Water Conservation & Backflow Technician

GENERAL PURPOSE

Develop and administers water conservation and backflow prevention programs to ensure drinking water protection and resource sustainability in compliance with state and local regulations. Supports program expansion in a rapidly growing community and provides technical guidance, outreach, and regulatory implementation.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Water Manager.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Backflow Prevention Program:

• Develop and administer a citywide backflow prevention program.
• Ensure compliance with Utah drinking water protection and cross-connection control requirements.
• Establish procedures for inspection, testing, certification, tracking, and enforcement.
• Maintain accurate electronic program records including assemblies, testing results, compliance status, and corrective actions.
• Coordinate with certified testers, property owners, and contractors.
• Investigate cross-connection risks and respond to contamination threats or system failures.
• Recommend ordinance, policy, and operational improvements.
• Perform hazard assessments.

Construction Plan Review and Regulatory Compliance:

• Review commercial and industrial development plans for compliance with backflow prevention and water conservation requirements.
• Recommend appropriate cross-connection control measures and backflow assembly installations.
• Interpret and apply Utah Administrative Code (including R309 requirements), plumbing codes, and industry standards such as American Water Works Association guidance.
• Collaborate with engineers, developers, inspectors, and utility staff to ensure successful project implementation.

Water Conservation Program:

• Evaluate and expand the City's existing Water Conservation Plan.
• Design strategic conservation initiatives aligned with state guidance and regional water sustainability goals.
• Develop public education programs, incentive strategies, irrigation efficiency efforts, and water use reduction initiatives.
• Analyze consumption data to identify conservation opportunities and long-term resource planning strategies.
• Assist in developing drought mitigation/response plan and implementation.

Public Outreach and Education:

• Lead community outreach efforts promoting water conservation and backflow safety.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for City Council, boards, commissions, and public meetings.
• Serve as the primary public contact for conservation and cross-connection program inquiries.
• Respond professionally to citizen, business, and council concerns.

Program Administration:

• Prepare required internal and state compliance reports.
• Track program performance metrics and evaluate program effectiveness.
• Assist in developing and monitoring program budgets.
• Recommend operational and strategic improvements.
• Support long-term water resource management and planning efforts.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Education and Experience:
2. Associate or bachelor's degree in environmental science, Water Resources, Public Administration, Engineering Technology, or related field preferred.

AND

1. Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in water utility operations, cross-connection control, conservation program management, or regulatory compliance. Experience presenting to public governing bodies or conducting community outreach is highly desirable.

OR

1. An equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of water conservation planning frameworks and state guidance.
• Skill in evaluating system-wide water use, irrigation demand, and seasonal consumption patterns.
• Ability to effectively engage developers, HOA`s commercial users, institutional, and residents.
• Thorough knowledge of cross-connection control and backflow prevention principles.
• Understanding drinking water protection regulations and utility compliance requirements.
• Ability to interpret engineering plans, technical drawings, and regulatory codes.
• Strong analytical, data management, and program development skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated public speaking and presentation ability.
• Ability to manage complex programs independently.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement skills.

3. Special Qualifications:

Valid driver's license required

Required certifications may include:

• Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester certification and/or Certified Cross Connection Control (Program Admin) or ability to obtain within a year.
• Water conservation certification such as Certified Water Conservation Professional (CWCP) preferred.
• Additional water distribution, environmental compliance, or utility certifications are advantageous.

4. Work Environment:

• Work includes both office and field environments.
• Frequent interaction with contractors, developers, regulatory agencies, city leadership, and the public.
• Attendance at City Council meetings, town halls, and community outreach events is required.
• Flexible work schedule required, including evenings, early mornings, or occasional weekend hours based on operational or public engagement needs.
• Must be able to respond to urgent cross-connection or water system protection concerns when necessary.
• Ability to walk, stand, climb, bend, and perform field inspections.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Exposure to outdoor environmental conditions during field activities.