Cross Connection Control Investigator

Salary : $78,960.84 - $92,570.40 Annually
Location : Compton, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 25-26:26
Department: Water
Opening Date: 11/13/2025
Closing Date: Continuous

GENERAL PURPOSE
Under general supervision of the Water Production and Distribution Supervisor, tests, maintains and repairs City owned cross-connection (backflow prevention) assemblies, inspects new services and oversees annual cross-connection testing to ensure the safety of the public water system; and performs other related duties.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED

Works under the general supervision of the Water Production and Distribution Supervisor; does not exercise supervisory responsibility.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following essential functions are those that are critical, integral, necessary, crucial, primary and fundamental to the job. Incumbents who possess the requisite skill, experience, education, and other job-related requirements of a position are expected to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Tests, maintains and repairs all City owned backflow assemblies to ensure proper functioning; inspects and tests backflow devices annually to ensure they are functional to protect the public water system.
• Inspects and connects all new services to ensure proper installation; collects bacteria samples, checks chlorine residual and conducts pressure, leakage, sterilization and flushing test procedures at various water main construction sites.
• Inspects consumer premises for cross-connections, performs cross-connection surveys; answers and resolves questions from contractors regarding backflow assemblies.
• Maintains records and logs of inspection services performed including record of all backflow devices; mails test notice and list of certified backflow testers to customers, follows-up to ensure that tests are completed and records results.
• Reviews, investigates and responds to work requests and complaints.
• Responds to requests for information; provides information to other supervisors or managers and organizations; research issues and recommends solutions.
• Coordinates division activities with those in other departments, outside agencies and organizations; provides technical assistance as necessary.
• Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of backflow prevention.
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:

Possession of a High School diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent; AND minimum three (3) years of experience in a water utility; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Must possess a valid California Class C Driver's License.
• Possession of a Grade I Water Treatment and Grade II Water Distribution Certification issued by the State Water Resources Control Board.
• Possession of a Los Angeles County Certified Backflow Tester or American Water Works Association (AWWA) Backflow Tester Certification is required. A Los Angeles County Certified Backflow Tester certification will be required to be obtained within 12 months of employment.
• University of Southern California Foundation for Cross Connection Control and Hydraulic Research Cross Connection Control Specialist Certification or AWWA Cross Connection Specialist Certification is desirable.

Required Knowledge of:

• City organization, operations, policies and procedures.
• Principles and practices of water distribution and cross-connection prevention system construction, maintenance, repair and safety practices including equipment related maintenance.
• State and federal environmental protection codes and regulations; Cal OSHA regulations.
• City Code, City Ordinances and Standard Operating Manual, personnel policies and procedures, and applicable Memoranda of Understanding.
• Proper installation of backflow devices.
• Common hand and power tools.
• Basic preventive maintenance on assigned equipment.

Required Skill in:

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff, City departments, elected officials, regulatory agencies, contractors, local businesses, and the general public.
• Interpreting water cross-connection standards, safety codes, and City policies and procedures.
• Inspecting and testing backflow devices.
• Maintaining inspection records.
• Operates simple plumbing tools, test gauge and other hand tools to test and repair backflow prevention devices.
• Reads, understands, and complies with the City's Safety Manual; has proper knowledge of the use of power operated and hand tools and safety gear; attends and may be responsible for initiating safety meetings as required; reports all accidents, violations, or infractions.
• Utilizing public relations techniques in responding to inquiries and complaints.
• Operating a personal computer, including word processing and spreadsheet software.
• Effective verbal and written communication.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in indoor and outdoor environments with considerable time spent in moderate temperatures (above 80 degrees), with exposure to the elements including heavy rain.
• Work requires reaching, bending, lifting, driving, pushing, walking and climbing (more than 12 feet).
• Good near vision, far vision and color perception is required.
• May be exposed to wet surfaces, minor amounts of dust and on occasion loud noises.
• Work may involve exposure to dangerous machinery, hazardous chemicals, high voltage control panels and motors.

Internal applicants must use their personal email to apply, as City of Compton work emails will not be accepted for job applications. While we cannot prevent applicants from using their work email, the City is not responsible for missed communications due to system outages, firewall restrictions, employee leave, or any other technical or accessibility issues affecting City email accounts.

All applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for the position and submit all required documents -such as licenses, certifications, and proof of education- outlined in the job posting. Incomplete applications, including those missing any required documentation, will not be considered. Please note: Only the first 50 applications received that best meet the qualifications and needs of the department will be invited to continue in the hiring process.

EXAMINATIONThe purpose of this examination is to establish an eligible list from which vacant position(s) may be filled.
Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination and interview process.

Phase one (1) is an oral examination (weighted 100%) that will be administered by an appraisal panel to evaluate professional qualifications, background and suitability. The oral examination may include graded simulation exercises, writing exercises, and oral presentations. A passing score for the oral exam is 70%. Each candidate will be notified via e-mail of their status at each step of the recruitment.

The City of Compton reserves the right to utilize alternative testing methods, if deemed necessary. Failure in one phase of the examination shall be grounds for declaring the applicant as failing in the entire examination, and as disqualified for subsequent parts of an examination.

GENERAL INFORMATION TO EXAMINATION APPLICANTS
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must give advanced notice to the Human Resources Department prior to the final filing date.

ELIGIBLE LISTSRecruitment may be conducted on a (a) promotional basis, (b) open-competitive basis, or (c) promotional and open-competitive basis simultaneously. All candidates who attain an overall score of at least 70.00 (open-competitive) and at least 75.00 (promotional) will be placed in rank order on the relevant eligible list(s).

PLEASE NOTE:
All permanent City employees that attain an overall score of at least 75.00 will be placed on both the promotional eligible list and the open-competitive eligible list. All City employees that attain a score of 70.00 on EACH PHASE of the examination but an overall score of less than 75.00 will be placed on the open-competitive eligible list only.

Each eligible list shall remain in effect one (1) year from the date of its establishment unless it is extended, abolished or exhausted. Whenever possible, three (3) names are certified to fill any one (1) vacant position. No candidate may be certified more than three (3) times for any one classified position. When certifying eligible lists to appointing powers, the promotional eligible list takes precedence over the open-competitive eligible list. A department manager's recommendation for employment is subject to the City Manager's approval.

EXAMINATION APPEAL PROCEDUREA candidate may, within five (5) days after taking the written examination, file in writing with the City Manager an appeal against any part of the test, citing the item or items against which the appeal is directed, and the reason(s) for such appeal. The Personnel Board will consider appeals from the decisions and ratings of qualifications appraisals (interview) boards if such appeals meet the conditions described in the Personnel Rules and Regulations (Section 6.8).

EXAMINATION RECORDSAll examination papers, including the employment application, resume, and other attachments submitted by candidates are the property of the Personnel Board and are confidential records which may be open to inspection only for purposes and under conditions established by the Personnel Board.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCEIn all entrance examinations (open-competitive only) for positions in the Classified Service, veterans who served in the armed forces of the United States during time(s) of war, and who attain an overall passing score in the examination are allowed additional preferential credit in accordance with the Personnel Rules and Regulations. In order to claim veterans' credit, the applicant must submit proof of service and honorable discharge (showing specific dates of service) on a U.S. Military form (DD-214) at the time of application or not later than the final filing date for the examination.

FRINGE BENEFITSThe City's comprehensive fringe benefits program includes: retirement (Public Employees' Retirement System), medical, dental, life and vision insurances, deferred compensation, sick and vacation leaves, after-hours education reimbursement, ride share program, uniform allowance and other provisions.
01

Do you currently possess a valid California Class C Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you currently possess a High School Diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess a Grade I Water Treatment and Grade II Water Distribution Certification issued by State Water Resources Control Board? Please note you must attach proof to your application.

• I possess a Grade I Water Treatment, but not a Grade II Water Distribution Certification.
• I possess both a Grade I Water Treatment and Grade II Water Distribution Certification.
• I do not possess either a Grade I Water Treatment or Grade II Water Distribution Certification.

04

Please select the number of years of experience earned in working in a water utility or an equivalent area of expertise.

• less than 3 years
• 3 to 5 years
• 6 years or more

05

Do you possess a University of Southern California Foundation for Cross Connection Control and Hydraulic Research Cross Connection Control Speci