Backflow Technician

Technical and clerical work in the inspection, evaluation, installation, testing and repair of Backflow Prevention Assemblies, inspection of installation and modification to water and sewer lines, systems and facilities, and investigation duties related to ensuring compliance with the County’s Cross Connection Program

• Inspects and tests all new backflow assemblies to ensure proper installation.
• Inspects customer premises for cross-connections.
• Inspects and tests fire hydrants and water distribution and transmission lines for pressure holding capabilities.
• Installs and maintains detector check meters and investigates fire line issues.
• Inspects utility system for unauthorized work, use or connection, and takes appropriate corrective action.
• Tests, maintains, and repairs all HCUD owned backflow assemblies to ensure proper functioning. Testing customer owned assemblies as requested.
• Answers questions from contractors regarding backflow assemblies or utility construction.
• Investigates illegal connections where the customer is using an alternative water source.
• Observes the workmanship, methods, materials, and procedures in the construction of water and wastewater infrastructure to ensure conformance with approved plans, specifications, contract documents, and safety standards. Reports results to Utilities Inspector, Construction Managers and Project Managers.
• Attends continuing educational seminars/training and maintains state certifications
• Performs other reasonable related duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or other management personnel.

Education and Experience

• Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma (GED).
• Three (3) years’ experience in the construction, inspection, operation and maintenance of water and/or wastewater utilities. 
• Experience with Backflow Prevention and cross connection control preferred.

A combination of education, training and experience may be substituted at the County's discretion.

Licenses, Certifications or Registrations

• State of Florida Backflow Prevention Assembly Testing and Repair Licenses or the ability to obtain within (6) months of hire / promotion date. 
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License or must obtain within 30 days of establishing residency in Florida and be insurable by current insurance carrier, or valid Florida Identification Card is acceptable only for positions not required to drive a county vehicle.
• Must have or be able to obtain certification within three (3) months of employment in FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS) courses:
  • IS-100.c: Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS)
  • IS-200.b: ICS for Single Resources & Initial Action Incidents
  • IS-700.b: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System

Required Competencies

• Must be proficient with computers.
• Knowledge of 
  • Microsoft applications
  • pressurized water and/or wastewater systems
  • proper installation of backflow devices.
  • common hand and power tools.
  • occupational hazards and safety precautions.
  • basic preventive maintenance on assigned equipment.
  • water and wastewater lines, systems, facilities, and appurtenance construction and operation principles and procedures.
  • construction standards for materials used in water and wastewater lines, systems, facilities, and appurtenance construction and installation.
• Skilled in 
  • inspecting, testing and repair backflow prevention devices.S
  • maintaining inspection records.
  • utilizing public relations techniques in responding to inquiries and complaints.
• Ability to 
  • establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, engineers, developers, and county staff.
  • communicate both orally and in writing and to prepare accurate and concise reports and letters. 
  • work independently. 
• Computer literacy with the ability to employ various software applications on a daily basis. 

Special Requirements

• This position may be subject to the Hepatitis B vaccine and other vaccines when necessary.
• This position, on occasion, is required to work during the middle of the night in order to supervise certain construction work.
• Job functions are usually performed within a regular 40-hour work week, however, due to public health and safety requirements for 24 hours / 7 days per week construction related employees are subject to night and weekend emergency call-outs.  

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• The job involves frequent lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds.
• The job requires frequent bending, twisting, and occasional squatting, climbing, kneeling, and balancing.
• The job requires the completion of tasks that involve simple grasping, pushing, pulling, fine manual manipulation, and typing.
• The job requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, depth perception and color vision, hearing, and speaking.
• Physical Required: Candidates selected for this position will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment physical examination as a condition of employment. The physical examination is intended to confirm the candidate’s ability to safely perform the essential functions of the position. 
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel Requirement

• Occasional to moderate travel may be required, sometimes involving personal vehicles or overnight stays for meetings, training, or to visit other office locations.

Pay Grade: 5
Salary Disclosure: Pay rates are based on policy, education, skill, experience level and internal equity.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE: Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7, Hernando County BOCC provides to veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants.

PLEASE REVIEW THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS ON POSTING AND COMMUNICATE HOW YOU MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS IN YOUR APPLICATION/RESUME. MINIMUM REQUIEMENTS MUST BE MET TO BE CONSIDERED.
All applications will be carefully reviewed to evaluate qualifications and overall suitability for the position. The relevance, scope, and length of related work experience, training, and education outlined in the application and resume will be considered during the screening process. Selected applicants will be contacted to participate in interviews. Candidates are encouraged to clearly document all pertinent experience, including relevant knowledge, skills, or abilities gained outside of traditional employment, in the additional information section of the application.

Hernando County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, gender, orientation, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, or any other protected characteristic as defined by law.

Hernando County is a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to drug testing in accordance with Federal and Florida State Law. 

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must provide notification to the BOCC in advance to allow sufficient time to provide an accommodation.