Water Utility Patroller

The Patroller is the first level of response and accountable to provide support to various sections within the City of Richmond’s Public Works Operations Division (Water, Sewer, Roads, and Environmental Programs) on various customer service requests and emergency response calls from the public and staff. This position is responsible for investigating, determining appropriate action and resolving customer service requests. Work performance will be reviewed in terms of efficient customer service response, fuelling operations, barricade control and attainment of desired objectives. Situations beyond the capabilities of the Patroller will be passed on to the appropriate staff for resolution.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide support to RCMP and Richmond Fire Department on emergency events (ie: traffic control, spill response, fires).
• Investigate reports of vandalism, graffiti, pollution spills and undertake clean-up as required, or initiate clean-up action by others in accordance with operating procedure.
• Respond and assess water leaks, sewerage and drainage problems and/or Parks requests; determine appropriate next steps.
• Respond, assess and document damage of City infrastructure as a result of motor vehicle incidents.
• Distribute, place, inspect, control and repair of traffic barricades and flashing lights.
• Attend pedestrian and traffic hazards.
• Provide support at various City special events by delivering equipment, barricading City property, providing traffic control.
• Assess off-hours incidents and determine if staff callouts are required.
• Conduct general patrolling for any possible concerns to City property or infrastructure and respond as appropriate.
• Secure and monitor worksites to ensure they are safe from vandalism and that safety lighting is in working condition to provide public safety around work sites and excavations.
• Exercise considerable care and attention in driving and parking all equipment in a confined area.
• Maintain records related to the work, and complete various documents such as timesheets, inventory reports, IPS service requests receivable information, and log book.
• Provide support to Public Works dispatch including investigating customer complaints.
• Use SharePoint for barricades, motor vehicle accident and assets tracking.
• Removal of dead animals and road obstructions.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of methods, procedures, safety requirements and functions used in the placement, inspection and minor repair of flashing lights and traffic barricades at construction sites and related areas.
• Knowledge of all hazards in the workplace and all applicable safety regulations, acts, procedures, policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of all applicable operational functions and all applicable by-laws, codes, acts, policies, procedures and regulations
• Knowledge of municipal streets and traffic routes.
• Knowledge of ability to use the tools, equipment and materials required in this position.
• Knowledge and skill in the use of City computer applications such as IPS, RIM, SharePoint and Microsoft programs in an office or mobile environment.
• Skill in the care and use of tools, materials and equipment used in the work.
• Ability to carry out oral and written instruction and exercise some independent judgement and action in processing assignments.
• Ability to complete water turn offs, assess location and clear sewer blockages.
• Ability to undertake minor road patch repairs.
• Ability to take photographs and record pertinent information for legal purposes.
• Ability to orient new staff on process, procedure and City protocols.
• Ability to operate a light pickup truck in a safe and responsible manner.
• Ability to place and replace manhole covers and grates.
• Ability to work independently in the performance of assigned duties.
• Ability to be able to read and check fuel consumption meters and record fuel consumption.
• Ability to determine resources (equipment, tools, materials and/or supplies) required to complete work assignments.
• Ability to prepare and maintain records and complete various documents such as timesheets, inventory reports and IPS work orders.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to internal staff and external customers.
• Ability to work with others and be able to use common courtesy, tact and diplomacy in maintaining working relationships.
• Ability to project a positive image of the City at all times.
• Ability to successfully clear a police information check.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Completion of Grade 12, supplemented with course work in communications and/or customer service, supplemented by a minimum of 1 year of related experience working in a municipal operations environment.
• Dangerous Goods Certification is required. The employer will provide Dangerous Goods training, if necessary.

Licences, Certificates & Registrations:

• Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence for the Province of British Columbia with a clean driver’s abstract.
• Heavy trailer endorsement (Code 20)
• EOCP Water Distribution Level 1 (in good standing)

Working Conditions:

• This position requires rotational shift work on a 4 day on, 4 day off schedule.
• Work is performed outside with some exposure to hazardous factors such as weather, traffic and pressurized water systems; regular exposure to waste spills, dust, chemicals and other unknown substances.
• Visual effort, mental concentration and manual dexterity are required.