Systems Control Operator III (20677276)

Overview:

The position of Systems Control Operator III is responsible for remotely monitoring, operating, and controlling Valley Water’s raw water system, including local and imported raw water transmission facilities, three pumping plants, and appurtenances to control the flow of water from the Raw Water Control Center during an assigned shift.

Our Commitment: 
We are committed to building and sustaining a working environment where all individuals are respected and valued. We believe every member of our team brings unique perspectives that enhance our ability to serve the public effectively. By fostering a workplace with employees from the communities we serve, we broaden our collective understanding of the world around us and strengthen our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protection, and environmental stewardship.

About Valley Water:
Valley Water is a public agency with an operating and capital budget of $964 million, and over 900 employees. With headquarters in San José, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Maintain and operate automated controls to ensure that commitments and daily schedules are met according to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Remotely control the flow of water through turnouts to achieve the demands of three water treatment plants and adequate delivery of water for managed groundwater recharge and environmental stream flows.
• Validate unusual readings of flow, pressure, and Hydraulic Grade Line (HGL) by contacting field personnel for verification; notify supervisor or maintenance personnel of unusual conditions.
• Monitor stream flow stations to prevent dry back conditions that result in violations of state and federal fish and wildlife ordinances.
• Confer with the water treatment plant operators, other internal staff, and personnel from other utilities regarding system operation.
• Explain the system's SOPs to visitors.
• Observe and inspect pumps, motors, generators, and related equipment for safe and proper operation; coordinate high-voltage and general switching orders in dealing with Western Area Power Authority (WAPA) and Pacific Gas and Electricity (PG&E).
• Issue internal and external switching and clearance orders; bypass portions of the system during emergencies or planned maintenance shutdowns; and ensure lockout/tagout procedures are completed before maintenance activities commence.
• Perform confined space entry functions in the completion of assigned tasks; ensure adherence to established safety procedures and precautions.
• Maintain detailed logs and records of work performed; issue source change notifications; and prepare clear and concise reports, as requested.
• Interact with Valley Water's Emergency Operations Center (EOC), field operations personnel, and County communications personnel to resolve emergency flood control situations during periods of heavy rain.
• Work 12-hour, day or night shifts on weekdays or weekends on a rotating basis every six months.
• Work on-call during the weekends and nights on a rotating basis.
• Communicate with external customers such as the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and San Benito County Water District and internal customers (water treatment plants operators, water resources technicians, and hydrographers) about operations such as shutdowns; coordinate with customers to ensure they receive deliveries; and communicate, plan, and orchestrate system.
• Use pressure monitoring devices to find leaks in pipelines.
• Follow safety regulations and applicable safety policies and procedures.
• Serve as a disaster service worker and perform disaster service activities as may be assigned by supervisor or law, pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100.
• Perform all related duties and responsibilities as required.

Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:

Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.

Ideal Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in local and remote monitoring, operations, and control of multiple water storage and distribution systems and facilities.
• Proficient in working in the Microsoft Office Suite
• Experienced in creating and revising SOPs
• Keen on having a sense of urgency
• Experienced with effectively communicating with State, Federal, city, and town officials as related to emergency scenarios

Ideal Skills and Abilities:

• Operate a computer-based system to monitor and control water conveyance and distribution
• Locally and remotely monitor, analyze, and control pumping plant operations 
• Recognize unusual operating conditions and take appropriate actions 
• Work independently in the absence of supervision 
• Write SOPs

Ideal Knowledge:

• Operations, services, and activities of a water supply, flood control, and environmental stewardship systems 
• Principles, practices, methods, and maintenance requirements involved in the operation of water transmission, distribution, and storage facilities and equipment
• Operational principles and maintenance requirements of pumping facilities and equipment 
• Operational principles of power generation, transmission, and distribution equipment including pipelines, pumps, valves, motors, and generators 
• Valley Water's and regulatory agencies' policies and procedures governing the control and release of water including California Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Western Agricultural Processors Association, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, Parks and Recreation, Department of Water Resources, Department of Safety of Dams, and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices 
• Principles of business writing and report preparation
• Operational characteristics of remote system control devices
• Principles and practices of hydrology and hydraulics

Ideal Training and Education:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade

Required License or Certificate

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license. Individuals who do not meet the driver's license requirement due to a disability will be considered for a reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

The possession of a California Water Distribution Certificate (D2 or higher) is desired/preferred

To review the Classification Specification, please click here (Download PDF reader)

Raw Water Operations Unit (Position Code 323)
 
Valley Water Telework Program: Eligibility for telework will depend on the type of work performed, operational needs, and the ability for the employee to perform the essential functions of their job duties while teleworking. Employment with Valley Water requires employees to live within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date.

 

This position requires the individual to be on-site and is typically not a teleworking position.