Backflow Prevention Technician

The City of Fairburn is seeking an experienced, skilled professional that has extensive experience performing technical work by inspecting the installation of backflow assemblies, performing cross connection control testing, conducting water use surveys, performing water constituent testing, and dye testing operations. to prevent infiltration of contaminates and/or pollutants into the potable water supply associated with the City’s backflow prevention program. Local or county government experience or experience in the utility water and sewer field is preferred. Reports to the Utility Manager - Water & Sewer.   

 

Hiring Range:            $24.03 - $25.23 Hourly Rate (Depending on qualifications)
 
Work Days/Hours:    Monday – Friday
                                    8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; may be required to work the on call rotation schedule.

 

Posting Start:         08/26/2025

Posting End:            open until filled

 

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for performing technical work by inspecting the installation of backflow assemblies, performing cross connection control testing, conducting water use surveys, performing water constituent testing, and dye testing operations. to prevent infiltration of contaminates and/or pollutants into the potable water supply associated with the City’s backflow prevention program. Reports to the Utility Manager - Water & Sewer.

 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Installs and tests backflow devices on City facilities and arranges for a City approved licensed plumber to replace damaged or repair defected devices.

• Establishes water meter / backflow testing schedule based on account type, degree of exposure to contamination, and prior history of account.

• Monitors and investigates the maintenance and replacement requirements of backflow prevention assemblies through customer service visits and annual inspections.

• Investigates customer water usage and performs water use surveys, cross connection testing, and dye testing operations to identify the requirement for backflow prevention assemblies and cross connection controls.

• Inspects sites for illegal water connection or cross connections and eliminates it by using proper connections and backflow prevention devices.

• Inspects vehicles or containers to comply with backflow prevention ordinances and informs others of City permit policy for water usage.

• Oversee the testing and repair of water meter/backflows preventers and components by using industry standards and State Laws as a guideline.

• Establishes water meter / backflow testing schedule based on account type, degree of exposure to contamination, and prior history of account.

• Conducts surveys and inspections of premises cross connections or potential cross connections may exist and makes recommendations for compliance with city and state regulations.

• Maintains a file of all approved backflow prevention devices and installation procedures.

• Responds to emergency calls related to water quality and backflow incidents.

• Educates the public concerning the backflow prevention program, devices used and proper connections; corresponds with co-workers regarding the implementation of ordinances and changes in policies and procedures.

• Operates and maintains assigned vehicles; initiates daily safety and general vehicle appearance checks, cleans vehicle and schedules preventative maintenance service.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or GED; supplemented by 4-5 years of related experience in the backflow device installation, plumbing, testing, and inspection of water utility or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Technical degree or an Associate's degree is preferred,

 

Licenses or Certifications:

Valid State of Georgia driver’s license is required

 

Must have a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) as defined by City Personnel Policy

 

Desired Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers Certification (GBPAT) required or ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment

 

State of Georgia Water Distribution Certification desirable

 

Special Requirements:

Requires an acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check, and a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

 

Requires pre-employment medical evaluation and satisfactory results from a pre-employment alcohol and controlled substance testing in accordance DOT federal regulations.

 

This position is deemed safety-sensitive and is subject to random alcohol and controlled substance testing.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:   

• Knowledge of Federal, State and City rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of cross-connections within a plumbing and piping system.
• Knowledge of the materials, methods, practices and procedures involved in installing and testing backflow prevention devices.
• Knowledge of on-going development of the water system.
• Knowledge of water meter functions.
• Knowledge of water safety regulations.
• Knowledge of computer data entry systems and word processing applications.
• Knowledge of basic principles and practices for providing customer service, to include meeting quality standards for services and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Knowledge of the department’s service area.
• Skill in performing complex mechanical, electrical or electronic repair tasks requiring manipulative skills, manual dexterity, and systematic troubleshooting abilities.
• Skill in utilizing a personal computer with word processing, spreadsheet, and related software to effectively complete a variety of financial tasks with reasonable speed and accuracy.
• Skill in effectively responding to and resolving complex inquiries and disputes.
• Skill in safe use of power tools and correct PPE for the given situation.
• Ability to install and test backflow devices.
• Ability to interpret and work from technical sketches and blueprints.
• Ability to read maps as well as utilize a global position system unit and the geographic information system.
• Ability to plan and organize daily work routine in a variety of field conditions.
• Ability to exchange information for the purpose of clarifying details within well-established policies, procedures and standards.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, by using correct English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and evaluate situations and exercise good judgment to make appropriate decisions.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain tactful, courteous, and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including the general public.
• Ability to plan and organize daily work routine and establish priorities for the completion of work.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is moderate work which requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force. Work requires regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and that may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials.

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, taste, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals.  Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.  

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in an outdoor environment. Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, temperature and weather extremes, confined spaces, fumes, traffic hazards, animal/wildlife attacks, or rude/irate customers, risk of electrical shock and vibration.

 

The City of Fairburn is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. In compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss accommodations with the employer.