, Sparks and Washoe County. TMWA has a highly skilled workforce who ensure the around-the-clock treatment, delivery and availability of high-quality drinking water for more than 400,000 residents of the Truckee Meadows.

We are looking to hire a BACKFLOW SPECIALIST, to join our ENGINEERING Department.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Backflow Specialist is responsible for assisting with the implementation and administration of TMWA’s backflow prevention and cross connection control program to ensure water quality is in compliance with public health regulations, primarily as it related to backflow prevention.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

We believe that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. Therefore, this job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but not limit the incumbent nor TMWA to just the work identified. It is our expectation that each employee will offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors.

• Will help ensure compliance with NAC 445A regarding current regulations rates, codes, and TMWA standards as applies to backflow and cross connection control.
• Will be asked to provide constructive recommendations and input regarding program efficiencies and enhancements.
• Assists in conducting backflow installation inspections on all new construction installations and existing retrofitted water services requiring backflow protection.
• Administers testing of backflow prevention devices when installed and annually thereafter to ensure proper operation; assists in trouble shooting and responding to complaints on backflow prevention devices.
• Maintains an internal database for compliance with the annual backflow assembly testing requirements.
• Prepares and mails monthly backflow prevention device test notices; tracks, logs, and files test reports returned by customers.
• Maintains accurate records of installation and testing of all backflow devices within the service territory; completes annual re-inspections and reviews annual test reports for backflow devices in service.
• Prepares correspondence to customers requesting abatement and follow-up, and ensures compliance with local, state and federal rules, regulations and codes; tracks requests, performs related follow-up tasks and maintains files.
• Ensures compliance with the annual testing requirement for all TMWA owned installed backflow devices.
• Educates new and existing customers regarding the proper backflow prevention and cross-connection control necessary to protect public health and water quality.
• Responds to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provides information within the area of assignment; resolves complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
• Presents internal and external presentations, as well as training sessions regarding backflow prevention and cross-connection control.
• Under direction, will perform routine field inspections on backflow installation and devices.
• Will be involved in pre-construction meetings as they relate to Backflow issues.
• Will be required to read and interpret construction drawings and plans, as well as water maps.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the minimum requirements is:

Experience: Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experiencing performing backflow device testing and maintenance, or other water utility or related trade training AND one (1) to three (3) years of utility backflow related experience. Proven customer focus, and strong communication skills. Solid understanding of water system design as it relates to backflow prevention.
Education & Training: High school diploma or equivalent supplemented by two years of college-level coursework or specialized technical training in a related field.

Must have working-level knowledge of the English language including reading, writing, and speaking English.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSURE & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

AWWA Backflow Tester certification and AWWA Cross-Connection Control Specialist’s certification are required.

A State of Nevada Grade I Water Distribution Operator certification (D1) is required and must be obtained within 6 months of appointment

A valid Nevada (or California – depending on state of residency) Driver License at time of hire and continuing thereafter and ability to maintain insurability under TMWA’s vehicle insurance policy.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation during hire and periodically thereafter during employment.

This position is considered a safety sensitive position and employment is contingent upon the results of drug and/or alcohol testing which includes screening for marijuana. The presence of marijuana or other screened for substances on any employment related substance test may result in a refusal to hire or termination of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:

• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• American Water Works Association (AWWA) backflow tester certification requirements.
• Practices, methods, equipment, tools, and materials used in the assembly, repair, installation, and testing of backflow and cross connection devices.
• Basic mathematical principles.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping and report preparation.
• AWWA or equivalent cross-connection control specialist’s certification requirements.
• Thorough knowledge of all applicable building codes.
• Nevada Administrative Code 445A.
• Uniform Plumbing Code.
• Construction practices.
• English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.

Skill/Ability to:

• Make oral and written presentations to internal and external audiences.
• Provide excellent customer service regarding areas of responsibility.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Read and understand construction drawings and details.
• Solve problems using strong mechanical aptitude.
• Work in a team environment.
• Be punctual regarding work hours established by TMWA.
• Be mentally and physically alert during working hours.

TMWA is an equal opportunity employer. It is TMWA’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race (including traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, gender, religion, age, national origin, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, military and/or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. TMWA’s commitment to equal opportunity includes all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, job placement, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, advancement, and termination.

All decisions affecting any terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, assignment, training, compensation, promotion, salary, disciplinary action, and an employee’s caregiving responsibilities, will be made without regard to race (including traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, gender, religion, age, national origin, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, military and/or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

TMWA complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at hr@tmwa.com or 775-834-8207.

TMWA is committed to providing a safe work environment and to fostering the health and well-being of our employees. That commitment is jeopardized when any of our employees illegally use drugs at home or at work, comes to work under the influence, possesses, distributes, or sells drugs in the workplace, or abuses alcohol on the job. As part of our commitment to safeguard the well-being of our employees and to provide a safe environment for everyone, TMWA has established a drug-free workplace policy.