DWM Backflow Specialist II (OES)

Posting expires: October 10, 2026

Salary range: $58,977 - $78,735

General Description and Classification Standards:

The purpose of this job is to ensure city compliance with federal, state, and local rules and regulations regarding environmental issues. Responsible for protecting the potable, non-potable water supply, and on-site plumbing of customers by inspecting the installation of backflow assemblies, performing cross connection control testing, and conducting water use surveys. This position communicates with internal and external customers to maintain a database of all assemblies attached to the water distribution system. Duties include but are not limited to compiling data; generating reports; reviewing and analyzing legal and financial issues pertinent to the environmental office and coordinating public information.

Supervision Received:

Works under very general supervision. Reports to the Backflow/Cross Connection manager.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.

- Examines customer water usage and completes water use surveys, cross-connection testing, and various testing procedures to identify the requirement for backflow prevention assemblies and cross-connection controls.
- Checks backflow assembly installation confirming they meet applicable Federal and State plumbing codes and rules.
- Monitors and considers the maintenance and replacement requirements of backflow prevention assemblies through customer service calls and annual inspections.
- Conducts meeting and site surveys with contractors, engineers, site developers, maintenance personnel, owners, and plumbers who able to resolve potential cross-connection issues.
- Logs and Organize customer information files for the customer’s backflow assemblies this includes inspection data and equipment.
- Review, reads, and interprets construction plans, blue- prints, as-built drawings, and area maps for installation of backflow devices.
- Executes other duties as allocated (Involvement in pre-construction meeting, on site inspections with water distribution inspectors)
- Starts and maintains effective working relations and public relations with various plumbing group, owners, and the consultant community.
- Interact with internal and external customers, alone with contractors, various engineering advisors, and various government water agencies.
- Maintains computerized accounts and files in backflow software systems such as Swift Comply also compliance violations and cross-connection annual inspections due dates, device information, other specifics, and location data etc.
- Performs routine inspections of commercial businesses and industrial and residential customers within our area of service in efforts to assess backflow prevention service needs to protect our water system from potential contamination and pollution based on results of the inspection.
- Sustain project inspection files and records.
- Execute tedious backflow inspections also inspect device installs and test backflow prevention assemblies as needed.
- Troubleshoot and answer to complaints on backflow prevention devices within the City of Atlanta water distribution system.
- Examines locations for cross connections: verify backflow prevention devices on new building or changes when building plans are issued.
- Organizes with contractors and inspectors to ensure backflow compliance in conjunction with water regulations.
- Write inspection reports and notify customers of backflow violations.
- Provide water customers with the proper documentation maintaining installation standards and time frame for compliance.
- In order to better serve and protect our clients and to comply with Federal and State Laws regarding safe drinking water, City of Atlanta Watershed finds it essential and required to control and remove possible cross connections in the water system. By the method of containment, individual service connections will be isolated from distribution lines by an approved backflow prevention device.
- May perform other duties as assigned.

The above statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job and should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. COA may change the specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully, it is not an exhaustive list.

- Comprehensive knowledge of backflow prevention, cross-connection control programs, and water distribution systems.
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, plumbing codes, and environmental compliance requirements related to drinking water protection.
- Knowledge of potable and non-potable water systems and contamination prevention practices.
- Knowledge of backflow prevention assembly types, installation standards, testing procedures, maintenance, and replacement requirements.
- Knowledge of commercial, industrial, and residential plumbing systems and associated hazard classifications.
- Knowledge of construction plans, blueprints, as-built drawings, engineering plans, GIS maps, and utility records.
- Knowledge of environmental compliance principles, inspection procedures, and regulatory documentation.
- Knowledge of computerized backflow management systems, including XC2, Swift Comply, and other database management applications.
- Knowledge of customer service principles and public relations practices in a regulatory environment.
- Knowledge of recordkeeping, inspection reporting, and compliance documentation requirements.
- Skilled in conducting comprehensive water use surveys, cross-connection inspections, and backflow prevention evaluations.
- Skilled in inspecting, testing, and verifying proper installation of backflow prevention assemblies in accordance with applicable codes and regulations.
- Skilled in interpreting plumbing codes, engineering drawings, blueprints, and construction plans.
- Skilled in identifying potential cross-connections and determining appropriate containment methods.
- Skilled in investigating customer complaints and resolving technical issues related to backflow prevention and cross-connection control.
- Skilled in preparing detailed inspection reports, compliance notices, and regulatory documentation.
- Skilled in maintaining accurate electronic records using XC2, Swift Comply, and other data management systems.
- Skilled in organizing inspection schedules, project files, and compliance records.
- Skilled in communicating technical information effectively to customers, contractors, engineers, developers, inspectors, and government agencies.
- Skilled in coordinating inspections and compliance activities with internal departments and external stakeholders.
- Skilled in analyzing inspection findings and recommending corrective actions to achieve regulatory compliance.
- Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite and other business software applications.
- Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local regulations governing cross-connection control and backflow prevention.
- Ability to independently conduct field inspections and evaluate complex plumbing and water distribution systems.
- Ability to determine appropriate backflow prevention requirements based on hazard classification and water use.
- Ability to identify code violations and recommend effective corrective measures.
- Ability to review and interpret construction plans, engineering drawings, and technical specifications.
- Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with contractors, engineers, developers, consultants, regulatory agencies, and the public.
- Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly in both written and verbal formats.
- Ability to prepare accurate inspection reports, compliance documentation, and customer correspondence.
- Ability to prioritize multiple inspections, compliance deadlines, and administrative responsibilities while maintaining accuracy.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and make independent decisions within established policies and regulatory guidelines.
- Ability to maintain detailed records and manage confidential information.
- Ability to work in outdoor environments under varying weather conditions and perform field inspections at commercial, industrial, and residential sites.
- Ability to adapt to changing regulations, operational priorities, and emerging environmental compliance requirements.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience -

- High School diploma or equivalent
- Five (5) years of experience in water distribution and backflow prevention
- State of Georgia Water Distribution Certification
- Possession a valid driver's license issued by the State of Georgia

Licensures and Certifications -

- One year after hire to obtain State of Georgia Backflow Prevention Certification
- State of Georgia Water Distribution Certification

Preferred Requirements -

- Related technical degree or Associate's degree preferred
- Five (5) to six (6) years of related experience

Work Environment:

Required physical, lifting, and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully. Typical environmental conditions associated with job.

Lifting Requirements:

Light work : Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects.

It is the policy of the City of Atlanta (“COA”) that qualified individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against because of their disabilities regarding job application procedures, hiring, and other terms and conditions of employment. It is further the policy of the COA to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. The COA is prepared to modify or adjust the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of the applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee to be considered for the position he or she desires, to perform the essential functions of the position in question, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation will impose an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Director for your department.

The City of Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, ender identity, marital status, veteran’s status or national origin, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.