Job Class Specification for:
WATER PIPE WORKER APPRENTICE

Class Specification Schematic Number: 8200002

Class Summary:

Positions in this class are enrolled in a formal training program designed to prepare them for journey-level Water Pipe Worker.  In addition to having classroom instruction, employees assists journey-level Water Pipe Workers in the construction, installation, maintenance, repair, and operation of watermains, valves, chambers, fire hydrants and water services in the City’s distribution system, and of pipelines, dams and headworks in the transmission system.

Distinguishing Characteristics of the Class:

Water Pipe Worker Apprentice is distinguished from other levels in the series in that employees in this class are enrolled in a formal training program designed to prepare them for journey-level Water Pipe Worker.  On-the-job training and classroom instruction are provided on an ongoing basis.  Employees in this class, under the direction of journey-level Water Pipe Workers, will assist and learn to perform several related types of tasks such as excavating, shoring and backfilling tunnels and trenches; installing watermains, services and related appurtenances; repairing watermains, service piping and transmission lines and related appurtenances; and maintaining the pipeline right-of-way.  Employees perform increasingly more difficult work as they progress through the apprenticeship program.  Guidelines and instructions exist for each of these tasks, and assignments are reviewed in progress and upon completion.

The work requires knowledge of basic pipefitting theories and principles, a familiarity with hand, power and digging tools used in the pipefitting trades, and also a good knowledge of safety procedures and regulations.  Judgment is used in selecting proper materials and tools for each task and in dealing with work area safety hazards.

Personal contacts are primarily with other employees in the departments for purposes of exchanging information and facilitating work activities.

Examples of Work:

• Excavates, shores, and backfills tunnels and trenches in street, sidewalk and planting strip areas using paving breakers, rock drills, clay spades, tampers, chainsaws, shovels and other tools.  Installs temporary patches over excavation.

• Installs watermains, services and related appurtenances using tapping machines, pipe saws, cutters and other tools.

• Repairs watermains, service piping, transmission line and related appurtenances that involves use of a variety of fittings and clamps.

• Assists in the routine maintenance of valves, generators, and screens by cleaning, lubricating, and servicing as assigned.

• Flushes, disinfects, and pressure tests new watermains, services, and related appurtenances.

• Performs weekly inspection of valve machines, generators, and lubricant meters and generators.

• Sets up work area protection in street areas and directs and/or controls traffic.

• Operates and maintains appurtenances such as operating valves and hydrants; checks for flow adjustment; greasing, cleaning, and repairing turbines and valve operators.

• Constructs, inspects, maintains, and repairs roads, trails, fences, drainage facilities, bridges, buildings, dikes, and other related facilities, clears brush and fells trees.

• Assists in the application of weed and brush control compounds and chemicals; installs boom logs and other devices to control debris in lakes and reservoirs.

• Maintains grounds and roads by replacing signs, controlling weeds and brush, and hauling road resurfacing material.

• Locates and repairs leaks on a wide variety of watermains and services, contacts and advises property owner when leak is on private property.

• Visually scans and/or compares documents, forms or other materials for accuracy and completeness.

• Performs other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions around high voltage power lines, heavy equipment, and high-pressure tools.  Employee is exposed to City traffic, chemical fumes, contaminated soil, and loud noise from equipment, trucks, and turbines.  Digging, bending, stooping, and  lifting objects weighing in excess of 50 pounds are required. Working nights, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays is required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Requires completion of high school level courses in mathematics and reading/comprehension to pass apprenticeship classes (or other combinations of education, training and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability).

Licensing and Other Requirements:

Must meet current State of Washington driver’s license regulation as applicable to each position in this class.  Commercial Driver’s License, First Aid and CPR Certificate, and Traffic Control and Flagging Card to be obtained.  Washington State pesticide license to be obtained as applicable to work assignment.

Comments:

This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class.  It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.

Class History:

Class Specification revised July 26, 2002.  Title previously established per MOU with Local 32.  Class Specification adopted September 5, 1997.

Date posted 7/31/2002

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