Ideal Candidate
Are you a self starter? Experienced in construction and inspection of water systems? Otay Water District is seeking a motivated Recycled Water Specialist experienced in inspection and cross connection control testing and we would like to hear from you.

We also welcome veterans and transitioning military. Are you a former member of the military with experience as either a Utilitiesman (AKA Seabees, UT), Water Support Technician, Water Fuel Systems Maintenance, Water Support Specialist, or similar occupation? If so, we encourage you to apply. Consider joining a team of hardworking employees who work to protect and preserve water, one of our most valuable natural resources. The experience you've gained during your service can continue to positively impact the world with a career at Otay.

The Otay Water District offers excellent benefits, a balanced work/life environment and is a leader in the industry.

About the Position and Department
This position in the Engineering Department reports directly to the Field Services Manager and is a part of a dedicated, service-oriented team where collaboration and leadership are promoted at all levels. The position coordinates the District's recycled water program to ensure compliance with state and local regulations.

The Engineering Department is responsible for the Planning, Budgeting, Design and Construction of all Otay Water District Facilities as well as the administration of all developer and new customer construction and service applications. The Department has a staff of approximately 29 employees.

• Plans, coordinates, and conducts cross connection tests for new and existing recycled water use sites; reviews plans, specifications, installation for new construction and existing recycled water use sites, coordinates new and existing testing with San Diego County Department of Environmental Health (DEH).
• Inspects, reviews installation, cross connection control testing and site certifications on private recycled and potable water distribution systems to determine separation and identify problems. Tracks changes and coordinates with DEH for testing.
• Plan checks and reviews developer recycled irrigation and ensures contractor compliance with plans, specifications, Title 17 and Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations, District Code of Ordinances, and District Standards. Provides quality control review of contracted plan reviews.
• Recommends substantial completion acceptance and final acceptance of developer projects as appropriate.
• Creates an maintains records of recycled water use sites, work orders, rule violations, areas within use sites where recycled water is used, cross connection and annual review due dates using District established productivity systems and applications.
• Operates a variety of tools required to complete job requirements, test and pressure gauge(s) and other other test equipment.
• Receives, investigates, evaluates, and responds to customer complaints regarding cross connections; resolves complaints in a timely and efficient manner.
• Reads, understands, and ensures compliance with the District Safety Manual; attends safety meetings, as required; reports all accidents, violations, or infractions to supervisor.
• Operates District vehicles as required.
• Identifies and recommends opportunities for improvement.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• A valid California Class "C" Driver's License and a safe driving record.
• A valid Cross Connection Control Specialist Certificate issued by the American Water Works Association or American Backflow Prevention Association required within twelve (12) months of hire date.
• A valid Water Distribution Operator Certification Grade II issued by the California State Water Resource Control Board required within two (2) years of hire date.

Experience:
Two (2) years experience in any of the following areas: utility construction, inspection, water system operation, construction project management, meter maintenance/backflow, certified landscape irrigation auditor or two (2) years of journey-level experience in compliance review and cross connection testing of new and existing on-site recycled water systems.

Education:
High school diploma or G.E.D.

This position will be subject to random drug testing during employment.
This is an hourly, non-exempt position.
Otay Water District is a Smoking, Tobacco and Nicotine Free Campus.
All Otay Water District employees are at-will pursuant to California Water Code,
Section 71362.

Notice: Benefits listed below assume full-time regular status. These benefits do not apply to temporary appointments.

Merit Pay: 3% on base salary to top of range based on meeting expectations on performance review.

Cost of Living Adjustment: COLA for 7/4/22 is 3.0%.

Vacation: 12 days/year, increasing to a max of 23 days/year.

Sick Leave: 8 days/year, increasing to max of 15 days/year.

Paid Holidays: 14 days/year, including employee's birthday and two floating holidays.

Alternative Work Schedule: A 9/80 work schedule may be available based on the needs of the department. Upon approval, employees would work 80 hours over 9 days and enjoy one day off every two weeks. Some Operations department staff may be subject to a 4/10 work schedule (four 10-hour days within a week).

PERS Retirement: The District contracts with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). CalPERS is a defined benefit retirement plan that includes a lifetime benefit determined by a set formula (years of service, age at retirement, and final compensation). Employees hired after January 1, 2013 are subject to the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA).

New Member (hired on or after 1/1/13 who are new CalPERS members or do not have reciprocity with CalPERS):

• Are enrolled in the 2% at age 62 formula based on the employee's 36 months of highest average annual compensation limit set by CalPERS.
• District and employees share the normal employee CalPERS service contribution cost (currently at 13.84%). The District contributes 6.84% and Employees contribute 7% of salary toward the employee CalPERS service contribution cost up to the annual compensation limit set by CalPERS. Additionally, once the employee reaches the annual compensation limit and no longer contributes the 7% toward CalPERS, the contribution for post-retirement health and dental benefits will be increased by 7%.

Classic Member (hired before January 1, 2013 or who have reciprocity with CalPERS):

• Are enrolled in the 2.7% at age 55 formula based on the employee's single highest year annual compensation.
• Employees contribute 8% of salary towards the employee CalPERS service contribution cost.

The District is also a Social Security participant.

Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan (457 Plan): Optional plan designed to provide employees with additional retirement income. Employees may elect to contribute a portion of their income on a pre-tax or post-tax basis through payroll deductions.

Medical/Rx Insurance: Choice of Blue Shield PPO, EPO, HMO or Kaiser HMO plans, 100% premium paid by District for employee and 88% for dependent(s).

Dental Insurance: 100% premium paid by District for employee and 88% paid for dependent(s).

Vision: 100% premium paid by District for employee and 0% for dependent(s).

Retirement Benefits: Full-time employees and their eligible dependents are eligible for medical and dental benefits at retirement if the employee has completed 20 years of continuous service and has attained age 55 upon retirement. Employees who are New Members with CalPERS contribute 1.75% of salary to the District to offset the District's cost for post-retirement health benefits. In addition, if the employee reaches the annual compensation limit set by CalPERS and no longer contributes toward CalPERS, the contribution for post-retirement health and dental benefits will be increased by 7%. Classic Members contribute 0.75% of salary to the District to offset the District's cost for post-retirement health benefits. These contributions for post-retirement health benefits are not refundable.

Flexible Benefits Plan: The District offers a healthcare and dependent care flexible benefits plan. The healthcare account reimburses the employee on a pre-tax basis for medical, pharmacy, dental and other related expenses not covered by the insurance plans. The dependent care account allows employees to pay for employment-related dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis.

Group Term Life & Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance: 100% premium paid by the District for employee and eligible dependent(s). Depending on employees' annual earnings and/or position, amounts of Life and AD&D insurance range from $15,000 to $50,000. Eligible dependents have life insurance coverage of $1,000.

Voluntary Life Insurance: Employees may elect to cover themselves and eligible dependents for voluntary life insurance. The full cost of this insurance is paid by the employee via payroll deductions

Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance: The District provides short term and long-term disability insurance equal to 66 2/3% of your income after a 30-day elimination period (90-day elimination period for long term disability) if totally disabled due to illness or injury.

Education Reimbursement Program: Employees are eligible to receive reimbursement for District approved courses not to exceed $3,000 per fiscal year.

Certification Incentive Program: Eligible District employees that obtain target certifications that exceed the minimum job requirements may qualify for either a base pay percentage increase or receive a monetary incentive.

Employee Assistance Program: Provides confidential referrals and counseling concerning personal, family, or work related issues for employees and their dependents.

Free Onsite Workout Facility: The District has a fully equipped exercise room for employees to use before work, after work or during lunchtime.

Yoga Classes: On-site Yoga classes are offered during the lunch hour at the employee's expense.