Cross Connection Control Specialist - INTERNAL ONLY

The Opportunity

The City of Tumwater is seeking a motivated employee to advance into the Cross-Connection Control Specialist position within the Water Resources & Sustainability Division. This is an excellent opportunity for an employee looking to expand their technical expertise while playing a critical role in protecting the city's public drinking water system.

As a Cross-Connection Control Specialist, you will support the city's Cross-Connection Control Program by conducting inspections and hazard surveys, assisting customers and contractors with regulatory compliance, maintaining program records, and helping ensure compliance with Washington State Department of Health requirements. You will work both in the field and the office, collaborating with city departments, developers, contractors, and utility customers to safeguard the integrity of the city's water distribution system.

This position offers the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge in backflow prevention, regulatory compliance, and public water system protection while working with increasing independence as your experience grows. It is an excellent career opportunity for an employee who enjoys technical problem-solving, customer interaction, and contributing to the health and safety of the Tumwater community.

Inspection & Field Operations

• Conducts cross-connection inspections and hazard surveys of water service connections.
• Identifies and documents actual and potential cross-connections and non-compliant conditions.
• Verifies proper installation, testing, and maintenance of approved backflow prevention assemblies.
• Assists in evaluating site conditions and determining appropriate backflow protection under established guidelines.

Compliance & Program Support

• Tracks testing schedules, repair status, and compliance requirements for backflow prevention devices.
• Maintains inspection records, program databases, and inventory documentation.
• Assists with compliance reporting and documentation required for regulatory programs.
• Supports implementation of Cross-Connection Control Program requirements.

Coordination & Customer Assistance

• Responds to customer, contractor, and developer inquiries regarding cross-connection control requirements.
• Coordinates program requirements with Development Services, Engineering, Fire Department, and utility customers.
• Provides general guidance on compliance expectations, testing requirements, and corrective actions.

Regulatory Support

• Assists with sanitary surveys, audits, and regulatory inspections.
• Supports program compliance with Washington State Department of Health requirements.
• Refers complex technical issues, high-risk conditions, or enforcement matters to senior staff.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Cross-connection control principles and backflow prevention practices.
• Washington State drinking water regulations and Department of Health requirements.
• Inspection techniques and documentation practices for water utility systems.
• Maintaining accurate records and program data.
• Communicating technical information clearly to customers and contractors.
• Following established procedures and working independently in field environments.
• Building effective working relationships with staff, customers, and regulatory partners.

Minimum Qualifications 

1. High school diploma or GED.
2. Two (2) years of experience in water utility operations, plumbing inspection, backflow prevention, or a related field.
3. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Special Requirements:

• Washington State Department of Health Certified Cross-Connection Control Specialist (CCS) or ability to obtain within a required timeframe.
• Washington State Certified Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT) or ability to obtain within a required timeframe.
• Valid Washington State Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience performing cross-connection inspections or backflow prevention activities for a public water system.
• Experience working in a public-sector or regulated utility environment.
• Familiarity with Washington State Department of Health cross-connection control requirements.
• Experience using utility databases, inspection software, or compliance tracking systems.

Decision Rights & Problem Solving

• Applies established regulations, procedures, and guidelines in conducting inspections and compliance activities.
• Identifies non-compliant conditions and initiates corrective action under established protocols.
• Exercises judgment in routine field situations and refers complex, high-risk, or policy-related issues to senior staff.

Supervision Received / Exercised

• Received: General supervision from the Utility Operations Manager or designee, with work reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with program requirements.
• Exercised: None.

Key Relationships

• Internal: Water Resources & Sustainability staff, Engineering, Development Services, Fire Department, and other city departments involved in water system operations and regulatory compliance.
• External: Property owners, contractors, developers, certified backflow testers, and regulatory agencies regarding cross-connection control requirements and compliance.

Tools & Technology

• Backflow testing equipment and inspection tools
• Water system databases and asset management systems
• Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Mobile inspection and reporting tools

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

Work is performed in a variety of field, operational, or service environments, depending on assignment. Duties may involve exposure to varying weather conditions, noise, traffic, equipment, uneven terrain, and other operational hazards. Work may require prolonged standing or walking, climbing, bending, kneeling, reaching, and heavy lifting, as well as the operation of tools, equipment, or vehicles. Some assignments may involve working in confined or restricted spaces.

Work schedules may include evenings, weekends, holidays, emergency response, or on-call assignments based on operational needs. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified individuals in accordance with applicable laws.

Commitment to Equity, Safety, and Ethics

Employees are expected to perform their duties in a manner that supports equity, safety, integrity, and professionalism. This includes following all safety policies and procedures, treating coworkers and the public with respect, and conducting work ethically and responsibly.

Employees are expected to uphold public trust through fair, transparent, and lawful conduct and to contribute to a safe, inclusive, and respectful work environment.