Cross Connection Control Specialist/Water Quality Inspector (Utility Service Inspector, Senior)

An online application must be fully completed for consideration. Please DO NOT attach resumes and cover letters, as they will not be considered in the review of candidate's qualifications.

SPU is seeking a dynamic, experienced Cross Connection Control Specialist/Drinking Water Quality Inspector (Utility Service Inspector, Senior) to become part of our Utility Service Inspections team. This position reports to the City's Utility Service Inspections Manager. The position plays a critical role in ensuring that customers comply with State Department of Health regulations which serve to protect public health and the city's drinking water supply.

If you feel this may be the perfect job for you, please continue reading …and APPLY!

About Seattle Public Utilities (SPU): Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a Community Centered Utility whose mission is to foster healthy people, environment, and economy by partnering with our community to equitably manage water and waste resources for today and future generations. We deliver high quality, vital services, across four major lines of business: providing water, solid waste, drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses. In addition, SPU provides drinking water for 1.5 million regional customers in Seattle and other municipalities. Our customers depend on us to deliver high quality, reliable, and cost-conscious utility services and to achieve the highest benefits possible for every investment we make.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), checkout the:

• SPU Website
• SPU Workplace Expectations (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader)
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities. 

Why join us?

We know work isn’t only about what you do, it’s also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free public transportation options
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities  

Job Responsibilities

• Complete inspections throughout the City of Seattle’s direct water service area to help ensure that customers comply with Washington State and City of Seattle cross-connection control regulations, as well as other rules, policies, and procedures that protect public health and drinking water quality.
• Schedule, complete, and thoroughly document regulatory inspections.
• Provide outreach, education, and support for both internal and external customers with respect to regulations, policies, and procedures related to the protection of public health and drinking water quality.
• Enforce State and Local regulations, as needed.
• Complete collaborative regulatory inspections with other Authorities Having Jurisdiction in the City of Seattle’s direct water service area.
• Investigate potentially unprotected cross-connections within private property, as well as potential backflow events.
• Provide support for the Utility Service Inspectors, participate in an after-hours Standby rotation, and respond to emergency events as needed.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

Experience: A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in installation, maintenance and repair of water distribution systems or engineering inspection; or two years’ experience as a water utility inspector and one year of formal training in an approved waterworks training program.

Experience/Education Equivalency: A combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class may be substituted for the required experience.

License, Certification and Other Requirements: Current Washington State driver's license; Water Distribution Manager One Certification; Cross-Connection Control Specialist One Certification; Certification as Water Distribution Manager II; and Backflow Assembling Testing (BAT) Certification by State of Washington within one year of employment.

Special Conditions: Required to work outdoors in all types of weather, exposed to high noise levels, and around heavy equipment and near heavy traffic. Required to be on call 24 hours per day to respond to emergency situations. Required to work around potentially hazardous chemicals during industrial plant inspections. May also work with unknown and potentially dangerous substances when collecting seepage samples.

Desired Qualifications:

• Strong organizational and task management skills.
• Communicate and work effectively within a multi-cultural workforce serving a diverse customer base.
• Maintain professionalism in a regulatory enforcement environment and during emergency/event responses.
• Provide exceptional customer service to both internal and external customers.
• Effectively troubleshoot issues, solve technical problems, and manage difficult conversations/situations.
• Provide strong leadership, a team-focus, and positive support for co-workers.
• Consistently provides good workplace attendance, a positive attitude, and professional conduct.

Additional Information

How to Apply: Please fully complete an online application. Please DO NOT attach resumes and cover letters, as they will not be considered in the review of candidate's qualifications.

Workplace Environment: This position includes a fluctuating balance between field and office work. Afterhours work is performed while on a week-long Standby rotation, and as needed. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.

The full salary range for this position is $44.63 - $51.97 per hour.

Benefits: The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

Background: This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided with an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

If you have any questions, please contact Charles Gilmore at charles.gilmore2@seattle.gov

Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page www.seattle.gov/util/.